A car seat sweat protector is a must-have, grab-and-go apparel that protects your car seats from sweat, filth, odors, and other types of stains.
Sweat shield car seat covers can be either washable or single use. And, they are both easy to install and remove. Washable seat protectors provide the best value for your money as they can be easily cleaned when compared to washing of entire vehicle seats.
They help with seat preservation by sparing you the frequent washing that causes wear and tear.
They are also useful in protecting you from all sorts of harmful bacteria that would otherwise be bound your vehicle seats when a sweaty runner travels in your car without the protector.
To help you take advantage of these benefits and more, here is our exhaustive review of the best car seat sweat protectors.
Best Car Seat Sweat Protectors Review: Our Top 11 Picks
But which are the best three?
Editor's Pick
Here are our top 3 best rated car seat sweat protectors
Some covers hide ugly car seats. SeatShieldprotects and preserves your nice ones.
UltraSport SeatShield is a quick and effective solution for protecting your car seats after a dirty job or sweaty workout. Its patented design and special fabrics make it waterproof and very odor-resistant, as well as quick and easy to use.
UltraSport SeatShield is made with a durable backing that blocks sweat and water from your seat while the buttery soft microfiber top feels great on your skin when you sit on them in your running shorts, tennis attire or swimsuit.
The pouch at the top of the UltraSport SeatShield slips over the headrest and shoulders of the seat to hold it in place.
The bottom of the cover is loose and drapes over the seat. This allows it to fit any vehicle and makes it very quick to place and remove. When you are done, just throw it in the washer or fold and stow until your next messy adventure.
Fit-Towel car seat sweat cover is a slate grey universal fit microfiber seat protector with absorbent silicon that keeps your car seats comfortable, dry, and odor free. It does so by absorbing sweat and odor.
Features
The clean microfiber does not retain heat, but it remains cool on hot days.
Besides being bacteria-resistant, it is also machine washable.
It comes with adjustable cord clips that secure the car seat sweat protector in place. They fasten tightly, do not stick or tear easily, and are suitable for all seat types.
It is a universal fit for all seat models, whether your baby sweats in car seat or you do workout and has wide seat coverage.
Fit-Towel seat protector is backed with a Lifetime Quality Guarantee with a no questions asked refund policy.
Aries Automotive bucket seat cover is 100% waterproof and has a unique design that fits well while still allowing for side airbag deployment. This post workout car sat cover has a dual-sided universal design, and it is easy to clean.
Features
The underside is made from water resistant thermoplastic rubber (TRP), which is durable and provides comfort. It protects your car seats from damage that may be caused by dirt, sweat, spills, or pets.
It is easy to install and easily fits most bucket seats. Once installed, it fits securely on the headrest and assumes the shape of the seat.
Due to its fast clean up and folding, it can be easily kept clean and stored in small spaces in the vehicle when it is not needed.
It is available in bucket seats or bench seats style in black, grey, or brown colors.
If your ride with babies on board, you need a different kind of car seat cover to protect your baby and the car seat from the baby car seat. Click here to see our review of the best car seat protectors.
Eclipse car seat protector is a waterproof black with gray trim seat cover that fits well in cars, trucks, and SUVs. It is unique in its universal design, and it fits virtually any car model on the planet.
Features
Hailed as one of the best waterproof car seat covers with a premium feel, Eclipse offers maximum protection that shields car seats from sweat, spills, and stains.
This cover is easy to install.
And you can easily fold it and keep it safe when you are not using it.
The design is simple to slip on and off without the help of hooks, cords, or straps.
Eclipse also features a non-slip neoprene and it takes the shape of the seat, thus staying in place as you drive.
Seat Saver is one of the waterproof, stylish, and universal best seat covers to keep you cool that comes in a variety of colors at an incredibly low price. Because it is waterproof, Seat Saver can absorb sweat and odor to keep your car clean, dry and odor-less. It is easily removable for cleaning, air-drying, or storage when it is not in use.
Features
Seat Saver features a layer of PVC and polyester to ensure that it is not only waterproof but also comfortable to sit on.
It’s not a snuggly sweat cover, unlike TanYoo.
And it is best for users who engage in outdoor activities such as running, cycling, gym, or even surfing.
This seat cover comes in five colors: black, blue, beige, gray, and red.
CleanRide seat cover boasts for being bacteria resistant, easy to clean and completely waterproof. It is one of the cheapest and best car seat covers for athletes that protect car seats from sweat and disease causing bacteria.
Features
This seat cover comes in handy for outdoor activities such as workouts, triathlon training, obstacle course races, surfing, or spending time at the beach. This is because it is bacteria-resistant, odor-resistant, and 100% waterproof.
It is pleasantly lightweight and super compact, which makes it easy to install, remove, and store away in small car compartments.
It is also made from comfortable sweat-absorbent fabric that keeps the car dry and non-sticky. In addition, its non-slip backing ensures that it stays in place without shifting on the seat.
The high quality material does not leave ugly stains on the seats, even after months of use.
Dri Seats is a car seat covers for after working out that gives you the exact value for your money. It’s just known for its quality and durability. Many car owners love it because it is easy to install. Because this cover is water and dirt-proof, it ensures your car seats are free from sweat, spills, mud, and water.
Features
The design is non-slip, universal fit for standard front seats and 100% machine washable.
In addition, the cover does not scratch, stain, or discolor your seat even after extensive use.
This seat cover firmly stays in place and does not move or shift once installed, or when driving.
It is tough even in extreme conditions and therefore it is highly recommended for athletes. It works well on a variety of seat material such as leather or vinyl.
SkyRox 1PC seat cover fits perfectly in an SUV or truck ensuring that no longer have to worry about how to get sweat stains out of car seats. SkyRox makes its seat covers from premium neoprene that protects car seats from sweat, spills, stains, dirt, and messes made by pets or children.
Features
It is suitable for runners, gym users, swimmers, or surfers as it ensures the car seats stay dry and protected.
This seat protector is easy to install or remove. It can be rolled up and stored below seats or in the trunk when it is not in use.
It is made from non-slip quality material that ensures comfort without compromising on elegance.
With a universal design, it fits it fits both the front and back seats of most vehicles.
Black Sweat Towel stands out as an all-time car seat covers for sweaty runners. So, it is a great product for athletes and anyone who engages in outdoor activities like yoga, swimming, running, cycling, and many others.
Features
Black Seat Towel is custom made for people who sweat a lot from sport and workouts. The material used in design is comfortable, sweat-absorbent, bacteria-resistant non-slip, and machine washable.
This seat cover is particularly suitable for car seats for two reasons. First, it does not interfere with your car’s side airbags on the front seat. Second, it does not stain your car seats.
It can be quickly installed when needed and removed for storage when it is not in use. With an elastic strap, it can be rolled and tied in order to take minimal storage space.
Among the best car seat covers for runners, Neo-Crafts is a universal, waterproof, non-slip, and durable protector made from premium neoprene. It is waterproof and keeps the car seat free from stains, sweat, spills, and dirt. This protector gives your car that dry and clean look you want.
Features
It is a universal fit for almost any car model and comes with an adjustable headrest.
It is easy to install, remove, and clean (machine washable) and does not leaves any stains even on light-colored seats.
This product is totally risk free as Neo-Crafts allows any customer dissatisfied with the product to return it with no question asked 100% money back guarantee.
TanYoo makes a perfect anti sweat car seat cover. It’s a remarkably high quality non-slip and universal water resistant cover made from non-toxic, eco- friendly material. Because it is universal, you can use it on any car seat.
Features
TanYoo is one of the truly post workout car seat covers on the market today. In fact, it keeps your car seats in good condition by protecting them from sweat, drink spills, rain, and odor, especially after outdoor activities such as gym or running.
It is specially made with neoprene to fit most cars, trucks, and SUVs.
It is very easy to install and does not have cords or strips.
If you are looking for an after gym car seat cover with a headrest separate from the rest of the cover, and one that fits snugly without movement when driving , TanYoo is for you.
It leaves room for airbags as it is open on the sides
What they Don’t Like
It may not keep perfectly in place due to lack of cords/strips
Why you need a car seat sweat protector
Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t be in the car without a car seat sweat protector if you are into workouts and running.
To Protect Your Seats from Sweat
Sweat is a major contributor to the deterioration of cloth auto seats. It is easily absorbed by the cloth on your car seat and stays there for as long as you keep sweating on it. The contents of sweat include urea, carbs, protein, salts, butyric acid, urea, sebum, lactic acid, and ammonia. Salts are responsible for fading of seats and the annoying ring like appearances on seat cloths which compromise on decency.
To Preserve the Seats
The protective cover keeps your car seats intact and away from the external destructive agents such children, the sun, dust, and dirt. It also keeps them clean thus preventing regular clean ups that will result in tear and wear.
To Prevent Bacterial Growth
Automotive seat sweat covers prevent sweat from coming in contact with the seat material. Sweat creates a favorable condition for bacteria to thrive. It provides the warm and moist environment that is required by bacteria to flourish.
To Prevent Odors
Bacteria buildup is the reason behind those dreaded car odors. Sweat covers avert the growth of bacteria on your car seats by preventing contact of sweat with seat cloth.
Benefits of a car seat sweat protector
Style and Luxury
The numerous sweat cover designs allow you to pick the best style for you. The various collages and montages on the covers appeal to the varying tastes of people. This therefore brings out the stylish you to the world as you choose the style that complements you. Stylish covers also make users feel the luxury of using a quality accessory.
Protection from Bacterial Infections
Sweat covers prevent bacteria from building up on car seats. They act as inhibitors to bacterial prosperity by inhibiting the development of bacteria friendly environment. This in turn will protect the user from a slew of bacterial infections that will be costly to cure.
Aesthetic Value
Auto seat sweat covers are very beautiful and demonstrate exceptional artisanship. This makes them appealing to the eye. By choosing a sweat cover that compliments your car interior, you will be contributing towards making it more artistic and fantastic.
Allows You to Customize Your Car
There is an incredibly wide range of automotive sweat covers. This therefore ensures that you pick the most appropriate one for you and your car thereby delivering a personalized touch.
Waterproof
In case of accidental water spills or rain, sweat covers ensure that the water does not come into contact with the seat. They prevent water from getting absorbed into the seats thereby giving you ample time to act accordingly.
How to install a car seat sweat protector
Before we go to the steps, please have a look at the short video below
Take out the headrests
If your car seat covers come with specific headrest covers, slip them on. Skip this part if your car does not have the headrests.
Slide the cover around the seat back
The back of the seat sweat cover has two loops that enable you to slip it between the seat and the seat back. After doing this, use a hook to pull the loops from the front of the seat sweat cover beneath the seat.
Fasten the loops and hooks
Join the elastic loops with the provided S-hooks in order to comfortably fasten to your seat cover. Perchance your car seat cover is still loose, then it may be necessary to adjust the elastic straps length by tying them.
Put marks and cut headrest holes
Run your hand through the car seat cover to find holes holding your headrest. Using a marker, put a mark on each hole position and make a ¼” (quarter-inch) cut. Make sure that the cut is aligned parallel with the sides of your car. Doing this prevents the hole enlarging as passengers get seated or get up.
Return your headrests
Slide the headrests through these holes you have made in the seat covers and firmly fasten them into position.
Safety concerns with car seat sweat covers
Besides having a string of benefits to automotive owners, a number of safety issues concerning car seat sweat covers have been raised. These include but are not limited to the following:
Seat covers especially those made from heavy neoprene are difficult to set up, clean and dry, thus they get bacteria ridden and smelly after a few uses.
In addition, they retain heat, and they get very hot when the car is exposed to the sun, and leave behind a sticky substance on the seat. This promotes growth of harmful bacteria.
The impermeable nature of neoprene hinders the skin from breathing well thereby resulting in excessive sweating.
During cold temperatures, sweat covers made from leather tend to get very chilly which can exacerbate some respiratory infections.
On hot days, leather made car seat covers can cause burns to those wearing little to less clothing.
Sunlight and humidity can cause someone to sweat and in turn, the sweat gets stuck on the leather.
Seat covers made from leather develop smelly molds when they are exposed to water. This in turn provides a breeding zone for disease agents.
Some seat covers do not fit well and may slip off frequently when driving thus creating distractions that may be fatal.
Conclusion
The best car seat sweat protector shields your vehicle’s seat upholstery from sweat, filth, odors, and other types of stains. The car seat cover can be either washable or single use, but they all mean that you won’t have to take your car for regular vacuum cleaning.