How To Remove Stains
How To Remove Cola, Coffee, Chocolate or Ketchup Stains From Your Vehicle's Upholstery.
No matter how careful we are, sooner or later someone spills something in your vehicle. If you act quickly and with a little care the damage to your upholstery can either be avoided or minimized considerably.
Below are four common stains and some general purpose stain fighting advice to help you. Please remember each stain is unique and these remedies will prove more or less effective because of this. Always consult a stain removal specialist if in doubt.
*Soft drink stains* like cola, root beer and others can often be removed by using this method. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is mixed at the ratio of 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide to 3 cups of water (that's about an 8% solution). Then using a spray bottle, spray the stain and wait about 10 minutes. Rinse the stain with 1/4 cup of white vinegar added to 3/4 cup of cold water, and blot dry.
*Chocolate stains* can often be removed by mixing one teaspoon of a mild ph balanced detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent) with a cup of lukewarm water, apply to stain and gently blot. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup of water, apply to stain and blot. Repeat step one, sponge with clean water. Blot excess liquid.
*Ketchup stains* can often be removed if the stain is fresh. On floor carpeting try using club soda. Blot up the excess, being careful not to rub into the carpeting. Apply more soda, and blot up excess, using a clean white cloth. Repeat until the stain is lifted. Windex is also reported to remove many condiment stains from carpets, but be careful because Windex contains ammonia and may bleach your upholstery!
*Coffee stains* can often be removed with this method. Remember stains lift easier if not allowed to dry. Remove excess coffee with a clean white cloth. Mix a teaspoon of a good dishwashing detergent with a cup of lukewarm water. Sponge the stain with the solution, and remove excess liquid once again. Now mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of lukewarm water. Finally sponge the area with this solution, and blot once more with a clean white cloth. Rinse with clean water and blot dry.
Please Note: Stain removal is part art, part science and there are many factors to consider such as the materials involved, the age of the stain and so forth. If in doubt consult a professional. Remember to always test an inconspicuous area for colorfastness, etc. before treating the exposed area. Also note that certain stains are permanent. Finally, if treating stains on seats with electrical heating elements or other electrified components, ensure that you have disabled the electrical current first!