Ugh.. car seat stains are the worst. Especially if you have cloth seats. Is it a coffee stain that happened during your morning commute when you hit the bump? Or, is it the ice cream that melted and dripped all over when you took a detour on a hot day? Or perhaps mud from your daughters soccer cleats after the game on Saturday… Whatever may be the reason for the stains, we have some useful tips on getting your car seats looking new again:)
How do you get tough stains out of car seats
Let’s get started with these tips to clean car seat stains:
Don’t Delay
Always keep in mind, that it is important to treat the stain as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the tougher the stain will be to remove. If the stain is fresh, you can try blotting it with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the spill as possible.
Identify what kind of material your car seat made of
You will need to identify what kind of material your car seat is made out of. This will determine what cleaning solution you should use so that you don’t damage the seat. If you are not sure, it is always best to err on the side of caution and test the solution in an inconspicuous spot first.
If your car seat is made of leather, you will want to use mild soap and water to clean it. You can also use a leather cleaner if you have one on hand. Be sure to wipe down the seat afterward with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue.
If your car seat is made of fabric, you will want to use mild detergent and water to clean it. You can also use a carpet cleaner if you have one on hand. Be sure to test the solution in an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it won’t damage the fabric.
Start Cleaning
To start cleaning, attach the stiff brush to the vacuum. Remove any loose dirt, food, or other debris from the brush attachment. Vacuum the area thoroughly.
Use Cleaning Agent for Nasty Stain on the Car Seat
Baking Soda and Water
Pour a small amount of baking soda into a bowl, and then slowly add water until it forms a paste. Apply the paste to the stain, and use a brush to scrub it in. Let it sit for 15 minutes, and then vacuum it up.
Vinegar and Water
Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl. Use a sponge or brush to apply the solution to the stain. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then blot it with a clean cloth. Rinse with water and let it dry.
Alcohol
Pour some rubbing alcohol onto a clean cloth, and blot the stain. Be sure not to rub, as this can damage the fabric. Let it dry, and then vacuum over it to pick up any residual alcohol.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Water
Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a bowl, and apply it to the stain with a sponge or brush. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then blot it with a clean cloth. Rinse with water and let it dry.
Lemon Juice and Water
Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a bowl, and apply it to the stain with a sponge or brush. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then blot it with a clean cloth. Rinse with water and let it dry.
Rubbing Alcohol and Water
Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a bowl, and apply it to the stain with a sponge or brush. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then blot it with a clean cloth. Rinse with water and let it dry.
Laundry Detergent and Water
Mix equal parts laundry detergent and water in a bowl, and apply it to the stain with a sponge or brush. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then blot it with a clean cloth. Rinse with water and let it dry.
Use a professional cleaning car product
Many professional car cleaning products on the market can be used to remove tar stains from your car’s finish. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
Steam Cleaning Your Car Seat
If the stain is on your car seat, you can use a handheld steamer to remove it. Fill the steamer with water and wait for it to heat up. Hold the steamer about 6 inches away from the stain and run it over the area for a few minutes. The steam will loosen the tar and make it easier to remove. Wipe away the tar with a clean cloth. Repeat this process as needed until the stain is gone. You may need to use a little elbow grease to get tough stains out.
If you don’t have a steamer, you can fill a bowl with hot water and hold it over the stain. Cover the bowl with a towel to create a steam tent. Or, you can soak a cloth in hot water and place it over the stain. Wait a few minutes before wiping away the tar.
Dry You Car Seat After Cleaning
Once you’ve removed the tar, it’s important to dry the seat as much as possible. If you leave it wet, it could mildew or start to smell. Use a clean cloth to blot up any remaining water. Then, turn on the fan in your car and open the windows to help circulate air and speed up the drying process. You can also place a fan in front of the seat to speed things along.
Prevent Tar From Getting On Your Car Seat In The Future
The best way to deal with tar is to prevent it from getting on your car seat in the first place. Here are a few tips:
- Cover your car seat when you know you’ll be driving on a tar-covered road. You can use a seat cover, a towel, or even plastic wrap.
- Wipe your feet off before getting in the car. This will help remove any tar that’s on your shoes.
- Keep a box of baking soda in your car. If tar does get on your seat, sprinkle some baking soda on it and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, vacuum it up.
- Apply a clear coat of wax to your car’s bumper and fenders. This will create a barrier between the tar and your paint job.
If you follow these tips to clean car seat stains, you should be able to avoid getting tar on your car seat in the future. But if it does happen, now you know how to clean it up!
Hi folks! I’ve been a ‘car guy’ ever since that first Porsche 911 RSR poster went up on my pre-teen bedroom wall:) — Ok, there may have been a female pic or two thrown in… Farrah Fawcett comes to mind. In any case, I hope you enjoy my posts. I’ve always loved cars and have owned many, most of which have been older models that need a good bit of TLC. I’ve tried lots of detailing products and methods over the years and hope to impart some of that knowledge.
