The only thing I've found that works is to the entire seat. Same issue with the headliner in both the HHR and my GMC Sierra.

Tuff Stuff works, but only if you do the entire "panel".

Snoopy, I never even thought of that. Scotchgard makes water bead up and roll off unless the cloth gets drenched. That could work.

 

When we first got our HHR the dealer did a professional detail job on the whole thing which included scotch guard on the whole interior.

It might have helped but the next summer I had to redo the whole interior again because stuff had been spilled and what not.

When I did the head liner it left streaks from the upholstery tool on my carpet machine but in a week or so I took a hair brush to it and they went away.

 

I have never cleaned my whole interior but I have cleaned spots from the seats. I have used 'Resolve' a commonly available fabric cleaner with total success.

 

Update... I'm having good luck with the TUFF STUFF as hurst2001 (Chicago) said... and like he said you have to follow the direction, spray on, give it a minute, brush it lightly, then wipe with clean towels. You'll see the dirt (brown) come off on the towel. Keep wiping with the clean part of the towel. May have to let it dry and redo it again on dark stains. Once clean I will use a Scotchguard type product like Snoopy suggest. But I feel the answer for the long run is to use seat covers. Has anyone found a set of good ones to use, especially on the rear bench seat set up. Thanks for the input... now on to the floor mats, any one have a product other than the Scotchguard for bad stains on the floor mats? Something HD, I'll check with an upholstery supply also, I just remembered that I got a contact at a local place.

 

I used ProSolve carpet cleaner, two applications and darted with with my wet vacuum.