The 10 Best Car Seat Covers

The best car seat covers do more than just protect your car’s seats.

Don’t wait until your car’s seats become an eyesore before making a serious effort to maintain them. Something as simple as a car seat cover can go a long way to protect them from getting dirty or damaged, improve the appearance of your interior, and increase the resale value of your car.

To help you find the best car seat protector, we have reviewed some of the best seat covers on the market and put together a detailed buying guide so that you’re not bewildered by the myriad of products available. Here’s a quick rundown of our top picks:

Best Car Seat Covers Reviewed

We considered several factors when choosing our top 10 car seat covers, the most important of which are as follows:

• Size and fit: For a car seat cover to provide a seamless look and a comfortable seating experience, it needs to properly fit the seats it was designed for.
• Durability: How much protection does the cover provide and how long is it expected to last?
• Comfort: Ideally, the cover should maintain or improve your riding experience rather than worsen it.

More details on these criteria and several others can be found in the buying guide below.

1. Gorla Gear Premium Universal Seat Cover

The Gorla Gear Premium Universal Seat cover is a simple yet effective design that will not only protect your car’s seats but will also enhance the appearance of your overall interior. 

For starters, it’s made of neoprene, a material that resists dirt, dust, water, sweat, grime, fur, and many other substances. This makes it a great option if you have messy kids or a pet that sheds fur.

You also don’t have to worry about it sticking to your skin during hot or sweaty days (e.g. after a workout).

Gorla’s seat cover has an anti-slip backing and adjustable built-in straps that prevent it from moving around when you sit, further enhancing your comfort and seating experience. Additionally, its simple two-tone styling won’t fail to add a touch of fun to your interior.

Installation is incredibly easy and takes seconds rather than minutes, as all you have to do is slip the cover over your headrest and buckle the straps. Storage is also easy — you can roll, fold, or just throw the cover in the back seat or trunk without it wrinkling. 

The Gorla Gear Universal Seat cover is not without issue, however. Some users have complained about the seam glue melting and seeping into the seats, and the cover itself may get slippery on heated seats. Prolonged use can also cause curling around the shoulder section.

Product Specs

• Fitment: Universal
• Material: Neoprene
• Position: Front seats
• Quantity: 1 Seat cover

Bottom Line

This universal car seat cover from Gorla Gear provides the protection and comfort you expect from a good seat cover, plus a free seat belt protector to boot. CHECK LATEST PRICE

2. LUCKYMAN CLUB 5 Car Seat Covers Full Set

Style and functionality are what the LuckyMan Club 5 Car Seat Covers are all about.  

Their diamond-shaped patterns and colorful piping will certainly add a touch of class to your interior, while the PU leather material used to make them is said to be thicker than the material used by most competitors, therefore providing extra protection for your seats. 

The material is waterproof, wear-resistant, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. Should the covers get dirty, simply wipe them clean with a wet towel and dry with a dry one. 

The Club 5 seat covers are compatible with seats with airbags and feature two rear pockets for conveniently storing small valuables.

They were designed for a wide variety of vehicles, from sedans and hatchbacks to SUVs and pickup trucks, and the extra thickness of their material doesn’t impede the functionality of seat heaters — at least not too much.

The only downsides are that the Luckyman Club 5 Car Seat Covers Full Set is expensive and, given their universal application, the covers may fit some vehicles poorly.

Product Specs

• Fitment: Universal
• Material: PU leather
• Position: Front seats (rear bench covers are available)
• Quantity: 2 seat covers

Bottom Line

Getting these quality car seat covers for your car will make you a lucky man… or woman. CHECK LATEST PRICE

3. Sojoy Universal Car Seat Cushion Cover

Comfort, durability, easy use, and cleanliness — that’s what you’ll get from this high-quality universal car seat cover from little-known car accessory brand Sojoy.

Designed to fit most vehicles and made from an isothermic polymer, it does a great job protecting car seats in all seasons. The fabric is isothermal, breathable, and doesn’t absorb heat, meaning it keeps cool in the hot summer heat and warm on cold days.

For even more comfort, a silicon non-slip backing and an adjustable strap provide a secure fit so that the cover doesn’t slide around under you.

Installation is effortless, requiring you to only put the cover over the headrest and tie the strap. The mesh aesthetic is slick and should provide your interior with a sportier vibe.

Sojoy’s universal cover is one of the best seat covers for cars because it offers great value. Whereas most of the products on our list come with only one seat cover, Sojoy gives you two.

Not everything is perfect, however. First, it doesn’t have a bottom strap and can easily get loose, as a result. Second, it’s not particularly good with stains.

Product Specs

• Fitment: Universal
• Material: Polyester
• Position: Front seats
• Quantity: 2 Seat covers

Bottom Line

Not only is Sojoy’s seat cover for cars a great all-arounder, but it’s also a great deal since you get two covers for the price of one. CHECK LATEST PRICE

4. EKR Custom Fit Full Set Car Seat Covers

Custom car seat covers provide the best possible fit for a particular car, and this set from automotive accessory brand EKR is one of the best out there. 

The package comes with front bucket covers, rear seat covers, and headrest covers, all featuring airbag cutouts.

Each cover is tailor-made to the exact specifications of your vehicle’s seats and features a four-layer construction with foam padding and a protective leatherette shell. They offer a high level of durability, breathability, and water resistance to protect against dirt, spills, stains, and damage.

The simple and elegant design comes in many different colors and emulates the style of your factory seats, while high-quality buckles and zippers help ensure a secure fit. Leather seat covers are also very easy to clean. 

Now, while EKR’s best car seat covers fit like a glove, look great, and provide solid protection, they can be a pain to install and are quite pricey. However, they are semi-permanent, meaning you’ll likely only have to install them once.

Note: The seat covers displayed are for the Nissan Rogue. Check EKR’s storefront to see if the company makes covers for your specific vehicle model.

Product Specs

• Fitment: Custom fit
• Material: PU leather
• Position: Front and rear seats
• Quantity: Front and rear seat covers, headrest covers 

Bottom Line

EKR’s full set of custom-fit car seat covers is expensive, but it will be money well spent. You get great quality, a great look, and a perfect fit for your seats. CHECK LATEST PRICE

5. Lusso Gear Car Seat Protector, Thickest Padding

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of fitting a seat cover over your car seats, the Lusso Gear Car Seat Protector may just be what you need. It’s designed to simply attach to your headrest and takes seconds to install.

These covers are made from high-quality PVC leather that’s water-resistant and provides more than adequate protection against dirt, stain, scratches, and other damage. Despite the simple design, they won’t slip or slide under you thanks to their grippy anti-slip dots and adjustable straps that keep them secure to your headrest.

They also have extra padding that helps ensure a comfortable seating experience over long or short trips, as well as three built-in pockets for conveniently storing small items. 

With six different styles to choose from, you’re sure to find one that compliments the look of your interior. Even more, they can be easily transferred and used in different vehicles.

Of course, because of its basic design, the Lusso Gear Car Seat Protector won’t protect your entire seat. Also, it has a strong out-of-the-box smell that needs to be aired out before usage.

Product Specs

• Fitment: Universal
• Material: Oxford cloth
• Position: Front and rear seats
• Quantity: 1 seat covers

Bottom Line

The Lusso Gear Car Seat Protector is a simple, sturdy, no-hassle seat cover that provides good protection. It’s a great option for both individuals and families with kids. CHECK LATEST PRICE

6. EDEALYN Ultra-Luxury PU Leather Car Seat Cover

This simple, no-hassle car seat cover is designed for seat bottoms, protecting against wear and tear, scratches, indentations, and what have you.

A key selling point is its ease of installation. Putting it on takes mere seconds, with a set of straps helping keep everything secure.

The cover is constructed from PU leather, meaning it’s soft, supple, waterproof, and easy to clean. So not only will it provide effective protection for your car seat, but it’s also comfortable and easy to maintain.

There is a wide selection of colors to choose from, as well as a small front pouch for storing small valuables. 

EDEALYN’s seat cover has a few downsides. First, it comes with an unpleasant smell that needs to be aired out before use; second, as a universal seat cover, it’s not compatible with large vehicles; finally, it lacks a backrest.

Product Specs

• Fitment: Universal
• Material: PU leather
• Position: Front seat bottom
• Quantity: 1 seat covers

Bottom Line

The EDEALYN PU Leather Car Seat Cover doesn’t provide as much coverage as most of the other seat covers on our list, but it wins big points for its quality, ease of use, and relative affordability. CHECK LATEST PRICE

7. Goodyear 2 Pack Water Resistant Car Seat Cover

Goodyear has been making tires and car accessories for well over 100 years, so it knows a thing or two about what car owners want. Unsurprisingly, the company makes some of the best car seat covers on the market.

Made from neoprene, this two-piece Goodyear seat and headrest cover is water-resistant,  beading instead of absorbing liquids that fall on it. It will also protect your seats from dirt, debris, stains, and damage.

They are designed to easily fit most car seats, including those with side airbags. We also like their professional look.

Not only are these car seat covers easy to install, but they are also easy to clean due to being machine washable. Simply toss them into your washer when they get too dirty and air-dry.

Unfortunately, because of their universal design, some users have complaints about them being too large for their seats and the seat cushion flattening out easily. 

Product Specs

• Fitment: Universal
• Material: Neoprene
• Position: Front seats
• Quantity: 2 seat covers

Bottom Line

Goodyear delivers an attractive, water-resistant, and easy to install seat cover that protects your seats and spruces up your interior. CHECK LATEST PRICE

8. FH Group Bucket Seat Cover, Set of 2

If you’re looking for a boldly styled seat cover with plenty of colors to choose from, these Universal Fit Flat Cloth Pair Seat Covers from FH Group may just fit the bill. They are available in 13 styles and feature large colorful blocks that will add a touch of fun to any interior.

The covers are made from a durable, breathable, and comfortable fabric that’s backed by 3mm of foam to disperse heat and keep you feeling comfortable on hot summer days. A non-slip backing and adjustable straps help them stay in place.

It must be noted that while they are designed to work with most traditional and heated seats, they are only compatible with those with removable headrests.

Installation, removal, and reattachment are all easy, as is cleaning. Unlike some seat covers, these can be machine washed (just make sure to air dry).

Finally, they are airbag compatible, featuring special side stitching that allows airbag deployment, and you get two covers for a very attractive price.

Now, because these covers have a semi-universal application, you’re not guaranteed a good fit for your car seats. Make sure to measure your seats for compatibility before making a purchase.

Product Specs

• Fitment: Universal
• Material: Polyester
• Position: Front seats
• Quantity: 2 seat covers

Bottom Line

The FH Group Bucket Seat Covers are well-designed, offer great value, and let you protect your seats in style. CHECK LATEST PRICE

9. Black Panther Luxury PU Leather Car Seat Cover

The Black Panther leather car seat covers are all about class and comfort, not to mention protection. 

Their premium PU leather construction provides a soft and comfortable texture that makes them great to sit on for hours on end and throughout the year. They are also waterproof, breathable, and easy to clean.

A sturdy anchoring system and non-slip rubber granule fabric lining help ensure the covers don’t shift around on your seats or damage them, while a wrapped edge bottom provides added protection.

These covers are designed to fit most sedans, SUVs, and trucks and come in various colors, so you’re likely to find one that’s compatible with your vehicle and its interior upholstery décor. A pair of nicely integrated pockets also make them convenient for storing small items.

While stylish and practical, the Black Panther PU leather car seat covers are not without issues. There have been complaints about some shipments arriving with missing parts and installation requires a bit more effort than many of our other top picks. They are also expensive.

Product Specs

• Fitment: Universal
• Material: PU leather
• Position: Front seats
• Quantity: 2 Seat covers

Bottom Line

Black Panther delivers a premium car seat cover that not only protects your seats but also classes up your interior. CHECK LATEST PRICE

10. BDK carXS FreshMesh Car Seat Covers

If BDK is to be believed, the carXS FreshMesh Car Seat Covers are the best seat covers on the planet on the grounds that they are well made, comfortable, attractive, and fairly easy to install. 

They are designed to fit most types and makes of vehicles, including cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans, providing a layer of protection against the usual suspects: dirt, debris, stains, spills, and damage.

Specially selected materials were used for maximum seating comfort, while a honeycomb mesh provides enhanced ventilation to keep you cooler. 

BDK’s seat covers have a ‘sideless’ design that makes them compatible with seat airbags and armrests. Installation is straightforward, and you don’t have to make any modifications.

The carXS FreshMesh is a good car seat cover, but it’s not without faults. Thanks to their universal application, they might be too big or too small for some vehicles. The fabric is also fairly thin, making us question their quality.

Product Specs

• Fitment: Universal
• Material: Polyester
• Position: Front seats
• Quantity: 2 seat covers

Bottom Line

Want a sporty yet luxurious-looking seat cover that provides more than adequate protection? Give the BDK carXS FreshMesh a look. CHECK LATEST PRICE

Car Seat Cover Buying Guide

When it comes to car seat covers, you want one that has a quality build and provides all the benefits you’d expect from a good cover. You don’t want a cheap cover that falls apart after a short period of use or, worse yet, damages your precious seats. 

The following guide provides expertly researched information and practical tips for finding the best car seat covers.

What Are Car Seat Covers?

Car seat covers are a popular automotive accessory that protects car seats from dirt, mud, spills, stains, damage, and general wear, particularly the areas where the driver’s or passenger’s body makes contact. They can be for front seats only or every seat in a vehicle.

Some covers offer a custom fit for specific vehicles, while others have a universal, one-size-fits-all design. Some are intended to be near-permanent installations, while others can be installed and removed quickly.

Benefits Of Car Seat Covers

Car seat covers offer several benefits. Let’s look at each one in detail.

Protect Your Seats

This is the primary purpose of car seat covers. Protection is especially important because your seats can easily be covered with dirt, grime, and what have you after driving around for some time. 

For instance, food crumbs, droplets, or outright spills are common mishaps that can quickly deteriorate the appearance and condition of seat surfaces. 

Moreover, dirt, debris, mud, and other substances that get tracked into the interior often find their way onto the car seats. And If you have dogs or other pets that occasionally ride in the car, you’ll have to contend with pet hair and odor.

Car seat covers also offer a measure of protection against the elements, particularly the sun’s UV rays, which causes leather upholstery to prematurely crack and fade. 

Make Seats More Comfortable 

A seat cover can make the seats more comfortable by providing a layer of padding underneath, helping relieve pressure on your back and butt.

Some designs can even keep your seats cooler on hot summer days and warmer in cold winter months. 

Make Interior Look Better

Not only do the best seat covers for cars offer protection against mishaps and the elements, but they can also enhance the appearance of your car’s interior. 

Seat covers are an effective way of covering up stains, discoloration, and other signs of wear and tear. Even more, they allow you to inject a bit more personality into your interior.

For example, you can use a leather seat cover to give your cloth seats a more upscale look or go with a kid-friendly cover for a touch of fun. 

Car seat covers come in so many styles, designs, and colors that you’re sure to find a good look for your vehicle.

Easy To Clean And Use

Cleaning car seats can be tedious. With many car seat covers, all you have to do is remove and wash the cover. 

Simply take the cover off your seat, throw it into your washing machine, and put it back on once it has dried.

Some car seat covers such as leather covers require a bit more care to ensure they stay looking nice, but you get the idea. We discuss how to properly clean car seat covers in a later section.

Increase Car’s Resale Value

A car seat cover is an affordable investment that can pay off big should you decide to sell or trade in your vehicle.

A well-maintained interior is a key determinant of a car’s resale value, and a car seat cover is a cheap and easy way to preserve the appearance and condition of interior components such as the seats. 

Basically, the less worn your seats are, the more money you are likely to get for your car.

Types Of Car Seat Covers

Car seat covers are primarily classified by their material composition and fitment. 

Material Type

The most popular materials are velour, neoprene, canvas, leather, and synthetics such as polyester. 

Velour

Fabrics such as velour and jacquard are the most common materials for seat covers. Velour in particular looks like the original upholstery found in most modern vehicles, making it a great choice if you want to protect your seats without them looking like they have seat covers.

Both materials are also soft and comfortable, but they are not waterproof or particularly durable.

Neoprene

Neoprene is a popular, great all-rounder. This double knit fabric is comfortable, durable, and highly water-resistant, making it a popular choice for people with active lifestyles (surfers, off-roaders, etc.).

Canvas

The most durable type of fabric used for seat covers is canvas. While not as comfortable as other materials, it’s waterproof and incredibly sturdy, qualities that make it ideal for intensively used seats such as those in cargo vans, trucks, or other work vehicles.

The use of heavy-duty materials also makes canvas great for pet-owners as it shields the original seats from the paws and claws of dogs and the like.

Leather

Leather is the most upscale and possibly the easiest material to clean, major reasons why it’s popular with taxi and Uber drivers. Many, if not most, leather car seat covers also have a vinyl barrier that makes them waterproof.

Unfortunately, they are expensive and can get hot on blistering summer days and cold in the winter.

The best luxury seat covers are usually made from sheepskin. This material is comfortable, and unlike common and faux leather, keeps cool in the summer and warm in winter.

Universal vs Custom Fit

Universal fit seat covers are designed to be one-size-fits-all seats. They are cheaper and simpler than custom-fit covers but often not as well-fitting.

Many of these seat covers may be too small and large for your seats, so do your research before going out to buy one. 

Not only are loose or saggy covers visually unappealing, but they can also pose a safety hazard since most are not made to accommodate the integrated side airbags that some car seats come with

Custom-fit covers, on the other hand, are tailored to fit specific vehicles, making them more aesthetically pleasing. You also won’t have to worry about them being too small or too large for your seats or obstructing any airbags they might have.

They are more expensive than universal covers, however, and you can’t use them in different vehicle models.

Car Seat Cover Pricing

Car seat covers come in a wide range of prices. While paying more will usually get you better quality, it is possible to get a cover that is both durable and affordable.

Under $20 (Budget)

Some protection is better than no protection, I say. If you’re on a tight budget, an inexpensive car seat cover might just do the trick, so long as it doesn’t damage your seats or undermine your driving.

Covers in the $20 and under price class are usually not the best quality or the most durable, but many do provide good protection and come in interesting designs that may enhance the appearance of your interior.

$20-$50 (Mid-Range)

Mid-range car seat covers strike a good balance between price and quality. For just a little bit more money than the budget options, you often get noticeably better quality and durability.

You also have more types, styles, and designs to choose from, as well as a wider selection of materials. 

Needless to say, the extra quality offered by mid-range car seat covers makes them a better value than budget-oriented options.

Over $50 (High-End)

If you’re looking for the best protection and longevity, these covers are the way to go. Though pricey, they are made from the strongest, most durable materials and usually offer the best fit.

You also have more colors and patterns to choose from, with some manufacturers even offering custom embroidery options. Some premium covers do a great job imitating genuine, high-quality leather.

Many mid-range covers that come as a set can be found in this price range. 

Top Car Seat Cover Brands

There are so many car seat cover brands offering so many different products that it’s difficult to pick a single best. However, Leader Accessories, Coverking, BDK, and FH Group are among the most well-known players in the game.

Leader Accessories

Leader Accessories has been offering car seat covers for more than 30 years and fields a wide selection of models. The company also sells other car accessories such as car covers, bike racks, and tonneau covers.

The Leader Accessories Platinum Faux Leather Seat Covers is a great choice that can be used in just about every passenger vehicle you might own.

Coverking

Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Coverking offers the widest selection of custom car seat covers on our list. The company also has a reputation for using high-quality materials that protect against all sorts of elemental factors, including dirt, moisture, mildew, and UV rays.

If you’re looking for a premium custom-fit seat cover, consider getting the aptly named Coverking Custom Fit Seat Cover.

FH Group

This reputable American company produces and sells a variety of high-quality car accessories such as seat covers and car covers, genuine leather steering wheel covers, protective floor mats, and much more. 

It offers a wide selection of universal, custom, and semi-custom car seat covers, so you’re bound to find something you like. Check out the stylish FH Group Bucket Seat Cover.

BDK 

BDK has been making aftermarket car accessories since 1990, selling everything from floor mats and windshield sun shades to car seat covers and hubcaps.

Its seat covers mostly fall in the budget and mid-range price range, but they are generally good products. We especially like the BDK carXS FreshMesh Car Seat Covers.

Features Of The Best Car Seat Covers

Now that you know what car seat covers are and what they can do for your driving experience, let’s look at the key features you should consider when searching for a good seat cover.

Size And Fit

You want to be sure that the seat cover you purchase will fit your car’s seats. That’s because well-fitting covers provide a more seamless look and comfortable seating experience than poor fitting ones.

Universal seat covers are designed to fit almost any seat, while custom covers have a design that’s specific to different types of vehicles.

Never buy a universal cover without first measuring the dimensions of your car’s seats, taking note of the headrest design and other features they may have (integrated airbags, recliners, etc.).

Durability

Naturally, you want car seat covers that will last you for years if properly maintained.

Durability largely depends on the material used. If you have an active lifestyle and need something sturdy, water-resistant, and comfortable — a solid all-rounder, that is —  then neoprene would be a great choice.

But if you need something that can withstand heavy use or your dog’s paws and claws, canvas covers are waterproof, extremely durable, and handle dirt, spills, and scratches better than most other materials.

While not the most durable, leather is easy to clean and has the most upscale appearance. You can find more details on these materials in the section discussing the different types of car seat covers.

Comfort

In addition to being durable, your chosen seat covers should be comfortable. Ensure it’s comfortable on your skin and doesn’t have rolls and bulges.

If you want extra padding, look for covers that have a layer of cushioning so that you don’t end up buying seat cushions separately.

Straps

If your desired seat covers have straps, make sure those straps are firm and adjustable and fit well. Shoddy elastic straps should be avoided.

The straps will inevitably stretch out due to regular use, so you want to be able to tighten them once they do. The better fitting the covers are, the longer they usually last.

For a more seamless look, make sure they are also similar in appearance and material quality to the rest of the cover.

Water Resistance

This is a nice feature to have, especially if you’re someone who likes water activities, frequently eats and drinks in the car, or has kids and/or dogs.

Seat covers that are water-resistant or waterproof dry quickly after being spilled on so that their material doesn’t get stained, turn moldy, or sustain any other damage from the accident.

Warranty

Measuring seat covers involves a high level of estimation, and items sometimes arrive much different than expected. This makes getting products with a warranty a good idea.

Make sure to read the fine print to determine how long the warranty lasts, what exactly is covered, and so forth.

How To Put On Seat Covers

Not every seat cover is installed the exact same way, so we suggest following the manufacturer’s instructions whenever possible. If you don’t have the instructions, this section provides a general overview of the installation process for both bucket and bench seats.

Bucket Seats

We’ll start with the bucket seats found in the front row of most passenger vehicles.

Step 1. Remove the headrests (this step is not necessary for some covers).

Step 2. Slip the back section of the cover over the back of the seat, making sure to match up the seams of the cover with the seat’s contours. Understandably, universal covers will require more fiddling to achieve a good fit than custom covers.

Step 3. Tuck in any excess fabric and secure the fasteners (Velcro, snaps, etc.).

Step 4. After placing and securing the back piece, slip the cover’s bottom section over the lower seat cushion, making sure to once again line everything up with the seat’s contours.

Step 5. Neatly tuck the seat cover through the creases of the seats and secure the fasteners. The fasteners are usually straps that run over the back, sides, and/or under the seats. You’ll likely need to pull them hard to achieve a good fit.

Step 6. If you have a headrest cover, slide it over the headrest and attach the headrests back to the seat. If the cover doesn’t have holes for the headrest, you will need to make your own before putting the headrest back on.

Rear Bench Seats

The installation process for bench seats found in the rear passenger area is similar to that of bucket seats; however, it involves a little bit more effort due to the more complicated design of those seats. 

Step 1. Remove the headrests as usual.

Step 2. Wrap the back section of the seat cover around the bench’s backside and tighten it. Line up the seams with the seat’s contours.

Step 3. Tuck the cover into the seat’s creases and secure it with the applicable straps or Velcro. Make them as tight as you can.

Step 4. After properly setting up the back piece, raise the bottom seat cushion and place the cover’s lower section over it. Line up the seams with the contours, and use the straps or Velcro to secure it.

Step 5. Tuck the cover’s sides through the seat’s creases and run the tie-downs from the front to the back, tightening them until they’re firmly secured.

Step 6. If you have headrest covers, place them on the headrests and reattach the headrests to the seat. If necessary, make holes in the cover for the headrests to pass through.

How To Clean Car Seat Covers

One of the key benefits of using car seat covers is that cleaning them is generally easier than cleaning the actual seats. Even so, there are some precautions you should take.

Preparation

Locate the cover’s label and read any washing instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Vacuum the cover to remove any loose debris. If there are stains, use a good upholstery cleaner or stain remover to get out the spots. Avoid using any products that can cause discoloration or other permanent damage.

Any loose ties should be tied together to prevent them from getting caught around the washer’s agitator. Similarly, remove any hooks so that they don’t tear the covers.

Washing your covers with other items such as your clothes can damage them, so it’s best to wash them separately.

Washing Your Seat Covers

To avoid shrinking the covers, wash in warm or cold water (warm water will do a better job of removing soiled spots and stains) and on a short washing cycle.

Use mild detergent and a basic fabric softener, though the latter isn’t necessary.  Whatever you do, DON’T USE BLEACH.

Don’t put the seat covers in a dryer after they have been washed as that will cause shrinkage. Your best bet is to air-dry them on a clothesline or spread them over a flat surface. 

Wait until they have dried before slipping them back on your car’s seats.

Cleaning Leather Covers

Machine washing is usually not recommended for delicate materials such as leather, especially sheepskin. However, it’s fairly easy to clean most leather seat covers.

For basic maintenance, just wipe the cover down with a damp cloth and then dry it off with a clean cloth to avoid water stains. Apply your favorite leather conditioner for the best results!

Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions if you decide to perform a more thorough cleaning. 

Car Seat Covers FAQs

This section answers some of the most common questions about car seat covers. 

Universal Seat Covers or Custom — Which is Better?

They each have their advantages, but custom covers are generally better.

Whereas universal car seat covers have a one-size-fits-all design, custom covers are designed for specific vehicles and guarantee a near-perfect fit for your seats. They are more attractive and tend to provide better protection and durability.

They are more expensive than universal covers, however, not to mention less versatile since you can’t use them in different vehicles.

How Much Do Car Seat Covers Cost?

Depending on factors such as size, material quality, and packaging, prices can range from under $20 to over $200.

Custom- and semi-custom leather covers, particularly sheepskin, can cost as much as $500 or more.

Are Car Seat Covers Machine Washable?

Yes. Most car seat covers, especially those made from Neoprene, velour, and canvas, are machine washable, though you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions before washing them.

Leather covers are usually not machine washable and must be cleaned by hand.

Do Seat Covers Work With Side Airbags?

Custom seat covers are usually designed to work with side airbags, but some universal covers are not. 

Because of their one-size-fits-all design, universal covers may obstruct the integrated side airbags found on some seats, undermining their deployment time or function. 

If your seats have nonstandard features such as airbags and recliners, check that the seat covers you’re considering won’t pose a problem.

Final Thoughts

Car seat covers are a great accessory to have for your car or truck. Not only are they an effective means of protecting your factory seats from dirt, stains, and damage, but they can also be a great way to enhance the appearance of your interior and improve your seating comfort.

As if that’s not enough, the best car seat protector is usually easy to clean and, if properly maintained, will increase the resale value of your vehicle.

Finding a decent one among the multitudes of good and not-so-good options can be difficult, however, so we reviewed some of the best seat covers currently available and wrote a detailed buying guide to help you make the right choice.

As for what the best car seat covers are, the Gorla Gear Premium Universal Seat Cover impressed us the most, largely due to its simple yet durable and comfortable design and easy installation. If you want something classier, the Luckyman Club 5 Car Seat Covers are a solid pick.