How Do I Remove Stains from My Car Seats? – Clean & Remove Stains to Refresh Your Car Seat

Common stains found on car seats can range from the everyday spills of food and drinks to more stubborn stains like ink, grease, and even bodily fluids. The type of stain often dictates the approach needed for removal. Here’s a breakdown of some common stains and general tips on how to tackle them, with advice at the end on how to protect your car seats from stains using our very own products:

Common stains found on car seats & upholstery?

Liquid Stain

Liquid spills are among the most frequent culprits, including water, coffee, soda, and juice. These can leave noticeable marks, especially on fabric seats. The key is to act quickly to blot up as much of the spill as possible before it sets. For fizzy drinks, which can be particularly challenging due to their colouring and sugar content, a commercial upholstery cleaner or a homemade solution of water, vinegar, and dish soap can be effective.

Food Stain

Food spills, whether greasy or non-greasy, require prompt attention. Greasy stains, such as those from fast food or oily snacks, may need a solvent-based upholstery cleaner for effective removal. Non-greasy stains, like those from fruits or condiments, can often be addressed with a hydrogen peroxide and water solution or mild soap and water.

Ink Stain

Ink from pens or markers is another common issue, particularly in vehicles frequently used by families with children. These stains can be tough and might require alcohol-based solutions or specialized ink removers. It’s important to dab rather than rub to avoid spreading the ink.

Mould and Mildew Stain

Cars that aren’t aired out regularly, especially in humid climates, can develop mould and mildew stains. These not only look bad but can also produce a musty odour. Cleaning solutions with peroxide or citrus-based cleaners can help remove these stains and the associated smells.

Bodily Fluids

Stains from blood, vomit, urine, or faeces are particularly unpleasant and require immediate attention. Enzymatic cleaners or a mixture of baking soda and water can help break down these organic stains and mitigate odours.

Step-by-step guide to clean and remove a stain from a car seat and upholstery

Removing stains from car seats requires different approaches depending on the material of the seats: fabric, leather, or vinyl. Here’s a comprehensive guide to tackle stains on each type of car seat material.

Remove stains from fabric car seat

1. Vacuum the Upholstery: Start by vacuuming the seats thoroughly to remove any loose dirt and debris.
2. Baking Soda Solution: For general stains, mix a quarter cup of baking soda with warm water to create a paste. Apply this to the stain with a toothbrush in circular motions. Let it sit for 30 minutes for tough stains before scrubbing and wiping off.
3. Laundry Detergent: Mix liquid or powdered detergent with warm water. Apply to the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub lightly with a cloth. Rinse with a cloth dipped in cold water and let air dry.
4. Club Soda: Spray club soda directly onto the stain and scrub with a soft brush. Wipe clean with a towel and let dry.
5. Steam Cleaning: For deep cleaning, steam cleaning is highly effective. It uses hot water to loosen grime, which is then vacuumed up.
6. Vinegar Solution: Mix water and vinegar in equal parts and apply to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before blotting with a clean cloth.

Remove stains from leather car seat

1. Vacuum: Carefully vacuum the seats to remove any loose particles.
2. Olive Oil and Vinegar: Mix 1/2 cup of olive oil with 1/4 cup of vinegar in a spray bottle. Spritz on the seat, let sit for five minutes, and wipe clean.
3. Commercial Leather Cleaner: Use a pH-balanced cleaner designed for leather. Follow the product instructions for application.
4. Rubbing Alcohol: For stubborn stains, dab rubbing alcohol on the stain and gently wipe away.
5. Conditioning: After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to keep the seats supple and prevent future stains.

Remove stains from vinyl car seat

1. Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with a few drops of water and dish soap. Apply, let sit, then scrub gently.
2. Bleach Mixture: For tough stains, a diluted bleach solution (1:1 with water) can be effective. Test on an inconspicuous area first.
3. Ammonia Mixture: Combine ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and water for another cleaning solution. Apply with a soft brush or cloth.
4. Commercial Vinyl Cleaner: Use a product specifically designed for vinyl seats, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

General stain removal tips

• Always test a cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the material.
• For all types of seats, letting the car air dry with windows down after cleaning helps prevent mildew and removes any lingering odours.
• Regular maintenance, such as vacuuming and wiping down seats with appropriate cleaners, can prevent stains from setting in.

By following these methods, you can effectively remove stains from car seats, regardless of the material. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific care instructions for your car seats.

Natural cleaning solutions to clean and refresh your car seats

Fabric Car Seats

1. Baking Soda and Water: Create a paste with baking soda and water to treat general stains. Apply with a toothbrush and let it sit before scrubbing off.
2. Vinegar Solution: Mix vinegar with water and a few squirts of dish detergent in a spray bottle. This solution can help remove stains and odours.
3. Club Soda: Spray club soda directly on stains and scrub with a brush. It’s effective for lifting stains due to its carbonation.

Leather Car Seats

1. Vinegar and Olive Oil: Mix vinegar and olive oil for a natural leather cleaning solution. Spray on the seats, let it sit, and wipe clean.
2. Linseed Oil and Vinegar: Combine linseed oil and vinegar for an all-purpose leather cleaner. Apply and wipe after a few minutes to break down grime.
3. Rubbing Alcohol: For tough stains, rubbing alcohol can be used to blot stains out of leather seats.

Vinyl Car Seats

Natural cleaning solutions for vinyl seats are not explicitly detailed in the search results, but a gentle mixture of vinegar and water can be used for many types of surfaces and may be suitable for vinyl as well.

Tips for removing stains from suede or velvet car seats

Suede and velvet car seats require special care when it comes to stain removal due to their delicate nature. Here are some tips to help you remove stains from these types of car seats:

Removing stains from suede car seats

1. Vacuum First: Always start by vacuuming the seats to remove any loose dirt and debris.
2. Use a Suede Brush: Employ a suede brush to gently lift the nap and remove surface-level dirt.
3. Diluted All-Purpose Cleaner: Apply a diluted all-purpose cleaner (10:1 ratio) to the affected area and gently agitate with a boar’s hair detailing brush, then blot with a microfiber towel.
4. Rubbing Alcohol for Stubborn Stains: For more stubborn stains, dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently blot the stain. Avoid excessive rubbing to prevent damage.
5. Suede Cleaner: Use a mild suede cleaner mixed with distilled water for general cleaning and stain removal. Apply with a soft cloth and gently dab the stain.
6. Professional Help: If stains persist, consider seeking professional cleaning services to avoid damaging the suede.

Removing stains from velvet car seats

1. Dry Cleaning Solvent: Treat stains with a dry cleaning solvent applied to a clean rag and blot the stain until it lifts.
2. Mild Dish Soap and Water: Use a sponge to apply suds from a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water, working in the direction of the nap.
3. Blot Dry: After cleaning, blot the seats with a clean, dry rag to remove any moisture and avoid rubbing the fabric.
4. Brush the Nap: Once dry, use a soft brush, like a baby’s hairbrush, to restore the nap of the velvet.

General stain removal tips

• Test First: Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t cause discolouration or damage.
• Avoid Water: Both suede and velvet can be damaged by water, so use as little moisture as possible and ensure the seats are completely dry afterward.
• Gentle Techniques: Use gentle motions to avoid damaging the delicate fibers of suede and velvet.
• Regular Maintenance: Regular brushing and vacuuming can prevent dirt from becoming embedded and reduce the need for stain removal.

By following these tips and using the appropriate techniques for the material of your car seats, you can effectively remove stains while preserving the quality and appearance of your suede or velvet upholstery.

How to maintain a stain-free appearance on leather and fabric car seats

The best form of protection is prevention, and with the Wax is Dead range of textile nano-coating protecting sprays, keeping your car seats stain-free is now a breeze. At Wax is Dead we have created 2 protectants called Fabric and Skin. Fabric is perfect for protecting all kinds of fabric, including car seats and even fabrics around the home. Skin is our specially formulated leather nano-coating that protects real and faux leather.

For Fabric Car Seats: Wax is Dead Fabric

1. Ensure the Fabric is Clean and Dry: Before applying “Wax is Dead Fabric,” make sure the car seats are thoroughly cleaned and completely dry. This ensures the nano-coating adheres properly to the fabric.
2. Apply the Coating: Spray “Wax is Dead Fabric” evenly over the area you wish to protect. This product is designed to repel dirt, stains, grease, and liquids, making it ideal for protecting car seats from common contaminants.
3. Spread Evenly: If any droplets form during the application, lightly rub them in with a soft, clean cloth to ensure even coverage.
4. Apply a Second Coat: For maximum protection, once the first coat is touch dry, apply a second coat. This ensures a more durable barrier against stains and liquids.
5. Curing Time: Allow 12 hours for the treated area to fully cure. This curing process is crucial for the nano-coating to establish a strong, protective layer on the fabric.

For Leather Car Seats: Wax is Dead Skin

1. Clean the Leather: Start with clean, dry leather surfaces. Any dirt or oils present on the leather can hinder the effectiveness of the “Wax is Dead Skin” coating.
2. Spray Application: “Wax is Dead Skin” is a sprayable leather nano-coating. Apply it directly to the leather seats, ensuring even coverage. This product is designed to nourish and protect leather, helping it resist wear and tear.
3. Wipe and Buff: After spraying, let the product sit for a few minutes, then gently wipe the surface with a clean, dry cloth. This helps in removing any excess product and ensures the coating bonds well with the leather.
4. Allow to Dry: Ensure the product is fully dry before using the seats. This might take a few hours, depending on the ambient temperature and humidity.

General tips for both products

• Test First: Always perform a spot test in an inconspicuous area to ensure the product does not adversely affect the material of your car seats.
• Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes and to aid in the drying process.
• Regular Maintenance: While these products provide long-lasting protection, regular cleaning and maintenance of your car seats are still recommended to keep them in the best condition.

By following these steps, you can effectively use “Wax is Dead Fabric” for fabric car seats and “Wax is Dead Skin” for leather car seats, providing them with a durable layer of protection against stains, UV fading, and wear

How long does the protection from Wax is Dead fabric or skin last on car seats

The protection duration for “Wax is Dead Fabric” on car seats can last up to 36 months, providing a long-lasting nano-coating that repels dirt, stains, grease, and liquids, as well as protecting against UV fading and discoloration. For “Wax is Dead Skin,” which is used on leather surfaces, the product offers up to 12 months of protection. It’s important to follow the application instructions carefully to ensure maximum effectiveness and longevity of the protection.