What if the inside of your car was ruined in a single moment?
That’s what it can feel like after you spill something in your car. No matter how beautiful the interior was before, you now have to deal with a nasty, ugly stain on your seat.
Here’s some good news, though: You can make the interior of your car as good as new. And aside from a good car insurance policy, a clean interior is one of the best ways you can preserve the value of your vehicle.
How can you remove stains from different kinds of car seats? Keep reading to discover the answers!
Can You Get Old Stains Out of Cars?
It is possible to get even the oldest stains out of your car. There are different methods that can help remove certain kinds of stains from certain kinds of materials.
Ever notice how many people have unpleasant, stained car interiors? This is often because they think there is no way to clean their seats. Alternatively, they may think that only a professional cleaner can handle the job.
The good news is that, in most cases, you can clean the car interior yourself without paying for a professional’s help. It’s even possible to clean old smoky smells from the vehicle. You just need the right materials and the willingness to apply a bit of elbow grease.
Always Vacuum Before Cleaning
Our guide is going to cover how to get different kinds of grime and dirt out of different types of car seats. No matter what you are cleaning, though, one golden rule applies: You should always vacuum before you start to clean!
If they are being honest, most drivers will admit their cars could use a good vacuuming. In addition to making the rest of the interior look and feel that much cleaner, vacuuming the surface also removes unwanted dirt, crumbs, and other debris.
What happens if you don’t vacuum before cleaning? In short, you run the risk of rubbing any of the grime you discover back into the material once you start cleaning. Needless to say, rubbing more filth in when you’re trying to get the filth out is never a good idea!
How to Get Water Stains Out of Car Seats
One of the most common vehicle stains comes from water. Now, a stray drop here and there will dry on its own without leaving a mark. Nevertheless, if you have a leather interior, a larger spill (such as from a spilled water bottle) can change your seats from their original color.
The rest of our guide has more specific info on how to get peskier stains out of leather, but for simple water spills, all you have to do is mix room-temperature water with a bit of vinegar. Once you soak a rag in your solution and wring it out, you can rub outward from the stain to the seams. All that’s left is to wipe everything down with a dry cloth and then let the upholstery dry naturally. If any stain still lingers, some fast-drying leather conditioner will help clean it up.
How to Get Stains Out of Cloth Car Seats
If you have a cloth interior that has stains, there are several methods that can help remove them. With a bit of trial and error, you can discover the method that works best for you.
The first method is to simply spray club soda onto the affected area. After that, you can use a brush to scrub the spot out of existence and then clean everything up with a fresh towel.
The second method is to mix 1/4 cup of baking soda and warm water. Put a small amount of this onto the affected area and then use a brush to scrub it away. For really dirty grime, you may need to let the solution sit on the stain for about half an hour before you start scrubbing.
The third method involves mixing a few droplets of dish soap and a cup of vinegar with a gallon of hot water. Gently dab some of your solution onto the affected area, brush out the stain, and then rinse your seat off with clean water.
The final method involves mixing laundry detergent with hot water. You can then use some of this solution to dampen your stain. Afterward, a towel soaked in cold water and then wrung out can be used to scrub out the stain.
How to Get Stains Out of Leather Car Seats
Have something worse than a water stain on leather? Don’t worry … the techniques below can help you get those seats as good as new.
The first method is to dip a cotton ball into either nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. Simple blotting should help you lift the grim that was entrenched in the seats, and you can then finish cleaning by using a bit of warm water and dish soap.
The second method, and a very unconventional one, involves placing a small amount of non-gel toothpaste on the affected area. After that, a clean toothbrush can help scrub the dirtiness out of your car for good.
The third method only works on lighter-colored leather. It involves mixing equal amounts of cream of tartar and lemon juice until you have a paste. Put that paste on the stain and let it sit for about half an hour before wiping it and the stain away with a dampened sponge.
Finally, the dish soap/vinegar/hot water combination we described for cleaning cloth material works wonders on leather seats as well! Once the stains are gone and the car is as good as new, use an air freshener to celebrate.
Protect Your Car from More than Stains with Affordable Auto Insurance
Now you know how to get stains out of your car seats, but do you know who else can help you keep your car looking and running its best?
Here at Freeway Insurance, we specialize in taking care of cars just like yours. To see the difference Freeway can make, get your free quote now or call us at 800-777-5620 for more information.
