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Tips for How to Clean Automotive Upholstery

Most automobile owners discover that maintaining or restoring the “looks-like-new” condition of their vehicles is a consuming task. Most vehicle owners are interested in preserving their investment, and in enjoying the full use of their vehicle as long as possible. Other owners, in order to sell it or get a good trade-in value, are interested in restoring a vehicle to the best condition possible. Still others are attempting to restore a vehicle as a hobby, joining the many proud owners of classic and antique vehicles. Quality automotive cleaning products will help these owners realize their dream of refurbishing their autos quickly and effortlessly. One particular problem, especially with older vehicles, is how to clean automotive upholstery. Is auto upholstery different from furniture upholstery? Can the upholstery be cleaned in place or must it be removed? Is it necessary to use products that are uniquely formulated for these interior automotive fabrics?

Even new vehicles can become soiled. A misplaced cup of coffee, a forgotten and melted crayon, a wad of gum tracked into the car on the driver’s shoe, or a sick puppy can present a challenging cleaning problem. If the problem was neglected when it was fresh, or if it was only partially cleaned and then allowed to age with the car, it may be extremely difficult to remove. It is always quicker in the long run to deal with stains immediately.

For the most part, the same product that will clean a leather or vinyl chair should work on a leather or vinyl car interior. Automotive carpeting should respond to the same techniques as household carpet, depending on the fibers used. The same can be said for fabric upholstery. Therefore, the first step in cleaning your car’s interior is to determine what it is made of.

Second, try to determine what may have created the stain. This step may be difficult if the stain has been there for a while or if you have just acquired the car. Spilled cola and grease may leave stains that are similar in color, but they would respond best to different types of spot removers. It is important to choose the correct automotive cleaning products for the job or stain.

Unusual stains should be dealt with first, before an attempt is made to clean and refresh the entire interior surface. Gum or other, similar, sticky substances need careful handling. There are products available now that will freeze them in place, changing their chemical composition, and thus allowing for easy removal by scraping them away.

Other messes, like the above mentioned crayon, also need special handling. Crayon is wax based, but also has pigment. Its removal may need two steps and two entirely different products, depending on how badly it has melted into the fabric. A product specially formulated for crayon removal is a good first step. (Try Stanley’s Orange Miracle All-Purpose Spot and Stain Remover.)

Sugar-based food and drink spills on fabric, even old ones, can be removed with a good spot remover (try Stanley’s Spot Remover for Water-Soluble Spots, which is safe to use on carpets, fabrics, and plastics). This step should be followed by a thorough steam cleaning. If these stains are on the stitching of vinyl or leather, they may respond to the spot cleaner alone. Grease-based stains should respond to being blotted with a good degreaser. Lingering odors may be treated with Stanley’s Odor Eliminator II..

Once all the unique stains have been dealt with appropriately, give the interior a thorough, all-over cleaning, depending on the upholstery type. Leather and vinyl can be cleaned with a specially formulated product such as Stanley Leather Cleaner. Built-up grime on older seats may also respond to washing with a good degreasing product such as Stanley Degreaser Plus Soil and Stain Remover. Fabric seats and carpets should be able to handle a thorough steam cleaning. Be careful not to get the fabric too wet. Because the upholstery and carpet cannot be removed to dry, work slowly in small areas, and only dampen the surface enough to remove the soil. Leaving the doors and or windows open for a while after the cleaning is complete may also hasten the trying time. Check with the manufacturer before treating or steam-cleaning antique fabrics.

With a little pre-planning and care, and with the right automotive detailing products, you can become an expert in how to clean automotive upholstery.

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