February 2008
Got car upholstery stains?
Here’s how to get rid of them
Staff member Pat Slaven, a chemical engineer with a master's degree in textile science, tells you how to clean up any mess
like a pro.
If your seats are cloth
If your seats are leather
If your seats are cloth
- Gently blot the stain with a damp towel dabbed with some carpet shampoo or upholstery cleaner. Work inward from the stain's outside edge to avoid spreading it.
- For tougher stains, try a handheld hot water or steam extractor. Buy one at Target or Sears, or rent one from RugDoctor.
If your seats are leather
- Immediately blot the stain with a cloth or paper towel to keep it from setting.
- Try using a leather cleaner.
- If that doesn’t work, hire a pro. Look in the Yellow Pages under "car detailer."
- Consider buying seat covers, especially if spills are a regular occurrence.
