Cleaning upholstery on seat cushions with seat heating, electrically
adjustable seats, or seats containing 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 stainRecommended 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.
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If there is a fault in the airbag system, the airbag may not function properly, or not function at
all or function unexpectedly. This could cause accidents and fatal injuries.
•The airbag system should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
WARNING
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.
•A wet seat cushion 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
