Things you need to know about your vehicle

When attempting to remove a grease spot from automotive upholstery, there are a few things you need to consider first. Not all automotive companies are the same in how they manufacture their products. What do i mean? Well, in the United States you have both foreign and domestic automobiles. Why does this matter you ask? The materials used overseas by automotive manufacturers is not the same material used here in the United States. Therefore, the products used to remove grease from the upholstery can vary!

First, you must determine what type of material was used by the manufacturer before attempting to remove the stain. How do you so this? Here’s how, look inside the owners manual under Glossary or Index and find the “Care & Maintenance” section. Some automotive companies will explain how to care for your vehicles upholstery and some will not give a description. If you do find detailed instructions specifically for you vehicles upholstery, then follow those instructions. If not, then keep reading!

Proper products and technique

Once you have determined the type of upholstery you have, then it’s time to move forward with the stain removal process. Please understand, there really is a technique to removing a stain correctly without causing damage to the fiber. Another important factor is deciding what product to use on the stain. For any type of oil-based stain your going to use a solvent to dissolve the oil into a thinner substance for removal. For a water based stain, then you would use a water based solution for removal. There are many plant based (organic) cleaners on the market, but they may or may not work as well, just do your research. Some use WD-40 with good results, but this product is an oil base that contains a solvent. You can use it, but not recommended.

Our recommendation would be very Light to Mild laundry or dish detergent that DOES NOT contain a dye of any kind. So no red, blue or green colors found in many dish and laundry detergents can be used. Woolite is a perfect choice for this type of application. Woolite can be purchased in either White or clear colors, we recommend  the clear. Lastly, be sure to use a white terry cloth or towel for stain removal. If colored towels are used, the dye may transfer into the upholstery causing damage.

How to: Grease Removal From Auto Upholstery

  • Confirm type of upholstery and solution to be used
  • Depending on size of stain, spray accordingly with solution
  • Leave solution for 1-3 minutes
  • Using your index finger, wrap the cloth forming a point
  • Work the stain from the “Outside In” with a blotting motion (10-15 seconds)
  • Lift finger to see results
  • Continue until desired results are achieved and stain is removed
  • Rinse stained are with warm water (1-2 oz.) and blot dry with white cloth

Please be patient! Sometimes the stain removal process can take 5-10 minutes for GOOD results! As mentioned above, repeat until desired results are achieved, but make sure to rinse the stain thoroughly! If not, the residue from the soapy detergent will attract soil and create another spot.