How To Clean Canvas Seat Covers
How to Clean and Wash Canvas Seat Covers the Right Way
If you've invested in a set of canvas seat covers for your 4WD, you've already made a great choice for protecting your vehicle’s interior. Gotya Covered canvas seat covers are built tough – made from military-grade, Australian-manufactured fabrics, they're designed to withstand the rugged conditions of Australia.
Not only are they waterproof, UV-resistant, and rot-proof, but they also help protect your seats from dirt, mud, sand and general wear and tear.
But just like anything that works hard, your canvas seat covers need a bit of TLC to keep them looking and performing their best. Proper care ensures your seat covers remain in top condition, preserving their durability and protective qualities.
However, cleaning canvas requires a different approach compared to regular fabric or leather. Using the wrong methods or products can cause damage, compromise their protective treatments, or even lead to poor fit.
We will walk you through exactly how to clean your Gotya Covered canvas seat covers the right way, and explain why it’s important to avoid certain cleaning techniques.
Why proper care matters
Canvas is one of the most durable materials on the market, designed to hold up in harsh conditions – but that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. While your Gotya Covered seat covers are built to handle mud, dust, and water, improper cleaning can damage the canvas or strip away the treatments that make it waterproof and UV-resistant.
Regular maintenance will help extend the life of your canvas seat covers and keep them looking fresh, whether you’re using your 4WD for off-road adventures or everyday driving.
Step-by-step guide to cleaning canvas seat covers
If your seat covers are very dirty from heavy use or a long trip, it may be best to remove them from the vehicle before cleaning.
Here’s the simple, no-fuss method to keeping your canvas seat covers clean and ready for action:
1. Vacuum loose dirt and mud
The first step in any cleaning routine is to get rid of loose dirt and debris. After a dusty off-road trip or a muddy adventure, your seat covers are likely to have picked up a fair bit of grime.
Grab a vacuum cleaner and gently vacuum the surface of your seat covers. Use a soft-brush attachment if you have one, as this will prevent any scratching on the fabric. Focus on seams, folds, and any areas where dirt tends to accumulate. This step removes the bulk of the loose dirt and makes the rest of the cleaning process much easier.
2. Use cold water and a damp cloth
Once you’ve vacuumed away the loose dirt, the next step is to tackle any stains or marks. But here’s the important part – avoid using hot water or chemicals. Gotya Covered canvas seat covers are treated with special coatings to make them waterproof and UV-resistant, and using the wrong cleaning products can compromise this treatment.
To clean the fabric safely, simply use a damp cloth with cold water. Gently wipe down any dirty spots, taking care not to rub or scrub too hard. It’s important to be gentle, as scrubbing can cause surface scratches on the canvas or damage the fabric over time.
This method works well for most light stains and general dirt. If the seat covers are very dirty, you might need to repeat the process a few times, but it’s worth it to protect the integrity of the material.
3. Let canvas seat covers air dry
After you've gently cleaned your canvas seat covers with cold water and a damp cloth, it's crucial to let them air dry naturally in the shade.
Do not use a tumble dryer or expose them to direct heat sources like radiators or heaters, as high temperatures can cause the canvas to shrink or weaken the fabric.
If you have removed the covers from your vehicle for cleaning, let the seat covers dry flat in a well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight, to allow them to dry evenly. Air drying ensures the fabric retains its shape and maintains its waterproof and UV-resistant properties, keeping your seat covers in top condition for the long haul.
Once the covers are dry, they can be reinstalled to your 4x4 and you are all set for your next trip.
What NOT to Do: Do not use a washing machine
It can be tempting to throw your seat covers into the washing machine for a quick clean, but we strongly advise against this. Machine washing can cause the canvas to shrink, which will result in the seat covers no longer fitting your vehicle properly.
Canvas is a durable material, but it’s not designed to withstand the agitation and high temperatures of a washing machine.
At Gotya Covered, our seat covers are manufactured to fit your specific 4WD make and model, ensuring a snug, reliable fit. If the fabric shrinks, you could end up with seat covers that don’t sit properly or become difficult to install. For this reason, hand cleaning is the best and safest method.
No chemicals or detergents
Another important rule to follow when cleaning canvas seat covers is to avoid any cleaning products that contain chemicals, detergents, or solvents. Many off-the-shelf cleaning products are formulated with harsh ingredients that can strip away the protective treatments applied to the canvas.
Your Gotya Covered canvas seat covers are treated to resist water, UV rays, and rot, giving them excellent longevity even in extreme conditions. However, using the wrong cleaning agents can break down these protective layers, leaving your seat covers vulnerable to damage. Stick to plain water for cleaning – it’s the safest option for maintaining the integrity of the canvas and ensuring your seat covers continue to perform as expected.
Don’t scrub the fabric
It’s worth repeating – never scrub your canvas seat covers. While it might seem like scrubbing would help lift stubborn stains, it can actually do more harm than good. Canvas is tough, but abrasive cleaning can wear down the surface and leave permanent marks or scratches.
If you come across a stubborn stain that won’t budge with a gentle wipe, it’s better to use cold water and a soft cloth to gently repeat the cleaning process rather than resorting to scrubbing. Being patient and using the right method will keep your seat covers looking great without damaging them.
The long-term benefits of proper care
Taking the time to clean your canvas seat covers properly has long-term pay-offs. Not only will your seat covers look great and stay functional, but you’ll also extend their lifespan, getting the most out of your investment.
At Gotya Covered, we pride ourselves on manufacturing canvas seat covers that are made for the toughest conditions.
By following our cleaning guidelines outlined in this article, you’ll keep your seat covers in top condition, ensuring they continue to protect your vehicle’s seats for years to come.
For more information about how to clean our denim seat covers, head over to our cleaning instructions page.
