Detailing
How To Remove Stains From A Car Carpet
You have stain on your carpet.
that sucks, but don’t worry Im going to teach you how to remove the stains from your seats.
In this article, I’ll provide you with a straightforward process for eliminating stains from your interior. It’s a quick task, perfect for those moments when you need to address a stain before anyone else notices.
Get Your Tools Ready
We actually do this professionally in our detailing business.
Given our professional background, we have an array of machinery, cleaning agents, brushes, towels, and extensive experience to effectively handle a wide range of stains.
However, for the purpose of this guide, I’ll make the assumption that you already possess basic cleaning supplies and are open to a trip to your local auto parts store to acquire the necessary items.
I’ll also assume that you’re looking for a cost-effective approach, so we’ll aim to keep the expenses within approximately $25, although this may vary depending on your location and product choices.
Here’s a concise list of the items you’ll require:
- Cleaning Solution: I’ll be using a P & S interior cleaner that I bought locally for $10.
- Brush: This is for agitating the carpet or fabric, but you can also make do with an old toothbrush. In a pinch, you can even use a towel.
- Towels: These are handy for agitating, as well as for cleaning up the cleaner and the stain.
- (Optional) Vacuum: If you don’t have a vacuum, there’s an alternative solution available.
Step #1 – Vacuum the area if needed
If there’s a substantial amount of crumbs and dirt covering the stained area, you should begin by removing that debris before proceeding with the cleaning process.
As mentioned earlier, if you lack a vacuum, an alternative is to use a paper towel to collect any loose debris. Ideally, you can also utilize your brush to gather or push the debris into a pile, which you can then easily pick up by hand or with a napkin.
It doesn’t have to be a meticulous cleanup, but do your best to clear most of the debris from the area. If the area isn’t in need of vacuuming, you can skip this step.
Step #2 – Spray and treat the stain
Now, let’s get to the main part of the process.
You’ll want to approach the stain in manageable sections, especially if it’s a large one. Trying to address the entire stain all at once isn’t advisable because the cleaning product could dry before you have a chance to work on it effectively.
If that happens, when you attempt to agitate it with your brush, the dried cleaner won’t be as responsive, and this can lead to frustration since you won’t achieve the desired results.
To begin, apply a small amount of the cleaner onto the stain, and allow it to sit for about 5 to 10 seconds. There’s no need to overly saturate the carpet.
After applying the cleaner, wait a few seconds for it to soak in, and if you have a foam sprayer, pat it into the fabric to speed up absorption.
Then, use your brush with medium pressure, working in both forward-and-back and side-to-side motions to agitate the stain.
Once you’ve finished agitating a section of the stain, promptly use a towel to wipe away the cleaner and any dirt.
As you clean the stain, you’re essentially extracting the contaminants from the carpet. Failing to promptly wipe them away with a towel allows them to seep back into the fabric.
When these residues dry, you’ll find yourself having to repeat the cleaning process.
Step #3 – Inspect The Carpet
The problem with wet carpet/seat is that it wont show you the actual state of the carpet.
After you give the treated area some time to dry make sure the stain is gone if not, repeat the process.
this can be a little tricky but if you follow the steps you should be fine and the stain should be gone.
What If The Stain Doesn’t Come Out
This is a common scenario that occurs even in our professional work.
Sometimes, despite our efforts, the stain persists. When this happens, it may be necessary to repeat the process or make adjustments. You might consider trying a more potent cleaner, applying additional brush pressure, or extending the carpet agitation time.
It’s also crucial to consider the type of stain you’re dealing with. For instance, if you spilled soda on your seat five years ago and are attempting to clean it now, it might not be entirely removable at this point.
However, you can significantly improve its appearance by following the steps outlined above. If needed, you can upgrade to a stronger cleaner like Super Clean, which we frequently use in our business.
You can find it at local auto parts stores, available in both aerosol cans and 32oz spray bottles. So, go ahead and tackle that stain, and feel free to ask if you have any questions!
Best advice on how to remove stains from a car carpet – check out our services
