In this guide, let’s discuss how to get water stains out of car seats.
Water can be a menace to your car’s interior, but there are ways to prevent it and remove the stains.
There is also a whole host of products designed specifically to absorb moisture on your car seats, including seat savers and leather conditioners.
These products will help keep your leather or cloth car seats looking their best in the long term.
What are water stains?
Car upholstery is susceptible to water stains if it is not looked after properly. Water stains are often the result of spills, which can be easily avoided by using a seat protector.
A water stain is characterized by clear discoloration on your car seats caused by exposure to moisture and/or condensation. It appears as a misty patch on your car seats and is almost always grayish.
Water stains are different from coffee or tea stains, as they often occur after you have cleaned the spill with water.
If you use hot water when washing out the spilled liquid, this will cause an even greater risk of staining if you fail to dry the affected area thoroughly.
How to get water stains out of car seats
Ideally, it is easier to get rid of water stains with an extractor. However, it is bulky and not everyone can afford it.
If you don’t want to go to the nearest detailing shop, you may want to check out these DIY methods.
Removing water stain methods will depend on the material your car’s upholstery is made of. Here are some general recommendations for the most popular seat materials:
How to Clean Water Stains from Cloth Car Seats
To remove water stains from cloth car seats, you will need the following items:
-Vacuum with attachments
-Brush
-Microfiber cloth
-Upholstery Cleaner
-Hairdryer (optional)
Step 1
Begin by vacuuming the seats with a soft brush attachment, making sure to get rid of any dirt and dust on the affected area.
Step 2
Spray upholstery cleaner onto the seat.
Step 3
Use a microfiber cloth or a soft brush to scrub the affected area and another dry cloth or towel to blot up the excess moisture.
Repeat this process until you are satisfied with the cleaning result.
Be gentle with the cloth or brush you use to scrub the affected area, as these items can scratch your car seats.
We highly recommend using BISSELL Spot & Stain Fabric and Upholstery Cleaner. This brush can be safely run over fabrics without causing damage.
It has a patented fabric-safe design to help remove dirt with gentle scrubbing or if you prefer, you can use the setting that provides an easy spray and wipe clean.
Before cleaning, test a small, hidden area for colorfastness and examine when dry. If color is affected, do not use it.
Step 4
Using a dry towel, dab the affected area to absorb any excess moisture. You may also want to consider using a hairdryer on low heat, as this will help speed up the process.
Tip: Roll a towel into a cylinder shape and start from the outside in, moving your way into the middle of the seat.
You can also use a portable steamer on your car seats if you do not have a hairdryer.
Step 5
Allow the area to dry completely before sitting on it again or you may risk getting stains and discoloration in the future.
How to Clean Water Stains from Leather Car Seats
To remove water stains from leather car seats, you will need the following items:
-Water
-Sponge or cloth
-Leather cleaner and conditioner
Step1
Take some tap water in a bowl (warm water could be used) and dip a clean sponge into it.
Step 2
Wring out the water and wipe (not scrub) outward from the center of the stained spot, gradually moving towards the edge of the surface, moistening the entire area but not letting it get wet.
Step 3
Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the leather and allow it to dry.
Tip: Avoid using too much water as this can cause the leather to shrink and crack.
If cleaning does not remove all stain marks, you should use a leather conditioner immediately after cleaning to revitalize and take care of the leather.
Step 4
Finish with leather cleaner and conditioner afterward.
Caution: To maintain leather seats, avoid saddle soap and baby wipes because of their damaging substances. Avoid materials with acid or salt as well and use a cleaner specifically for the surface area you’re working on.
We highly recommend Chemical Guys leather cleaner and conditioner.
Chemical Guys leather cleaner and conditioner are an easy-to-use wipe-away cleaner for leather surfaces.
This product keeps your seats, dashboard, and door panels clean with a pH-balanced cleanser that preserves the strength and durability of leather while also conditioning it.
It dries to the touch so you can go about your day without a pesky wet spot everywhere you move afterward.
DIY Solution to get rid of water stains from car seats
Alternatively, you can use thiS DIY method. One way to remove water stains from leather car seats is to use a mixture of vinegar, olive oil, and water.
For this method you will need:
-Olive oil
-Vinegar
-Water
-Spray bottle
-Soft clean rag
Procedure:
Step 1
Mix 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of vinegar, and 1/2 cup of water.
Step 2
Spray the solution liberally on the car seat and let it soak for 5 minutes
Step 3
Buff off the surface of the leather with a soft clean rag.
Step 4
Leave to dry.
Preventative measures to avoid water stains in the future
To avoid getting water stains in the future, we recommend investing in a seat protector.
Seat protectors are protective covers that will go over your car seats and prevent any accidental spills or condensation from causing staining.
There are also a whole host of products designed specifically to absorb moisture on your car seats, including seat savers and leather conditioners.
These products will help keep your leather or cloth car seats looking their best in the long term.
Conclusion
Water stains can be an annoying problem. But with the right prevention methods and a good cleaning solution, they’re not too difficult to get rid of. If you follow these instructions and always use a seat protector, you’re much less likely to have issues with water stains in your car seats.
Do not wait until the water stains have already appeared on your car seats – take action immediately, and you will be able to get rid of it effortlessly.
Finished with your car seats? You can also try to clean your car carpet without a machine.
