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How to get an oil stain out of a car seat?

How do you get oil stains out of car upholstery? I was in a rush to make it home for a surprise birthday party my family is throwing for my aunt and I put a pizza box on the passenger seat. Now there is a fresh oil stain and I don’t know how to remove it.

avatar
Phoebe Mah · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
We are all guilty from time to time of absent-mindedly getting food on our car. Don’t worry—there is a way to get rid of those fresh stains!
Please note the method to
remove oil stains
from a car seat will differ whether they are fresh or dried stains.
Before you begin, collect the following materials:
  • Clean (old) towels or paper towels
  • Cornstarch or talcum powder (baby powder works, as well)
  • Wet/dry vacuum cleaner
  • Dish soap
  • Clean rag
  • Old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush
  • Empty spray bottle
To remove fresh grease or oil stains that have not dried yet:
  • Step 1: Use a towel to blot and soak up as much of the excess oil as possible.
  • Step 2: Sprinkle your choice of powder evenly over the stain before using the towel to work the powder into the stain.
  • Step 3: Let the cornstarch or talcum powder sit for eight to 10 hours.
  • Step 4: Use a wet/dry vacuum to vacuum the powder. When the powder is vacuumed, the grease or oil should also come up with the powder.
  • Step 5: Repeat steps one through four as many times as you need if there are any stains remaining.
If these steps have been repeated several times and there are still stains remaining, try the following technique for dried grease stains:
  • Step 1: Grab some household dish soap and pour a small amount on a clean rag to dab on the stain. After dabbing, use a rag to wipe the dish soap evenly over the stain. Do this repeatedly.
  • Step 2: If the rag did not pick up all of the oil or grease, use an old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to scrub the stain. Be sure to scrub gently to avoid damaging the upholstery.
  • Step 3: Blot the stain with a paper towel.
  • Step 4: Fill up an empty spray bottle with water and spray the stain. Alternate between spraying the stain and using a paper towel to blot up the soap from the car upholstery.
Voilà! Your car seat should look brand new!
Since you clearly care about keeping your car in great shape, make sure it’s protected with great car insurance, as well.
Jerry
is an insurance comparison app that shops for low prices with over 50 different insurance companies for free. You will get quotes in seconds, can make changes at any time, and if you ever have any questions, agents are just a text away!
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