Having clean car seats is about more than just keeping appearances. Clean car seats help prevent unpleasant odors, remove bacteria and other allergens, and improve the resale value of your car. Plus, you’re just more likely to enjoy a comfortable ride if your cabin is nice and clean. Because of this, it’s always best to keep your car upholstery clean, and that starts with getting rid of any grease stains that can damage the fabric.
Car seat stain removal can take a lot of time and effort, but using the right tools can make the whole process a lot easier. Here’s a list of things you’ll need to remove grease from your car seats:
Preparing these tools before you start cleaning can save you a lot of time later on.
When grease dries up, it can be a lot harder to get rid of. Here are helpful tips on how to get dried grease stains out of car seats:
To remove stains in your car seats, start by scraping off the dried grease with a putty knife, scraper, or blunt object. Use a gentle hand to avoid accidentally damaging the upholstery.
You can also apply WD-40 to the stain. This should help break down the stain, making it easier to scrub off.
Apply dish soap on a clean towel, and gently dab it on the stain. Keep going until the upholstery absorbs the soap.
You can also try using a commercial car seat stain remover that’s specifically formulated to remove grease from car upholstery. These cleaners are available in most auto shops.
Grab one of your old toothbrushes, and use it to gently scrub the stain in circular motions.
Blotting the grease with a paper towel is an important step in removing car seat stains. Rinse the upholstery with water and then use a clean paper towel to press on the stain. Keep blotting the fabric until most of the soap, water, and grease is gone.
The faster you get to work, the easier it is to remove stains from your car upholstery. Here are tips on how to remove fresh grease from your car seats:
To avoid spreading the grease over the upholstery, use a clean paper towel to blot away any excess.
Sodium bicarbonate such as baking soda or talcum powder can soak up the oil. After sprinkling it on the stain, you’ll have to let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, get rid of the powder using a vacuum cleaner. You should be left with a clean surface, but if there’s still leftover grease, you’ll have to apply some more baking soda and repeat the process.
If baking soda doesn’t work, try a commercial dry cleaning solvent. Dry cleaning solvents are great for getting rid of stubborn stains. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.
You can use a degreaser if you already have one in your garage. A degreaser is specifically formulated to break down oil, making it a common solution for grease stains. Read the instructions on the packaging, and make sure to follow each step.
Steaming the fabric can open up its pores and release the trapped oil. If you don’t have a steamer, you can always use a hot clothing iron with a brown paper bag over it. The hot air from the iron will turn into steam, and the paper bag will catch any extra oil.
After all that scrubbing and steaming, don’t forget to dry the fabric with a clean cloth, fan, or hair dryer.
Save yourself from the hassle of cleaning stains by taking extra measures to avoid getting grease all over your car seats. Here are some tips that will help prevent future stains:
If you’re transporting a bicycle in your backseat, don’t forget to use a bike cover. A bike cover will not only protect your bike but also keep the dirty wheels and chains from staining your upholstery.
Consider wearing work gloves when working on your vehicle or bike. Doing so means you’re less likely to get grease on your hands that you can accidentally transfer to your car seats.
After working on your car, don’t forget to wash your hands. It’s best to do so with soap and water, but car wipes can also get the job done if you’re in a hurry.
It’s easy to forget about takeout boxes when you’re on the go, but oily food can stain your car seats just as much as bike grease. Before leaving your car, always double-check to make sure you aren’t leaving any food behind.
If you don’t have a commercial cleaning solution on hand, check your kitchen. Chances are you already have an ingredient that you can use to make a homemade cleaning solution. Here are some examples:
The same soap you use to clean your dishes can also be used to get grease stains out of your car seats. Using a generous amount of dish soap and warm water can go a long way in removing grease from upholstery.
Instead of dish soap, you can opt to use white vinegar. Applying vinegar to the stain and letting it sit for a few minutes can effectively break down the oils and make it easier to scrub the grease.
Like vinegar, baking soda can help break down the grease, making it easier to remove. All you have to do is sprinkle a generous amount over the stain, let it sit for a while, and then scrub it with warm water.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.