I've always used the "dry clean in a can" method. Usually, I just buy a carpet/upholstery cleaner at AutoZone...that usually does the trick.I once got gum on the seats and that required me getting some dry ice and freezing the goop off (ok, freeze it then scrape it almost perpendicular with a credit card or other). I had tried ice, but all it seemed to do was melt when removing gum.I would think a carpet shampoo machine would also work well, so long as you could vacuum out the water...
2004 Vibe GT Lava Monotone, Moon & Tunes PackageMods:Homelink17" TenzoR Mach 10s, Black w/ Red grooveTintFormer Cars: '87 Subaru DL, '99 Chevy Malibu (hated it)'99 VW Passat (like it), '99 Volvo S80 T6 (wet dreams are made of it)
my seats are horribly stained too. I have two little sisters that are the two biggest pigs in the world...so yes i'm also looking for a way to get them looking black again. Hoping there is a cheaper alternative besides seat covers
If you can find this stuff,it works great and is cheap.It took vegetable oil and camping dirt off all my seats and is great for the headliner.http://www.folex.net/
June '07 VOTM Sept '07 MOTM HCVO /HCMO The Red Devil
There are number of upholstery cleaning agents available. Try using a spray cleaner from Turtle Wax. Simply spray evenly on the seat or door upholstery and rub vigorously. Then, wipe it thoroughly with a dry cloth. If problem not solved, I suggest you switch to leather Toyota Seat Covers. It's easier to clean and maintain than a normal fabric car seat covers.