Note that while it’s easiest to treat stains as soon as possible, by no means do you need to risk safety to address the spill while driving. It can wait till you reach your destination.
Don’t rub at the stain with your napkin or cloth, as this can spread the stain further. [2] X Expert Source Chad ZaniAuto Detailing Expert Expert Interview. 2 October 2019. Simply press with the cloth into the seat and lift straight up to absorb the moisture. Repeat blotting with new napkins or cloths if you have them and the material becomes saturated. Do this until you have as much of the liquid absorbed as possible. [3] X Research source
Be sure to wait till after you’ve blotted the liquid of the stain up to remove any solids. Then you can simply brush them away into your hand or a napkin to dispose. If coffee grounds have made their way into fabric creases already and are difficult to remove, do your best to blot and brush at them, then wait till you have access to a vacuum with a thin hose attachment to suck them up.
Blot the water with a dry cloth or paper towel again to remove the moisture. If the stains appear to be stubborn, gently wipe the discoloration with a cool water-vinegar solution, avoiding spreading the stain by working from the outside in.
Blot gently with your napkin or rag until the baking soda makes a paste or the dish soap makes a gentle lather on the surface of the stain. Leave baking soda on the stain for up to 30 minutes if you can to allow it to work into the stain. Use a new cloth or paper towel with just cool water to rinse the car seat fabric of the soap or baking soda. Continue to use just gentle blotting motions.
Work the solution into the car seat stain with a stiff-bristled brush. Then allow it to sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing with water and blotting dry. [5] X Research source You can also add club soda to your mixture for another ingredient that can help to pull the coffee stain out.
Use this method when you will be unable to do a deeper clean with soap and water, as these items can be kept on hand in your car. Baby wipes have the added benefit of being unscented and gentle for people sensitive or allergic to the strong scent or chemicals in other cleaners.
Be sure to test a glass cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of your car upholstery to determine the effect it will have on your fabric. Don’t use it on the stained area if it appears to alter the appearance of the material. Saturate the stain with the spray cleaner, then leave on for five minutes before blotting dry. [6] X Research source
Try stirring dish soap and water together vigorously until suds is formed. Then dab just the suds onto the coffee stain to avoid over-saturating the leather, and wipe clean with a dry cloth. [7] X Research source Don’t use a brush to work cleaner into leather fabric, as it can wear down the leather or work the cleaner into the seams and underlying cushion.
Avoid using cleaners with an oil or mineral base on vinyl, as these can make vinyl harden and crack or feel stiff. [8] X Research source
Find these conditioners in stores with auto supplies, or in cleaning supplies meant for upholstery. Many solutions meant to condition leather and vinyl will also help to prevent or lessen the severity of future stains, so it’s an important step not to be skipped in the cleaning process.
