How to Wash Dog Car Seat Cover

Your dog’s car seat cover is bound to get stained or retain dander and fur, and you should be prepared to always wash it to keep it clean. If it gets too dirty, it will become a breeding ground for scabies and we all know what they do to our furry companions. In this article on how to wash dog car seats, I will take you through the process of getting your dog car seat cover back to a pristine and clean condition.

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Steps on How to Wash Dog Car Seat Cover

There are three ways to wash a dog car seat cover: by using a washing machine, a carpet shampooer, and a detergent with cloth. I’ll go over each of these mediums and explain the steps to clean any dog car seat covers:

Using a Washing Machine

If you want to use a washing machine to wash your dog’s car seat cover, you should check the care instructions on the seat cover to ensure it is machine washable. If it is not, consider the alternatives I have discussed.

Remove the dog car seat cover from the car and shake off any loose dirt and debris
Pre-treat any visible stains or heavily soiled areas on the car seat cover using a stain remover or a mixture of mild detergent and water. Gently work the solution into the fabric with a soft cloth or brush.
Place the car seat cover into the washing machine, following any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Add an appropriate amount of mild laundry detergent to the machine. Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach as they may damage the fabric.
Set the washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. This helps to prevent shrinking or damaging the car seat cover.
Start the washing machine and allow the cycle to complete.
Once the cycle is finished, remove the car seat cover from the washing machine and inspect for any remaining stains or dirt. If necessary, repeat the process or spot-clean the affected areas using a cloth and detergent.
Hang the car seat cover to air dry and ensure you avoid direct sunlight as it may fade the fabric.

Washing with a Carpet Shampooer

A carpet shampooer can be used to clean your dog’s car seat cover especially if there are strict instructions not to use a washing machine. Here’s how to go about it.

Vacuum the car seat cover using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove surface dirt and pet hair.
Fill the carpet shampooer’s reservoir with a suitable carpet cleaning solution or a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct ratio.
Attach the appropriate cleaning attachment or brush to the carpet shampooer.
Test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the car seat cover to ensure it doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage.
Apply the cleaning solution to the car seat cover using the carpet shampooer. Work in small sections, starting from the top and moving downward.
Use the carpet shampooer to agitate the solution into the fabric, paying extra attention to any stained or soiled areas.
Allow the cleaning solution to sit on the car seat cover as directed by the manufacturer. This allows the solution to penetrate and break down any dirt or stains.
After the recommended time has passed, use the carpet shampooer to extract the cleaning solution and dirt from the car seat cover.
Repeat the process if necessary to ensure all dirt and stains are removed.

Once the cleaning is complete, allow the car seat cover to air dry completely before placing it back in the car.

Using with Detergent and Cloth

Using conventional detergent and cloth can also help you clean your dog’s car seat cover effectively. This is how to do it:

Fill a basin or sink with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Mix the detergent in the water until it forms a soapy solution.
Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the soapy water and wring out any excess liquid.
Gently scrub the car seat cover using the cloth, focusing on stained or soiled areas. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously to avoid damaging the fabric.
Rinse the cloth or sponge in clean water and continue to wipe the car seat cover to remove the soap residue.
If necessary, repeat the process with a fresh batch of soapy water until the car seat cover is clean.
When the cleaning is complete, rinse the car seat cover thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining detergent.
Squeeze out excess water from the car seat cover and allow it to air dry completely before placing it back in the car.

What Type of Detergent Should be Used to Wash Dog Car Seat?

You can use standard laundry detergent to wash dog car seat covers. If a foul scent still lingers after washing, you can add a liquid fabric softener to your washer to give the covers a pleasant fragrance. Remember to always dry the seat cover properly after a wash.

How Often Should Dog Car Seat Covers Be Washed

You should wash your dog’s car seat covers as often as it gets dirty. Dog car seat covers need to be kept clean both for your pet’s benefit and to ensure your car looks clean and fresh. Most dog car seat covers are machine washable, so you can take them off from your car seat and place them in the washer with laundry detergent to clean them quickly.

If you do not have a machine washable dog car seat cover, you should consider getting an extra one, so that when you wash one, you can use the other while you wait for it to dry.

What Is The Best Way To Dry Dog Car Seat Covers After Washing?

The best way to dry dog car seat covers after washing is to hang them and allow them to air dry. We recommend that you avoid using a dryer for drying the seat covers. When you air dry your seat cover, you preserve the integrity of the fabric and keep it lush and neat over a long period.

How To Remove Tough Stains From Dog Car Seat Covers

To remove tough stains from dog car seat covers, you can use various methods. One approach is to spray the seats with a 50/50% solution of a cleaning product and water, then scrub with a terry towel or brush. For stubborn spots, repeat the process until clean, and then wipe with a clean, dry towel to remove dirt. Follow up by vacuuming while still damp

Another method is to mix a tablespoon of baking soda into a cup of warm water, apply it to the stain, and leave it for a few minutes before scrubbing with a cloth. In addition, using a carpet shampooer or a combination of detergent and cloth can help remove tough stains from the seat covers.

Always check the cleaning instructions on the label of the seat covers for the best approach.

Can Bleach Be Used to Clean Dog Car Seat Covers?

No. You should not use bleach to clean dog car seat covers, as it can damage the material and compromise the quality and appearance of the covers. Instead, you can use mild detergents or cleaners specifically formulated for upholstery.

Conclusion

Keeping your dog’s car seat cover clean is both beneficial to your pet and the overall feel of your car. You can wash your dog’s car seat cover with a washing machine, a carpet shampooer, or a detergent and cloth. Your choice of the medium for washing a dog seat cover should be based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.