Even if your car is a food, drink and child-free zone, sooner or later the interior fabrics will need attention. Wet clothes, muddy shoes and general dust and grime will all leave their marks, and it’s all but impossible to avoid them.

Our test of 18 upholstery cleaners was a tough challenge, featuring a rear seat stained with ink, margarine and chocolate. Each product’s cleaning performance was crucial, with price playing a relatively small role in our decision.