Let’s be honest—dogs are messy passengers. From muddy paws to spontaneous shedding fits and the classic post-park roll-around, your pup’s car seat can get dirty fast. If you’re nodding along with a mysterious stain in sight (and maybe a few nose prints on the window too), it’s probably time to talk about cleaning dog car seats.
Luckily, giving your dog’s throne-on-wheels a good refresh doesn’t have to be a tedious, all-day chore. With the right strategies, a few clever hacks, and some pet-safe products, it’s surprisingly easy to keep that seat looking—and smelling—like new.
In this guide, we’re breaking down 10 simple, effective tips to clean up the clutter, combat the odors, and actually enjoy your next ride. Whether you’ve got a luxury booster seat, a rugged pet protector, or anything in between, we’ve got you (and the fur) covered.
Use a Removable, Washable Seat Cover
Let’s face it—fur, drool, and muddy paws happen. That’s why using a removable and washable seat cover is a no-brainer for cleaning dog car seats.
These covers are lifesavers for pet parents with heavy shedders or road trip enthusiasts. Rather than battling with scrubbing the seat itself, simply take off the cover and let your washing machine do the hard work. Kind of brilliant, isn’t it?
Look for seat covers with waterproof linings and machine-washable designs (like the ones from Wunderpets). Bonus: They also protect your upholstery from scratches and accidents.
Prices vary, but a solid option can run between $30 to $60. Way cheaper than a new car seat. Or worse—a pro detailer.
It’s a simple change that saves you hours, stress, and probably your nose too.
Vacuum Hair and Dirt Regularly
Pet hair is clingy—like that friend who overstays their welcome. If you’ve got a heavy shedder in the backseat, vacuuming regularly can be a game changer. It’s one of the simplest, most effective ways of cleaning dog car seats before the mess becomes permanent.
Use a handheld vacuum with pet-hair-specific nozzles. These are designed to lift embedded fur and debris from fabric and upholstery. The Kurgo Car Seat Covers help too, as they’re durable and easy to clean.
While not the flashiest technique, vacuuming saves you time later. It’s low-cost, fuss-free, and super effective—especially if your dog’s fur magically fuses to fabric quicker than you can say “Shedding Season.”
Use a Lint Roller or Pet Hair Remover
Tired of your car looking like a fur storm hit it? A lint roller (or better yet, a dedicated pet hair remover) is your glove box hero. It’s perfect for those moments when you’re out the door and Spot’s already left half his coat behind. Swipes clean upholstery fast—no sprays, no vacuums, no drama. For dog owners always stuck mid-cleaning dog car seats, this tool can be a lifesaver. Keep one handy for pre-errand touchups or post-park cleanup. Pricing varies—basic rollers start at $5, but reusable pet hair gadgets like the ChomChom run closer to $25. Either way, way less than detailing fees.
Deodorize with Baking Soda or Pet-Safe Sprays
You love your pup, but not the wet dog smell in your backseat? Yeah, us too. Whether it’s post-lake day funk or a surprise accident, odor tends to linger in car seats. Thankfully, a quick deodorizing session fixes that fast.
Just shake on a good amount of baking soda, give it around 15 minutes to sit, then vacuum it up like a pro. Not only does this neutralize odors like magic, but it also absorbs moisture—and no one wants mystery damp spots.
Wipe Down Non-Fabric Surfaces
Not every mess lands on the seat itself. Doors, consoles, and windows take a hit too—especially from enthusiastic face lickers. This is where a quick wipe-down becomes essential.
Use pet-safe cleaning wipes to tackle slobber, oils, and grime on plastic or vinyl surfaces. These wipes are safe for pets and protect your car’s materials from damage. Convenience makes it awesome—you can keep a pack in the glove box and go.
Especially helpful for bigger breeds or dogs that lean into doors on drives, this tip also helps control smell. And if you’re deep cleaning dog car seats, leaving interior surfaces dirty defeats the purpose.
Tip: Look for unscented, alcohol-free wipes labeled safe for pets. Usually under $10, it’s a small spend for a big fresh.
Install a Dog Booster Seat
Want to save your backseat (and your sanity)? Install a dog booster seat. It keeps small to medium pups elevated, so they can enjoy the view without turning your upholstery into a fur-coated mess. This simple upgrade drastically reduces the need for cleaning dog car seats later.
Look for models with washable, durable materials and built-in seatbelt latches, like DOOG’s Large Car Seat ($89.95). Safety and hygiene in one tidy package. Plus, when your dog rides high and comfy, everyone wins—except maybe the squirrels they now spot out the window.
While it doesn’t replace pet wipes or vacuuming, using a booster seat prevents crumbs, drool, and muddy paws from touching your car’s fabric in the first place. That’s a serious win.
Protect Seats with Waterproof Liners
If you’re regularly cleaning dog car seats, waterproof liners will save your sanity—and your upholstery.
These liners are lifesavers for dog parents dealing with messy rides. Whether it’s spilled water, nervous puppy accidents, or senior dog leaks, these waterproof barriers prevent moisture from soaking into fabric.
Look for full-coverage liners with anti-slip backing. They stay put, even when your dog decides the car is a treadmill. Brands like Animals Matter offer premium travel cushions that are stylish and functional.
Expect to spend around $100, but it’s worth it. They’re machine washable, which means less scrubbing and zero lingering odors. Bonus: they look good. Like, Instagram good.
Especially useful if your dog’s a drip machine after beach days or vet trips. Honestly, this might be the best tool in your cleanup arsenal.
Use an Enzymatic Cleaner for Stains
If your pup turns your backseat into a disaster zone after every road trip, this one’s for you. Enzymatic cleaners are a total game-changer. Unlike regular sprays, these cleaners break down organic messes—think vomit, urine, drool—at the source.
They don’t just mask odors; they eliminate them completely. That funky wet dog smell? Gone. Best part? They’re usually safe for your car’s fabric, stitching, and even plastic trims, as long as you pick a pet-specific formula. No harsh chemicals here.
Highly recommended for dogs prone to car sickness or bathroom accidents. When it comes to cleaning dog car seats, few products tackle the messy stuff so efficiently.
Brush Your Dog Before Travel
Ever opened your car door after a dog ride and found what looks like an entire second dog made of fur? Yeah, us too.
Brushing your pup before hitting the road is a smart way to avoid that. Especially if you’ve got a long-haired or double-coated breed, tackling the fluff beforehand keeps shedding under control. It also reduces the grime your dog might bring into the car with their coat.
Here’s the insider move: do it just minutes before departure. Outside the car. That way, loose fur and dander stay far away from your seats. Suddenly, cleaning dog car seats doesn’t feel like trying to survive a furstorm post-trip.
And talk about time saved! Less hair on the upholstery equals fewer deep cleans. Bonus: your dog gets a mini spa treatment. Worth it.
Grab a slicker brush or deshedding tool. A small investment, big payoff.
Keep Travel Essentials in a Pet Car Organizer
If road trips with your pup involve flying fur, sticky paws, and mysterious smells, you’re not alone. Organizing your cleanup gear can change the game. A pet car organizer keeps all your tools in one easy-to-reach place—no more stuffing towels in cup holders or digging for wipes under the seat.
It’s best packed with essentials like towels, dog-safe wipes, disposable bags, and even a collapsible water bowl for those mid-trip thirst breaks. Add a stain remover spray and you’re battle-ready.
Ideal for frequent car travelers with dogs, this gear cuts down cleanup time and prevents messes from turning into disasters. Bonus: your backseat becomes less of a chaos zone (and smells less like one).
When it comes to cleaning dog car seats, prep is half the battle. With everything stored in one tidy spot, you’re always ready for mud, slobber, or surprise accidents. It’s organization meets sanity.
Dog Car Seat Safety & Travel Tips
What is the best way to secure a big dog in the car?
The best way to secure a big dog in the car is with a crash-tested harness that attaches to a seat belt. These harnesses wrap around your dog’s chest and shoulders, keeping them safe during sudden stops. For extra-large breeds? A secured, ventilated crate in the back of an SUV works wonders—just anchor it down with straps to prevent sliding. Skip letting your dog roam or hang out the window. Sure, it looks fun, but it’s dangerous. Keeping your pup restrained protects both them and you.
Do big dogs need car seats?
Not quite. Car seats are typically made for small dogs, under 30 pounds. Big dogs need different tools for the job. Think heavy-duty, crash-tested harnesses or reinforced crates. So, while your 80-pound lab might not need a cushioned booster seat, it still absolutely needs a safe method of restraint. The goal stays the same—prevent movement, reduce risk, and make the ride smoother for everyone involved.
What is the safest seat in a car for a dog?
The back seat is the safest spot for your dog—hands down. Whether you’re using a harness or a crate, the rear seat provides the most protection in case of an accident. The front seat? Too risky. Airbags can harm your dog, even during minor collisions. If you’ve got a larger breed and an SUV, securing a crate in the cargo area is also a solid choice—just make sure it’s crash-tested and tied down tightly.
What age is too big for a booster seat?
It’s not about age—it’s about size and weight. Booster seats are made for small breeds, usually under 30 pounds. Once your dog surpasses that weight limit or can’t comfortably fit in the seat, it’s time to switch. Some medium dogs grow out of boosters by 6 months; others might fit longer. Bottom line? When your dog barely fits, stays uncomfortable, or the booster looks more like a tight hat than a safe seat—it’s time to upgrade to a harness or crate.
Make Clean Car Rides the New Normal
Let’s face it—cleaning dog car seats probably isn’t your favorite chore. But with these 10 tips, you’ve got an easy, effective game plan. Whether you’re wiping away fur, dealing with muddy paw prints, or finally tackling that unmistakable “wet dog” smell, we’ve given you tools that work.
The good news? Cleaning dog car seats doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right products, a little consistency, and a few clever hacks (hello, vacuum brushes and baking soda!), you’ll keep your pup’s ride fresher, longer. Bonus: your car won’t smell like a kennel on wheels.
Plenty of top-rated brands—like those featured from Chewy, Snoozer, Kurgo, and more—design their seats with materials that make clean-up faster than a game of fetch. If you’re using a high-back booster or a luxury liner built for bigger breeds, maintenance becomes nearly effortless.
In the end, a clean dog car seat means a more sanitary, stink-free experience for your dog—and you. And yes, now your friends can finally ride in your car again without giving you side-eye. You’re welcome.
