Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Cleaning cloth seat covers, fabric trim and Alcantara^® upholstery

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

Cleaning upholstery on seat cushions without seat heating, seats that are not electrically adjustable, and seats that do not contain airbag components

Airbag-related components and electrical connectors may be installed in the driver seat, passenger seat and sometimes also in the rear outer seats. Seat cushions or backrests that are damaged, incorrectly cleaned or treated, or that become wet, may cause damage to the vehicle electrics or trigger a fault in the airbag system  .

Electrical components and connectors are installed in electrically adjustable seats and seat cushions with seat heating. These can be damaged if cleaned or treated incorrectly  . This can also result in damage to other parts of the vehicle electrics.

For this reason, please follow these cleaning guidelines:

• Do not use high-pressure cleaners, steam cleaners or coolant spray.

• Do not use washing paste or fine detergent solutions.

• Avoid getting the seat wet.

• Only use detergents that have been approved by Volkswagen.

• If in doubt, consult a specialist cleaning company.

Cleaning upholstery on seat cushions without seat heating, seats that are not electrically adjustable, and seats that do not contain airbag components

• Please read and follow the instructions, notes and warnings on the package before using cleaning products.

• Upholstery, fabric trims, Alcantara^® seat covers and carpeting should be cleaned regularly with a vacuum cleaner (brush).

• Do not use high-pressure cleaners, steam cleaners or coolant spray.

• We recommend that you use a soft sponge or commercially available lint-free microfibre cloth for cleaning jobs  .

• Clean Alcantara^® surfaces with a slightly damp cotton or woollen cloth or a commercially available lint-free microfibre cloth  .

General surface soiling of the upholstery and fabric trim can be cleaned with a commercially available foam cleaner.

If the upholstery and fabric trims are generally heavily soiled, consult a Volkswagen dealership for information on suitable cleaning methods before attempting any cleaning. If required, take the vehicle to a specialist cleaning company.

Treating stains

When treating stains, it may be necessary to clean the entire surface and not just the stain itself. This particularly applies if the surface shows general signs of wear. The cleaned area could otherwise be lighter than the surrounding area. If in doubt, consult a specialist cleaning company.

Type of stain	Recommended cleaning method for seat cushions and upholstery
Water-based stains, e.g. coffee, fruit juice.	– Moisten a sponge using a spray bottle and treat the stain by rubbing it in a circular motion. – Wipe with a dry absorbent cloth.
Stubborn stains, e.g. chocolate, foundation.	– Only use detergents approved by Volkswagen. – If required, take the vehicle to a specialist cleaning firm to have the upholstery cleaned.
Oily stains, e.g. oil, lipstick.	– Only use detergents approved by Volkswagen. – If required, take the vehicle to a specialist cleaning firm to have the upholstery cleaned.

WARNING

If there is a fault in the airbag system, the airbag may not trigger correctly, may not trigger at all or may trigger unexpectedly. This can cause severe or fatal injuries.

• The airbag system should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.

NOTICE

If the upholstery on electrically adjustable seats or on seat cushions containing airbag components gets wet, electric components and the vehicle electrics could be damaged.

• Wet seat cushions should always be dried out, and system components checked, by a qualified workshop.

• Do not use steam cleaners as the steam pushes the soiling into the fabric and sets it.

• High-pressure cleaners and coolant sprays can damage the upholstery.

NOTICE

• Brushes should be used on carpets and mats only. Other surfaces could be damaged by brushes.

• When washing paste or fine detergent solutions are applied with a damp cloth or sponge, visible edges may appear on the upholstery once it has dried. This can be due to substances such as surfactants. These edges are usually difficult or even impossible to remove.

NOTICE

• Do not soak Alcantara^® under any circumstances.

• Do not use leather care products, solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, stain removers or similar products on Alcantara^®.

• Do not use brushes if cleaning with liquids. This could damage the surface of the material.

Questions & answers

Cleaning cloth seat covers, fabric trim and Alcantara^® upholstery — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

How do I clean Golf Mk7 cloth seats?

Vacuum first, then use a VW-approved upholstery cleaner or foam. Apply with a sponge, work in gently, and wipe off with a damp cloth. Allow to dry completely.

How do I clean Golf Mk7 Alcantara upholstery?

Use lukewarm water and a soft cloth. For stubborn stains use a specific Alcantara cleaner. Do not use solvents, steam or stiff brushes — they can damage the microfibre surface.

Can I use a steam cleaner on Golf Mk7 cloth seats?

The manual advises against steam on seats containing airbag components or seat heating. On basic cloth seats without these features, low-pressure steam may be used with caution.