Removing Stains from Cloth Upholstery

People on the go use their cars as mobile living rooms and dining rooms, meaning that all kinds of substances get spilled onto the seats.

Chances are, this has happened to you, and no doubt you wondered what to do about it. What cleaning product should you use? How do you go about using it? Once you learn how to clean your car upholstery, you'll be more at ease when these things happen.

Here are some simple tips for handling common spills and stains to help you learn how to clean your car upholstery to your satisfaction. These techniques are for cleaning cloth upholstery; other methods are needed for leather.

Liquids: First, blot up the spill as quickly as possible, using cloth or paper towels to absorb all excess liquid. Next, apply an upholstery cleaner, which you can buy at any auto parts store, in accordance with the directions. Generally, you spray a small amount on the spill, wait a few minutes, and then use an old toothbrush to scrub the stain. Last, dry the area with a clean cloth. Repeat this process until you can no longer see a stain and the drying cloth shows no color. For a small stain, try using shaving cream.

Ink stains: Don’t rub the stain! This would only smear the ink and enlarge the stain. Carefully blot the stain first to remove excess ink, then spray on a small amount of hair spray and let the stain sit for a few minutes. Then wipe the stain with clean, dry towels. Repeat this process as needed, but use only the minimum amount of cleaner necessary. Change the wiping cloths frequently to prevent soiling the material again. You can also try rubbing alcohol on ink stains. Dip a cotton swab into the alcohol and apply it only to the ink-stained area, then wipe it with a clean cloth as above. Lipstick stains may be removed by gentle rubbing with a white, non-gel toothpaste and wiping the area clean with a damp cloth.

Battery acid stains: Make a paste of baking soda and water and rub it into the spot immediately. Leave this paste on for about two hours, then wipe it off with a damp cloth. Repeat this process if any stain remains. Any residue can be cleaned up with a commercial upholstery cleaner, or you can make your own cleaner. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent in a quart of warm water and beat it with a mixer until you have lots of suds. Use only the suds to clean the upholstery. Apply the suds to a small area at a time. Overlap areas to prevent spotting and change the rinse water frequently to keep it clean. Let the area dry thoroughly.

Gasoline stains: Mix one teaspoon each of vinegar and mild dish detergent in a quart of warm water. The vinegar will remove the gasoline odor and the detergent will do the cleaning. Apply this mixture and then let the area dry. If there is any spotting, repeat the process. If this doesn’t work, try a dry cleaning solvent.

Crayon marks: First, scrape off any excess crayon with a dull knife or spoon. Spray the area with WD-40 and let it stand a few minutes. Work on the stain with a small, stiff-bristled brush, then wipe the area with paper towels. Spray the area again with WD-40 and then apply liquid dishwashing detergent. Use the brush to work this material in and then wipe the stain with a damp sponge. If necessary, repeat this process.

Mold, mildew, and odor: Use products containing peroxide and detergents to restore your upholstery. These products will remove the stain and eliminate the odor. You can also spray a citrus cleaner on the soiled area, waiting about five minutes for it to soak in. Then blot the area with a dry, absorbent cloth, pressing firmly for about 30 seconds without rubbing. Repeat the blotting process until the area is dry. Repeat the entire process if the stain or odor persists. Another alternative is to make a cleaning mixture combining 1/4 teaspoon of color-safe bleach and 1/4 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Apply with a clean cloth, gently rubbing the stain until it is gone. Last, rinse the area with clean, warm water and dry it thoroughly.

Keeping your car upholstery clean will not only make it look better, but last longer, too. Attractive upholstery also helps maintain the value of your car. If your car upholstery is too stained or damaged for cleaning to do any good, you can buy replacement seat covers. Sizes are available for most cars and trucks. If you know how to clean car upholstery and you stay on top of it, you won’t have to go to the expense of buying replacements. Your car’s interior will look like it just came from the showroom.