Article: How to Protect Your Car Seats From Sweat, Sand and Wet Dogs
How to Protect Your Car Seats From Sweat, Sand and Wet Dogs
Seat Care 101
Between beach days, gym sessions, muddy paws and long days on the tools, Aussie car seats cop a beating. Sweat, sunscreen, sand and water all end up on the seat, and plenty of it soaks straight in.
The good news is most of that damage is easy to prevent. Here's what actually wrecks car seats, five simple ways to protect them and what to look for in a waterproof car seat cover.
- Sweat, sunscreen, sand, mud and spills are what actually wreck car seats
- A waterproof backing is the single biggest fix, it stops all of that reaching the seat
- Clean spills fast, vacuum sand and hair often and look after leather properly
- A good cover should be waterproof, non-slip, machine washable and easy to fit over the headrest
- Wash it before first use, then after any big day at the beach, the gym or with the dog
What Actually Damages Your Car Seats
Fabric seats soak up whatever lands on them. Leather holds out against liquid longer, but it still marks and stains with enough sweat, sunscreen and grit.
- Moisture. Wet swimmers, rain jackets and sweaty gym gear soak into fabric and the foam underneath. That can leave damp patches and a musty smell.
- Sweat and sunscreen. The salt and oils can mark leather and discolour lighter fabric over time.
- Sand and grit. It works into the weave and scuffs the surface every time you slide in and out.
- Dogs. Hair weaves into fabric, and wet or muddy paws leave marks on both leather and cloth.
- Spills. Coffee, energy drinks and kids' snacks are the usual culprits for stains.
5 Ways to Protect Your Car Seats
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Use a waterproof car seat cover
This is the big one. A cover with a waterproof backing puts a barrier between you and the seat, so sweat, water and mud never reach it.
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Clean spills straight away
Blot, don't rub, and use a cleaner made for your seat material.
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Vacuum sand and dog hair often
The sooner it comes out, the less it works into the seat.
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Look after leather
Use an automotive leather cleaner and conditioner, and skip harsh household sprays.
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Wash your covers regularly
A cover only protects your seat if it's clean, so pick one that goes straight in the washing machine.
Fitted Seat Covers vs Towel Seat Covers
Fitted covers suit full-time protection. Towel seat covers suit people who want protection on and off, depending on the day.
| Fitted Seat Covers | Towel Seat Covers | |
|---|---|---|
| Putting it on | Strapped or hooked on, usually stays on full time | Thrown on and pulled off in seconds |
| Washing | Take it off, wash it, refit it | Straight into the washing machine |
| Fit | Often made for specific models | Universal fit, sits looser on the seat |
| Feel | Same feel as the cover material | Soft terry towel on top |
| Best for | Permanent protection | Beach days, gym, work and dogs |
Because towel covers sit looser, they can need a quick straighten now and then. That's the trade-off for a cover you can whip off and wash any time.
What to Look For in a Waterproof Car Seat Cover
A thick beach towel isn't enough on its own, because water soaks straight through it. Look for these instead.
- A fully waterproof backing. This is what actually stops liquid reaching the seat.
- A soft, absorbent top. It should be comfortable to sit on and catch sweat and water.
- A non-slip backing. It helps the cover grip the seat, especially on leather.
- An easy headrest fit. A hooded top that slips over the headrest is the quickest setup.
- Machine washable. If it can't go in the wash, it won't stay clean for long.
- Seatbelt access. For the back seat, check where the seatbelt openings sit, especially if you carry three across.
- Heated and vented seat friendly. If your seats have them, make sure the cover works with them.
How the Tuff Towel Works
The Tuff Towel Car Seat Cover pairs a soft towel top with a 100% waterproof backing. The hood slips over your headrest, the dotted non-slip backing grips the seat, and it's on or off in seconds.
- Front seats. A universal fit for front seats with a headrest, at 145cm x 65cm.
- Back seat. The Backseat Cover lays across the bench, with adjustable straps underneath and seatbelt openings on the two outer seats. There's no middle seatbelt opening, so it suits a back seat that's mostly two up.
- Trucks. The Truck Towel is built for truck seats.
- Leather, fabric, heated and vented seats. It works on all of them.
- No risk. Every Tuff Towel comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
"Absolutely love the Tuff Towel. Good quality, definitely will be buying more."
Aaron ClarkVerified Buyer, AU
How to Wash Your Seat Cover
Wash it before you use it the first time, then whenever it's had a big day at the beach, the gym or with the dog.
- Machine wash on cold
- Skip the fabric softener
- Hang it out to dry, or tumble dry on low heat
- Throw it back on the seat
Protect Your Seats This Summer
Sweat, sand and wet dogs aren't going anywhere this summer, but they don't have to end up in your seats. Shop the Tuff Towel range and throw one on before your next beach run.
