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Automotive Detailing: How to Clean Automotive Upholstery
Maintaining or restoring the "looks-like-new"
condition of their automobiles is a consuming interest for most
car owners. Most owners are interested in preserving their
investment, and in enjoying the full use of their vehicle as
long as possible. Other owners are interested in restoring a
vehicle to the best condition possible in order to sell it or
get a good trade-in value. Still others are attempting to
restore a vehicle as a hobby, joining the many proud owners of
classic and antique vehicles. These consumers want quality
automotive cleaning products that will enable them to refurbish
their autos quickly, with as little effort as possible. One
particular problem, especially with older vehicles, is how to
clean automotive upholstery. Is it different from furniture
upholstery? Can the upholstery be cleaned in place or must it be
removed? Is it necessary to use products that are uniquely for
these interior automotive fabrics? Even new
vehicles can become soiled. A misplaced cup of coffee, a
forgotten and melted crayon, a wad of gum tracked into the car
on the driver's shoe, or a sick puppy can present a daunting
cleaning problem. If the problem was neglected when it was
fresh, or if it was only partially cleaned and then allowed to
age with the car, it may be extremely difficult to remove. It is
always best to deal with stains immediately.
By and large, the same product that will clean a leather or
vinyl chair should work on a leather or vinyl car interior.
Automotive carpeting should respond to the same techniques as
household carpet, depending on the fibers used. The same can be
said for fabric upholstery. Therefore, the first step in
cleaning your car's interior is to determine what it is made of.
Second, try to determine what may have created
the stain. This step may be difficult if the stain has been
there for a while or if you have just acquired the car. Spilled
cola and grease may leave stains that are similar in color, but
they would respond best to different types of spot removers. It
is important to choose the correct automotive cleaning products
for the job or stain. Unusual stains should be
dealt with first, before an attempt is made to clean and refresh
the entire interior surface. Gum or other, similar, sticky
substances need careful handling. There are products
available
now that will freeze them in place, changing their chemical
composition, and thus allowing for easy removal by scraping them
away. Other messes, like the above mentioned
crayon, also need special handling. Crayon is wax based, but
also has pigment. Its removal may need two steps and two
entirely different products, depending on how badly it has
melted into the fabric. A product specially formulated for
crayon removal is a good first step.
Sugar-based food and drink spills on fabric, even old ones, can
be removed with a good spot remover. This step should be
followed by a thorough steam cleaning. If these stains are on
the stitching of vinyl or leather, they may respond to the spot
cleaner alone. Grease-based stains should respond to being
blotted with a good degreaser, such as Formula 21 Grease Stain
Remover. Once all the unique stains have been
dealt with appropriately, give the interior a thorough, all-over
cleaning, depending on the upholstery type. Leather and vinyl
can be cleaned with a specially formulated product such as
Fuller Vinyl and Leather Cleaner. Built-up grime on older seats
may also respond to washing with a good degreasing product such
as Fulsol All-Purpose Degreaser. Fabric seats and carpets should
be able to handle a thorough steam cleaning. Care should be
taken to not get the fabric too wet. Because the upholstery and
carpet cannot be removed to dry, work slowly in small areas, and
only dampen the surface enough to remove the soil. Leaving the
doors and or windows open for a while after the cleaning is
complete may also hasten the trying time. Check with the
manufacturer before treating or steam-cleaning antique
fabrics. With a little pre-planning and care,
and with the right automotive detailing products, you can become
an expert in how to clean automotive upholstery.
About the author:
By Vincent Platania. Fuller Brush
ProductsIn business since 1906, Fuller Brush has been
offering families high-quality household products for nearly a
century. Fuller Brush natural cleaning products are
environmentally friendly. Visit http://www.fuller-brush-pro
ducts.com">http://www.fuller-brush-products.com">http://www.fuller-brush-pro
ducts.com
Written by: Vincent Platania
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