Getting stains/spots out of seats?

[Kari]

Does anyone have any helpful hints or product recommendations for getting minor dark spots out of seats? I don't know where the spots came from, they just kind of appeared...hardly noticable, but I know they're there, so I'd like to get them off. Thanks

[wicked1981]

I have the same problem but I know where mine came from. I was putting mothers dashboard protector and I did not know there was a small hole on the bottom of bottle so I sprayed the towel then put the bottle between my legs while I wiped the dash (I must have been squeezing the bottle) then I picked up bottle to spray onto towel and my jeans and the seat was full!! Whats the best way to clean it?

[ragingfish]

I have a nice dark spot from my oil spill about a year and a half ago...ANyway, the fabrics they use on these seats is very temperamental -- even if it gets wet from water, it seems to retain a dark spot...that being said, all I can suggest is what I use.Stoner Carpet and Upholstery cleaner. http://www.getcleanercarpets.com

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »ANyway, the fabrics they use on these seats is very temperamental -- even if it gets wet from water, it seems to retain a dark spot...that being said, all I can suggest is what I use.You aren't kidding... I've noticed how any liquid getting in contact with the seat will leave a dark spot. What really stinks is how I'll clean my seat with the upholstery clearner to try to get out one spot, then once it dries, there are spots all over the seat. When spraying the foam cleaner on the seat, any place where a big glob of foam hits the seat leaves a mark. I've tried every *insert brand here* interior cleaner available locally, and they all do the same. So normally I'm in worse shape than I was when I started. Probably will buy some of that Stoner stuff. Raging and Kari, I can't remember for the life of me what color fabric you have in your VIbes... I have the lighter Slate, and it's terrible for the staining issue... I figured that Graphite would have been a better choice, but from what Raging mentioned, it still has issues. One product I found at Auto Zone is this "Blue Magic Carpet Stain and Spot Lifter." It seems to do well, but it is a bit harsh. Smells like you could spray it in the gas tank and get some extra horsies. I bought it when the mechanics at the dealer got their greasy fingerprints all over the headliner when they adjusted my moonroof shade. I just spray down the spot and gently blot it dry with a clean terry cloth towel. Worked GREAT on the headliner and moonroof shade!I had so many stains on the front seats from "cleaning" them the other day, that I just sprayed them down good with this stuff, and blotted them dry. Took out the spots... Not sure how safe it would be to use on a frequent basis, but for me, drastic times call for drastic measures. Kinda miss the seats I had in the other GM cars I've owned over the last 8 years with fabric factory treated with ScotchGuard.

[Kari]

I have the darker interior as well...and it does great otherwise, but there's this one big spot that you can only see from one angle that is a mystery. It's about 2" in diameter, and on the passenger seat, but you can only see it from the driver's seat. When you look in the passenger door, you can't see it. Very very odd.

[ColonelPanic]

You may try a can of that stuff I mentioned... That may help ya.

[drunkenmaxx]

Quote, originally posted by Kari » but there's this one big spot that you can only see from one angle that is a mystery. It's about 2" in diameter, and on the passenger seat,.that would be from a wet fart! mine has the water spots too, i have no idea what to do. i also have black spots on my headliner from having the sunroof open all the time. that too, i do not know how to fix

[Kari]

Not if no one ever rides over there, and not unless they were practically sitting on the console.

[ColonelPanic]

Lookie what I found in the 2005 Vibe owner's manual!Quote »Fabric/CarpetUse a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose dirt. Wipe vinyl, leather, plastic, and painted surfaces with a clean, damp cloth. GM-approved cleaning products can be obtained from your dealer. Here are some cleaning tips: Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.Clean up stains as soon as you can before they set. Carefully scrape off any excess stain.Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean area often. A soft brush may be used if stains are stubborn.To avoid forming a ring on fabric after spot cleaning, clean the entire area immediately or it will set.Most stains can be removed with club soda water. To clean, use the following instructions:1. For liquids: blot with a clean, soft, white cloth. For solids: remove as much as possible and then vacuum or brush. 2. Apply club soda water to a clean, soft, white cloth. Do not over-saturate; the cloth should not drip water. 3. Clean the entire area. Avoid getting the fabric too wet. 4. Start cleaning from the seams into the stain to avoid a ring effect. 5. Continue cleaning, using a clean area of the cloth each time it becomes soiled. 6. When the stain is removed, blot the cleaned area with another dry, clean, soft, white cloth. Using Cleaner on Fabric1. First, try the cleaner in an inconspicuous area to make sure the cleaner does not affect the color of the fabric. 2. For liquids: blot with a clean, soft, white cloth. For solids: remove as much as possible and then vacuum or brush. 3. Spray a small amount of the cleaner onto a clean soft, white, cloth. Do not apply spray directly to the fabric.4. Start cleaning from the seams into the stain to avoid a ring effect. 5. Continue cleaning, using a clean area of the cloth each time it becomes soiled. 6. When the stain is removed, blot the cleaned area with another dry, clean, soft, white cloth. 7. If the cleaner leaves a ring effect, follow up with the club soda water instructions given earlier in this section.Interesting that they would add the above to the manual. I guess they've finally noticed what we see. When I get the Vibe back, I think I'll try to give the front seats a thorough cleaning, then try the club soda thing.

[ToolGuy]

Used to detail cars and this is the only thing that works, never failed me and I have tried lots of products. Spot Shot... Blue can, orange top @ K-Mart, most hardwares, Home Depot.Does not foam and gets right to the spot critus ingredient action. http://www.spotshot.com

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[Smokin' Rubber]

Yeah spot shot is a great carpet cleaner use it all the time when stuff gets spilled on the floor

[Kari]

Yeah maybe I should crack that book open sometimes huh... I always enjoy the driving tips. I did read it when I got the car, but I don't remember that part.Right now the stain is hiding and you can't see it from any angle, so I don't know if it just decided to go away or what...it's the phantom stain.

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by Kari »Yeah maybe I should crack that book open sometimes huh... I always enjoy the driving tips. I did read it when I got the car, but I don't remember that part.Na, you're alright... I do believe our '03 manuals fail mention things in detail like the excerpt from the '05 manual I posted. I don't remember seeing anything about the spotting issue due to chemicals and such in my '03 manual.

[redlava]

I got a real pesky stain on the driverside seat. A not-so-well placed pickle with mayonaise from a hamburger fell right between the legs. I tried a couple of stain removers and I even had the seats shampooed, still there. I have the dark interior and the stain is a lighter shade so the color of the seats don't matter so much. I might have to try some of the stuff you guys suggested.