The seats in the Sport are a combination of cloth inserts with "star-tex" upholstery - basically a form of vinyl.

You can use any cleaner, really, as long as it's not too harsh or abrasive. I'm sure your owner's manual may have recommendations. I'd suggest any general purpose cleaner (heck, even just soap n water) to clean it. As it's black vinyl (sorry, charcoal gray), what types of spots or dirt is on there that is so visible?

 

The seats in the Sport are a combination of cloth inserts with "star-tex" upholstery - basically a form of vinyl.

You can use any cleaner, really, as long as it's not too harsh or abrasive. I'm sure your owner's manual may have recommendations. I'd suggest any general purpose cleaner (heck, even just soap n water) to clean it. As it's black vinyl (sorry, charcoal gray), what types of spots or dirt is on there that is so visible?

Ah, vinyl, gotcha. I got a brainfart and instead of cleaning I was thinking more of protecting it. Like the driver's side part where you go in&out often, I'm assuming all that would probably cause it to crack eventually. I just applied 303 yesterday so I guess that's a good start.

 

Any protectant for vinyl will be helpful for sure. But no matter what, sometimes vinyl will just crack, break, fall apart or ____ no matter how well you keep after it. Just be aware that some of those protectants may leave a slippery surface or could possibly stain fabrics (like your shorts or pants) as you drive your Forester.