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Audi: How to Clean the Seat Belts

Don't let sticky, gross seat belts keep you from enjoying your Audi. Keep reading to find out to clean them at home for very little money.

By Charlie Gaston - March 23, 2016

This article applies to the Audi Q5/Q7, A3, A4 B7, A4 B8, A6 C5, A6 C6.

As your Audi ages, so too does your paint, vinyl, and seat belts. While you may only be tempted to pay close attention to the level of sparkle and shine that your exterior paint gives off, it's highly recommended that you also consider taking into account those other easy-to-forget parts, such as your aforementioned seat belts. Keep reading to learn the best methods for getting the job done right. You won't need to spend a lot of money, but you will need to take your time and make sure to remove any stubborn stains that might be leaving your seat belts feeling gross and sticky.

Audi How to Clean Seat Belts infographic

Materials Needed

  • Seat belt cleaner and spot cleaner
  • Three to four microfiber cloths
  • 17mm wrench (optional)
  • Bucket of water

Step 1 – Extend (or remove) the seat belt

  • Start by extending the seat belt fully.
  • This will allow you to clean areas of your seat belt that would otherwise be hidden away from view (e.g., your seat belt is housed within a retractable assembly that operates via a metal retractor).
  • For a deeper clean, go ahead and remove the seat belt altogether by locating and removing the bolt hidden by the side pillar trim with a 17mm wrench (see Figure 1).
Seat belt bolt
Figure 1. The seat belt bolt is circled in red.

Step 2 – Spray the entire seat belt

  • Spray the length of the seat belt using a seat belt cleaner and spot remover, which generally retail for approximately $8 to $15 per bottle.
  • Use a clip (or pull the seat belt out of the door and close it) to hold your seat belt in place while you spray it down.
  • Allow the product to lift stains and deodorize your seat belt while you move onto the next seat belt in your car.

Spraying seat belt
Figure 2. Spray the seat belt.

Pro Tip

You may also use a bucket of soap and water, particularly if you're interested in achieving a "chemical-free" clean. However, you might need to scrub the seat belt more vigorously.

Step 3 – Wipe down the seat belt

  • Using a microfiber cloth, wipe down the seat belt.
  • If the seat belt is exceptionally dirty, you will need to cover certain spots more than others.
  • Rinse the seat belt with a clean, damp microfiber cloth, and then dry it off with a dry microfiber cloth.

Featured Video: Seat Belt Cleaning

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