Viewed : 10,101 times
If you find a stain on your car seat, you can save money by cleaning it yourself. Here are five common everyday stains and how to get rid of them.
Category: Car Maintenance Advice
![]() |
As much as we try to keep our car as close to showroom condition as possible, we are bound to face some mishaps that leave an ugly mark on the car's upholstery.
When dealing with stains, speed is key. The longer you leave it there, the harder it is to clean. But fret not, here are some tips for tackling the stubborn stains on your car seats.
Pen and ink stains
All it takes is for one uncapped pen cap or an unsupervised child to make their mark on your car seat.
When this happens, get your hands on some cotton pads and isopropyl alcohol and follow the steps below.
- Use a cotton pad and soak it with 70% isopropyl alcohol (you can buy it off the shelf at your local pharmacists)
- Dab the inked spot with moderate pressure. This allows the alcohol to penetrate the depth of the stain
- The effect on the ink should be immediate
- Absorb the ink with a dry cotton pad
- Repeat the process until all the stains disappear
- Finish with a dry-cleaning solution and dab using a towel to wipe it off. Air dry
Food and drink stains
Food and drink stains are inevitable if you allow your passengers (or you) to eat in the car.
When such mishaps happen, dilute the stain with cold water. Gently dab away the excess water with a clean cloth or paper towel. Wait for the area to dry and repeat until it removes the stain.
If the food stains are too stubborn (sauces or wine for example), try either of these for a more powerful removal method.
- Dry cleaning solutions or stain removal products - Remember to do a spot check before you apply on the full stain
- Dishwashing liquid - In a spray bottle, mix one tablespoon dishwashing liquid and two cups of cold water. Use a clean towel and dab at the stain. Wait for the area to dry and repeat if necessary.
Grease stains
Perhaps you were dealing with a leaky petrol cap or transported some grease into your car from an oily carpark. Regardless, start by loosening the dirt on the stain with either a vacuum, steam cleaner or horsehair brush.
Follow up with a generous amount of baking soda on the affected area. Leave it for 10 minutes or until it is dry and use a vacuum to suck up the baking soda. Repeat if necessary.
When the grease disappears, spray a dry-cleaning solution onto the stain and the area around it. Wipe off the excess with a towel and allow the car seat to dry.