We use cookies to improve your experience on our website and to personalise the content shown to you. By clicking 'Accept' you are accepting our cookie policy. You can personalise your options within your browser settings.
How to Care for Van Upholstery
September 04, 2023
The upholstery inside your van takes a beating from daily use, spills, sunlight, dirt, and more. Properly caring for your campervan’s upholstery fabric is crucial to enhancing its lifespan and maintaining comfort, hygiene, aesthetics, and the resale value of your van.
In this comprehensive van upholstery care guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your upholstery looking its best for many more years of adventures on the road.
Understanding Your Van Upholstery
The fabric, texture, and construction differ widely between upholstery types, with different pieces requiring varied care. Here’s a quick overview of the most common upholstery fabrics for campervans and their unique properties.
Leather
Prized for its indulgent look and feel, leather is a premium upholstery choice. It is easy to wipe, resists dirt, requires little cleaning, and ages well. But leather is also prone to drying out, cracking, and fading, so proper maintenance and conditioning is essential.
Vinyl
Vinyl is an affordable, easy-to-clean alternative to leather that stands up well to heavy use. But vinyl can feel overly plastic-like compared to other materials. It also cracks easily in cold weather.
Cloth
From simple cottons to plush microfibres, cloth upholstery comes in endless varieties and is often a great cost-effective option. It’s softer and more breathable than vinyl or leather. However, it’s also more prone to staining, fading, and holding odours. Regular care ensures it remains fresh and appealing.
Carpet
Most vans have carpeting on floors, walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. Beyond aesthetics, carpets provide insulation and noise control. Carpeting also adds warmth and comfort underfoot. But being so near the ground makes it a dirt magnet. Frequent vacuuming and cleaning are a must with carpeted floors.
Everyday Maintenance of Van Upholstery
Daily upkeep is the first line of defence against dirt, stains, and wear. Follow these simple maintenance guidelines:
Dusting and Vacuuming
Dust upholstery frequently with a microfibre cloth to lift and remove dust, pet hair, and other debris before it settles in. Vacuum leather or cloth seats, floors, and other upholstered areas at least weekly using the soft brush attachment. Pay extra attention to high-traffic zones.
Prompt Stain Treatment
Blot spills immediately using a clean, dry cloth, as this prevents stains from setting in. For stubborn spots, use a mild upholstery foam cleaner tested first on an inconspicuous area. It’s important to avoid aggressive scrubbing, as excessive friction can damage the upholstery fibres or finish. On leather seats, baby wipes or dedicated leather cleaners are effective for immediate clean-ups to prevent leather stains.
Avoiding Dampness
Wet upholstery takes longer to dry in a van's enclosed space. Unfortunately, a damp environment is a breeding ground for mould. Wet items or a forgotten damp cloth can be your upholstery's worst enemy. In addition, always ensure thorough drying after cleaning.
Protecting from Sunlight
Park in the shade whenever possible and use UV-blocking films and sunshades in windshields and windows. UV exposure causes upholstery, especially leather, to fade and deteriorate faster.
Deep Cleaning Your Van Upholstery
For a deeper refresh, periodic deep cleaning is a must. Here’s how to give your van’s upholstered seats and other fabrics a thorough cleaning:
Deep Cleaning Cloth Upholstery
Vacuum first to lift loose dirt and debris. Mix a mild upholstery shampoo with warm water per label instructions. Gentle circular motions with a soft brush can help lift stains and dirt. Avoid excessive scrubbing, which can damage delicate fabrics.
Once done, rinse using a damp cloth, but avoid rubbing or wringing wet fabric. Allow upholstery to fully air dry before using. Repeat the steps for stubborn odours or stains or allow the solution to soak briefly before blotting.
Deep Cleaning Leather Upholstery
Vacuum and dust the leather first. Then, use a microfibre cloth to apply a small amount of pH-balanced leather cleaner in light, circular motions. Avoid over-wetting leather. Rinse with a fresh, damp cloth and buff dry. You can also steam-clean leather to sanitise it and remove odours.
Once clean, apply a leather conditioner by massaging it in to restore suppleness and sheen. Condition every few months to prevent drying and cracking, but avoid products containing oils, waxes, or silicones, which can leave residue and attract dirt over time.
Deep Cleaning Carpets
A deep clean is a must for carpets every 6-12 months. Thoroughly vacuum the entire carpet, going over areas multiple times to lift embedded dirt from the base of the fibres.
Mix an interior carpet cleaner with warm water per label directions. Use a scrub brush dipped in the solution to gently agitate and loosen dirt. Avoid over-wetting the carpet. Use clean towels to blot up excess moisture, and allow the carpet to fully dry before walking on it. For high-traffic areas, repeat steps as needed. After a thorough cleaning, vacuum again once the carpet is dry.
Maintaining Other Aspects of Your Van’s Interior
Don’t neglect the rest of your van’s interior! The dashboard, door panels, and other hard surfaces also accumulate dust. A multi-surface or interior cleaner designed for these surfaces will keep them shining and germ-free. Clean glass and mirrors using a streak-free glass cleaner and lint-free cloths. Also, remember to regularly disinfect high-touch areas like door handles, the steering wheel, and seat buckles.
Additional Tips and Tricks
- Always pretest cleaners in an inconspicuous area first to check for colourfastness or damage.
- Read product labels carefully and never exceed recommended concentrations. On the other hand, over-diluting cleaners reduces effectiveness.
- Change the cleaning solution frequently as it picks up dirt. A dirty solution will just redeposit grime.
- Work in small sections for best results. It prevents over-wetting and allows you to rinse and extract all the dirt thoroughly.
- Alternate your cleaning direction to lift dirt from all angles.
- Consider using a wet/dry vacuum to extract excess moisture after deep cleaning.
- Baking soda can be a powerful ally. Sprinkle it on the car seats, let it sit overnight, and vacuum the next day for a refreshed scent.
- Invest in seat covers. They shield against spills and can be easily cleaned or replaced.
- Consider getting your van cleaned by car interior professionals at least once a year for a deep and thorough clean.
Shop Van Upholstery at I Want Fabric
The life of your van's interior directly reflects the care it receives. Regular maintenance ensures that every trip you make is pleasant and comfortable.
When considering redoing or enhancing your van's interior, remember to check out I Want Fabric. Offering an affordable and diverse range of the highest quality vehicle upholstery fabric, it's a haven for every van owner who values quality and style.