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Interior · 6 of 10
Stains on Fabric
Seats and carpet. Less liquid, more patience.
What you’ll need
- All-purpose cleaner (F35), diluted per the label
- Hot water extractor
- Steamer for sticky or sugary stains
- Soft and stiff upholstery brushes
- White microfiber towels (so you can see what comes up)
- Spray bottle of clean water
- Safety glasses and 5-mil nitrile gloves
Before you start
- Vacuum the area first. Wet dirt turns into mud.
- Test a hidden spot for color bleeding before you treat a seat.
- Seat bolsters may hold airbags, and many seats are heated or cooled. Keep them barely damp — never soak.
- Unknown, ink or dye stain? Ask your manager before going stronger. A stain is better than a bleached spot.
Cleaning steps
- Blot, don’t rub. Rubbing spreads the stain and frays the fabric.
- Mist all-purpose cleaner (F35) lightly, working from the outside of the stain toward the center.
- Agitate gently with the soft brush. Let it sit 1–2 minutes.
- Extract with hot water. Slow passes pull more out.
- Repeat 2–3 times if needed rather than using more chemical.
- Sticky or sugary stain? Steam it, then extract.
Finish steps
- Feather the edges with a damp towel so there’s no ring.
- Brush the fabric nap all in one direction.
- Dry it with the air gun or a fan. Crack the windows if allowed.
- Vacuum again once it’s dry.
Quality check
- No water ring around the spot
- Dry to the touch, not stiff or crunchy
- No color loss and no chemical smell