Can I throw the factory seat covers in the washing machine with a mild detergent like Woolite & let them air dry?

 

Yes, you can do it with no problems.

 

The upholstery shop I go to recommended that I do that exact thing.

 

Here's my 79 seat covers, the ones one the seat haven't been cleaned.

 

That's great. I removed my rear seats, and am in the process of taking the covers off (what a pain those metal pieces are! LOL). Then I have to clean 23 years of junk from under where the seats were.

 

It will also partially remove that nasty old car smell !

I did the same with light gray rear seats bottoms from a 1991 Firebird, the improvement was huge ! The velour fabric has some shine when it's cleaned, with time it gets dull and dark.

 

It was quite rank when I bought it! It smelled nice once I cleaned the car out. Then I removed the rear seats, and there was the smell again.