Over time, old oil stains inside or on the surface of your car can become a persistent problem. This can be the most frustrating sight for any car owner.
These stains are often stubborn and leave oily residue on the surface. It not only affects the shiny appearance of the car but also creates a bad odour. If you are able to remove the initial oil spill, but their residue often sinks into the surface, This residue is very hard to eliminate.
If you’re concerned about old oil stains, consider removing them by choosing a professional car detailing service in Canada.
Sometimes, oil gathers in areas like the engine bay or trunk. It can lead to many dangerous consequences. Small oil stains/spillovers can lead to major destruction.
Addressing these deep-seated oil stains may seem a daunting task, but if you follow the tips suggested by our car detailing experts, it will seem like the easiest thing to do.
First of all, make a list of materials you need. Following are a few things that you’ll need while cleaning the old oil stains.
- Soft Bristled Brushes: Soft-bristled brushes help to remove dirt and debris from the affected area without scratching the surface. Over time, dirt and dust stick to that oil-spilled area.
- Microfibre Cloths: Microfibre cloths are highly absorbent cloths, which makes them the perfect choice for polishing and wiping purposes of the car during washing or cleaning.
- All-Purpose Cleaner: A great quality all-purpose cleaner is the best choice for beginners who want to clean oil stains on their own. All-purpose cleaners can handle light dirt and grime.
- Carpet Cleaner: These solutions are specifically made to clean the fabric and carpet inside your car. With carpet cleaning solutions, you can easily clean the oil stains from various surfaces inside the car, such as carpets, seats and more.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda is a natural absorbent that is good for absorbing bad odour and excess moisture inside the car. It is also used as a mild abrasive material to rub stubborn stains in your car.
- White Vinegar: White vinegar is a versatile cleaning agent. It helps in the removal of dust and grime from the car’s interior. Also applicable for neutralising odour.
- Warm Water: Warm water serves two purposes: one is to dilute the cleaning agent, and the second is to rinse the surfaces. Warm water also loosens the grip of stains on your surface.
After gathering all the items listed above, start cleaning. To clean and eliminate oil stains, follow our steps suggested by the best auto detailers in Canada.
Step 1. Scrap Excess Oil
Before starting the cleaning process, cleaning oil as much as possible can be beneficial. To scrap off the grease or oil from the surface, always use a blunt-edged object such as an old spoon or any plastic knife.
Be gentle and patient while scraping off the oil. Excess force and speed of scraping can damage the fabric or surface.
Step 2. Blot the Stain, Don’t Rub
Patience is the key when it comes to dealing with oil stains in your car. Try to be gentle as much as you can. Rubbing the oil stain area can push oil deeper into the fabric.
Instead of a rough and hard approach, use a gentle cloth and gently rub it, dab the stain. This technique is helpful in lifting the oil stain without further spreading it on the car’s interior fabric.
Step 3. Apply a Cleaning Solution
Fabric Seats
Baking Soda Method: It’s a simple and effective method. Sprinkle baking soda over the oil stain. Let it sit for a minimum of 15 – 20 min to absorb the oil. Vacuum the area and remove the baking soda.
Vinegar Solutions: Mix equal parts of warm water and vinegar in a clean spray bottle. Spray the solution on oil in the affected area, then use a clean and dry cloth to absorb the oil and solution.
Commercial Solutions: Commercial cleaning solutions are particularly made to remove stubborn oil stains from the car’s fabric. Some cautions are required while using commercial solutions, such as not letting commercial solutions sit on the stain for more than the time mentioned on the instructions label.
For cleaning and drying, take a clean microfibre cloth and blot it.
Leather Seats
Leather Cleaner & Conditioner: To clean oil stains from your leather seats, use high-quality leather cleaners and conditioners. Spread the leather cleaner to the oil stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe it down with a microfibre cloth and apply conditioner to keep the leather soft.
Remember to test the solution before applying it. It will prevent the chances of discolouration and damage.
Step 4. Scrub the Stain
After applying a cleaning solution, it requires some time to work its magic. At that time, a soft-bristled brush was used to scrub the stubborn oil stain.
This will help in loosening any remaining dirt and oil from the fabric. Use a gentle and circular motion to clean the fabric or leather.
Step 5. Rinsing & Drying
After all your efforts and hard work, it’s time to clean up any residue.
Rinse
Damp Cloth: Dip a clean microfibre cloth to wipe the left residue from the stained oil spot. This will clean any excess cleaning solution or oil left on the spot.
Avoid Saturation: Excessive moisture can damage the fabric or leather. Don’t saturate the fabric or leather.
Dry
Air Drying: Allow the cleaned spot to dry naturally. It’s the best way of drying after cleaning, especially for leather.
Hair Dryer: For a faster drying process, use a good-quality hair dryer. Set it on low heat and keep it moving to prevent any heat damage.
Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation for quickly drying the area.
Conclusion
Removing old oil stains from a car’s interior is not easy. But you can do it with ease by following the steps and methods explained in this blog. The steps explained in this blog will not only clean your car but also eliminate the bad odour from it. Remember, having patience is mandatory with the right equipment and strategies. If you feel that you need professional help at any moment, don’t hesitate to seek help from the best car detailers in Canada. Connect with Yellowstar today to transform your car’s appearance.
