Cleaning your car seats is an important part of keeping your interior looking and smelling fresh, but making sure they dry properly is just as crucial. Failing to do so can lead to issues like damp smells, mould growth (which can be tricky to remove), and excess condensation on your windows.
If you’ve just cleaned your car seats, or if they’ve got wet from rain or spills, here’s how to dry them efficiently and safely.
Things to consider when drying car seats after cleaning
Seat material
The type of seat material plays a big role in how you should dry it. Leather seats, for example, don’t absorb much moisture and are relatively easy to wipe dry, whereas fabric seats tend to hold onto water for longer.
How you’ve cleaned the seats
The method you use to clean your seats also impacts drying time. If you’ve steam-cleaned them, they might take longer to dry than if you’ve used a standard upholstery cleaner.
What you’ve used to clean the seats
Some products leave more moisture behind than others. If you’ve used a foam-based cleaner, drying time will be considerably shorter than if you’ve used a deep-cleaning solution. Heavy rinsing may also mean that longer is required for the seats to dry.
How to dry car seats after cleaning
Drying leather car seats
Leather seats are relatively easy to clean and dry, especially when using Simoniz Leather Cream, which conditions and protects while drying quickly. However, ensuring excess moisture is removed properly is still important.
Here are some key steps to remember when cleaning leather seats.
Pat dry first
Use a dry microfibre cloth to wipe away any excess cleaning product.
Use cloth towels
Press a clean cloth towel onto the leather to absorb as much moisture as possible.
Let them air dry
Unlike fabric seats, leather doesn’t cope well with direct heat, so avoid using hairdryers as they can cause cracking or damage.
Use your car’s A/C
Running the air conditioning can help dehumidify the car’s interior, speeding up drying. However, idling your engine while stationary is illegal on public roads in the UK, so only do this while driving when the seats are mostly dry.
Although it might seem like a good idea to let your car’s leather seats dry in the sun, this might actually cause more harm than good. You should try to prevent damage to your car’s leather seats by never leaving your car in direct sunlight to dry, as UV rays can damage leather.
Drying cloth car seats
If you’ve cleaned your cloth seats using Simoniz Upholstery & Carpet Cleaner, drying time should be relatively quick as it’s designed to dry without leaving a sticky residue. However, if your seats are wetter than expected, try the following:
Blot with a cloth towel
Apply pressure to soak up excess moisture, but avoid rubbing, as this can damage the fabric.
Use a wet/dry vacuum
If there’s a lot of excess water, a wet/dry vacuum cleaner can help remove it efficiently. Do not use a standard vacuum, as this can cause electric shock or damage the vacuum.
Air drying
If the weather allows, and your car is in a secure location, you can leave the windows open to let in fresh air. However, this should only be done in a safe, private space where your car is within sight, as open windows could attract theft, and insurance will not cover unattended theft in this case.
Use your car’s A/C
Similar to leather seats, running the air conditioning while driving can help remove excess moisture from the air. Remember though, running your car’s air conditioning while not driving could be considered excessive idling on a public road.
Hairdryer option (last resort)
A hairdryer on a low, gentle heat setting can help speed up drying, but avoid holding it too close to the fabric to prevent heat damage.
How about drying wet car seats from rain or water damage?
If your car seats are wet from rain or an accidental spill, the drying process is similar to above. However, if they’re completely soaked, extra steps may be needed:
Blot up as much water as possible
Use a dry cloth towel to absorb the excess moisture.
Check for electrical or mechanical damage
If your car has been flooded or if water has pooled inside, do not attempt to drive it before checking for damage.
Use a wet/dry vacuum
If there’s a lot of water, a wet/dry vacuum cleaner is recommended to remove as much as possible.
Increase airflow
If it’s safe to do so, open the windows in a secure area to let air circulate, but be sure to have your car in sight at all times, preferably behind something like a garden gate.
Run the car’s fans
Again, if safety allows, running the fans while driving can help speed up drying if there is no electric damage.
If the water damage is severe, it may be best to seek professional help, as specialist equipment may be required to prevent long-term issues.
Drying your car seats properly after cleaning is essential to prevent damp smells, mould, and condensation build-up. Whether your seats are leather or fabric, taking the right approach will help them dry quickly and safely. If you’re looking for the best way to keep your car’s interior clean and fresh, check out our full range of Interior Cleaning & Care Products for everything you need.