Time to clean those tough car seat stains, here’s how

Car owners, especially the more cleanliness freak, often get worried whenever something gets spilled inside. car. And if by chance you are one of them and a similar incident has taken place then "how to remove stains from car seats" must be the top of your Google search and it is the reason you have landed here.

Whether it's coffee stains, spillled yogurt a child wiped on the seat, or gum that someone notoriously stuck under the seat; there is a solution.

You can remove stains and unpleasant odors from the car with a little bit of DIY. As for the larger stains, we’d say save them for the professionals. Here we will show you some simple and cheap ways to remove stains from the upholstery.

How to remove stains from car fabric seats

Stains and spills on your car are not good to look at and can even damage the upholstery. We’d say don't waste time, because the odor will stick around and the stain will be difficult to remove. Try these simple yet practical tips to remove small stains from your car seats.

1. Clean the car first

The first thing to do is vacuum the car. Attach a stiff brush to the vacuum cleaner and remove dirt, debris, food, and other foreign objects.

2. Soda

Did you know that club soda isn't just used to make cocktails? It is even a powerful cleaning solution that can help clean fabric seats. Also known as sparkling water, club soda contains potassium bicarbonate and potassium citrate, two minerals that can work wonders on car seats. Club Soda works best for cleaning small stains and is not advanced cleaning.

Steps -

• Open and pour club soda into a spray bottle
  Spray the solution onto the spot on the car seat fabric
• Use a gentle brush and scrub the fabric to loosen dirt
• Finally, wipe off the soda and remaining moisture with a clean towel

3. Use vinegar

Vinegar is a versatile solution that can help you remove stains from car seats. It costs less than professional interior cleaning products but still delivers almost the same results.

Steps -

• Make a cleaning solution by mixing 1 gallon of hot water with 1 cup of vinegar
• Add a little dishwashing liquid to the mixture
• Next, pour a few drops of vinegar solution onto the affected fabric and let the mixture penetrate directly into the fabric
• To remove soap residue, pour warm water over the affected area and wipe away moisture with a clean microfiber towel
• Scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush and watch the stain disappear

4. Use baking soda

Do you have a nasty stain that won't fade? Try using baking soda, an inexpensive but effective cleaner, and deodorizer which you can get easily at your nearby local store.

Steps

• Pour 1/4 cup baking soda into a bowl and mix with warm water
• Apply the solution to the stained area and use an old paintbrush to sweep in a circular motion, making sure the bristles remove the stain

For more stubborn stains, let the solution stay on the stain for 30 minutes, then try scrubbing it off. Dampen a clean cloth and wipe off any residue.

5. Detergent

Two types of detergents can be used to remove stains from the car seats: powdered detergent or liquid detergent.

Steps

• Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing the preferred detergent type with warm water in a bucket
• Pour a little solution directly onto the stain and let it sit
• Avoid pouring large amounts, as it will wet the car seat completely
• Next, use a cloth to rub the target area, do not forget to apply more pressure to the stain
• Once the stain is gone, dampen a second cloth with cold water, then wipe off any residue from surface
• Open the car windows and let the seats dry naturally

6. Use a professional car seat cleaning agents

We know you can make a mixture, but a better option is to go to your nearest store and buy some car upholstery cleaner.

Open the car cleaner pack, then apply the solution to the fabric according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not apply more than necessary. Let the cleaner sit on the car seat fabric for at least five minutes, then use a damp cloth to wipe the stained area. Pour the required amount of detergent until the stain disappears. If the stain doesn't go away, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the area. Rinse the area with warm water to remove residue, then gently press a dry towel or cloth onto the surface. Make sure to open the windows and leave them open for an hour before getting in the car.

7. Steam cleaning

If you haven't had any luck cleaning your car seats, it's time to use a formidable weapon, the steam cleaner.

Steaming is a very effective cleaning technique and can remove any stubborn stains and odors. How does it work? The steamer blows hot water onto the fabric and uses suction to lift the stain. If a steamer is too expensive for you, try using a brush. Open the car windows to let fresh air in when you're done.

Bottom line

Removing stains from your car seats isn't as difficult as you might think. With the right solution, stains and odors can be removed.

Also Read: Car dashboard warning lights: Know them before it is late