What are some clever tips for dealing with wet car seats from rain?

[McReagan]

If the car seats have seat covers, remove them immediately because the covers are not breathable, and wet seats will not dry easily. For leather seats, simply wipe them clean with a dry towel. You can also turn on the car's heater to raise the temperature inside the cabin and help dry the wet car seats.

[McDallas]

Last time I helped my neighbor with this issue, for wet leather seats, you should immediately use a dry towel to repeatedly press and absorb the water, avoiding any back-and-forth rubbing. Open the windows for ventilation and turn the car's heater to the maximum setting, directing the airflow towards the footwell area. Using desiccants can enhance the drying effect. Remember not to use a hairdryer's hot air to blow directly on the leather surface at close range, as high temperatures can cause the leather to harden and crack. I once tried placing bamboo charcoal bags under the seats to absorb moisture, and they dried out completely in just two or three days, also helping to eliminate odors. On sunny days, it's best to open all the car doors and let it air out for half an hour, as UV rays naturally disinfect. After the leather seats are completely dry, don't forget to apply some leather conditioner—just like applying moisturizer after washing your face.

[DaisyFitz]

I always keep a microfiber towel in my car, which comes in handy especially on rainy days. When the seats get wet, I immediately use it to absorb the surface water, paying special attention to the seams where water tends to accumulate. At home, I take out the used dehumidifier boxes from my daughter's room, open them up, and pour the contents into a paper bowl to place on the car seats. Starting the car and turning on the external circulation with the defogging mode on the air conditioner can remove a lot of moisture in just over ten minutes. For fabric seats, I use the water-absorbing function of a vacuum cleaner, which dries them twice as fast as air drying naturally. Stuffing a few sheets of kitchen paper into the seat gaps can prevent water from accumulating, making the seats dry by the next day. Leaving the windows slightly open usually also helps avoid trapping moisture inside the car.