How to Remove Liquid Spills from Fabric Vehicle Upholstery

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Over time, car owners may experience spilled coffee while going over a bump in the road, leaks from a child's sippy cup, or a punctured gallon of milk in the back seat. If spills aren't cleaned quickly, liquid may soak into the seats, resulting in stained and dingy seats and an unpleasant smell. They can even reduce your car's value. Avoid the hassle of deep-cleaning stubborn stains, and remove liquid spills from vehicle upholstery as soon as you notice the mess has been made.

Steps

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    [1]
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    • You can purchase upholstery cleaner formulated for car interiors, or use 1 part laundry detergent diluted in 2 parts warm water.
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    Some may need to be vacuumed up after a certain amount of time setting into the spill. Others, including laundry soap and water, should be scrubbed into the spill. [2]
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    If you can still see staining, repeat the process of scrubbing, rinsing and drying. [4]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Will this work on cocktail juice stains?
    Community Answer
    Those stains are a bit harder to remove, but it should still do a pretty good job with removing them.
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      Tips

      • Treat water spills, too, since dampness in your upholstery can create mildew that is unpleasant to see or smell. [5]
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      • Treat spills immediately since they can sink into the upholstery, causing stains and odors that are difficult to remove.
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      Warnings

      • Review your vehicle owner's manual to make sure your seats aren't covered in any special material that requires a certain cleaning process or product.
        Thanks
      • Only use manufactured stain removing cleaners that specifically list they are meant for use in vehicle upholstery. Some cleaners may cause damage if they are used on fabrics they aren't intended to clean.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Wash cloths or paper towels
      • Car upholstery cleaner
      • Laundry detergent
      • Water
      • Bucket
      • Terrycloth towels
      • Soft-bristle brushes
      • Vacuum (optional)

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-food-spills-from-car-upholstery-251230
      2. ↑ https://www.cars.com/articles/how-to-clean-up-spills-in-the-car-1420663003896/
      3. ↑ https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/car-projects/how-to-clean-your-cars-upholstery
      4. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/tips-on-how-to-spot-clean-old-or-setin-stains-on-upholstery-208738
      5. ↑ https://knowhow.napaonline.com/mold-and-mildew-removal-for-your-car/

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