04 July 2014 |
How To Clean Car Upholstery |

Your car is an important thing for you and your family, and whether you have children, pets or even if you just spend a lot of time on the road, stains and marks can sully and dirty the upholstery in your vehicle. Cleaning the upholstery in your car doesn’t have to be a big or difficult job, and if you want to remove stains and marks from your car then here are some useful tips to help get you started!1) Make sure you have the right equipment.Before you begin cleaning your car’s upholstery you need to make sure that you have the right equipment for the job. Invest in soft polishing cloths, a plastic spray bottle if you intend to make your own cleaning solution or, instead, a stain removal product that’s going to be safe for use on your car’s upholstery, a vacuum cleaner and a small bucket or large bowl. If your car gets dirty regularly then you might want to think about purchasing a portable vacuum cleaner to make cleaning much faster and easier for yourself. 2) Making your own upholstery cleaning solutions.Making your own upholstery cleaning solution is easy and affordable, and it’s a very effective alternative to chemical stain removal or cleaning products! Take a plastic spray bottle (such as one you’d use for watering house plants) and mix together a solution of water and washing up liquid (approximately half of each) and you’ll have a fantastic cleaner that’s perfect for your car upholstery! If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn stains (such as coffee or food spillages) then you might need something a little stronger. Try mixing together regular vinegar and watered-down detergent and you’ll have an excellent stain removal product! 3) Vacuuming.Once you have your cleaning solutions and products you can start cleaning. Begin by thoroughly vacuuming your car and shaking out your car mats to remove any dirt or debris. Try using a small, stiff brush to brush down your car mats – this is a great way to lift mud and dirt! 4) Stain removal.The best stain removal methods depend on the products you use. If you’re using shop-bought stain removers then always follow the instructions given, and test them out on an inconspicuous area before using them to clean your entire car upholstery. If you’re using a homemade spray then simply spritz the stain and gently buff with a soft or microfiber cloth. Blot at the stain with clean water occasionally to help it to lift. Never spray any liquids too close to your upholstery – stay at least 20cm away at all times! 5) Keeping your car clean.Keep your car clean by washing your seats with the washing up liquid and water spray on a regular basis. This mixture isn’t just great for stain removal – it’s also a fantastic way to keep your seats clean and smelling fresh all of the time! Make sure you’re regularly vacuuming your car as well, and use an air freshener to get rid of unpleasant or lingering smells. When spills occur in your car make sure you deal with them as soon as possible to prevent staining. You might want to keep an emergency kit of cleaning supplies in your car for that very purpose – especially if you often travel with small children or pets!
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