How to Get Stains Out of Car Upholstery

With busier lifestyles, more people use their cars as an extension of home. Meals are eaten, makeup is applied and work is done on the upholstered seats of vehicles everywhere. All of this activity means the likelihood of spilled food, smeared cosmetics and myriad other stains greatly increases. When it comes time to sell a car, the condition of its upholstery can have quite an effect on the asking price. Clean those stains now before they become permanent.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum Rubbing alcohol Clean white cloths Liquid dishwashing detergent Glass cleaner

Instructions

1. Vacuum the upholstery. Vacuuming may remove part of the stain, especially if it is caused by spilled food or other crumbly items. Removing dust and dirt from the upholstery will help get rid of other stains as well, since the dirt traps oily stains.

2. Remove an ink stain from a car's upholstery by dipping a clean white cloth into rubbing alcohol. Blot the cloth onto the stain several times. As the ink transfers to the cloth, dampen another area of the cloth with alcohol and continue blotting. Do not rub the stain with the cloth, as this will only grind it in more.

3. Clean up greasy food stains. Mix a teaspoon of dishwashing soap with a cup of warm water. Dip a clean cloth into the water and blot the stain. Dip another cloth into clean warm water and blot away the soap and grease. Repeat as needed.

4. Mix a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and a teaspoon of vinegar into a quart of warm water to clean up a gasoline stain. Dab the mixture onto the stain and allow it to air dry. It may take several applications to remove the stain.

5. Saturate a coffee spill with clean cool water. Allow the water to dry completely. Soak the remaining stain with glass cleaner and allow to stand for five minutes. Blot the cleaner dry with a clean white cloth.

Resources

• Learn How to Clean Anything