Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: How to remove stains from upholstery
• Method 2 of 3: How to remove stubborn stains
• Method 3 of 3: Deep-clean the entire headliner
• Warnings
• What do you need
• Removing stains from upholstery
• Removing stubborn stains
• Deep cleaning of the entire headliner

When cleaning the interior, vehicle owners often miss the headliners, although they also collect dirt. Fortunately, stains and grime can be easily removed with interior cleaning brushes and upholstery cleaner. For stubborn stains, use a steam cleaner or wet vacuum cleaner. Whichever method you use, it will bring the headlining back to its original appearance!

Steps

Method 1 of 3: How to remove stains from upholstery

1. 1 Spray upholstery cleaner on a soft brush. Buy an upholstery cleaner from an auto supply store. These stores should sell salon-safe products, but check the label just in case. Dip the end of the interior cleaning brush into the cleaner. This will give you more control over where to apply the cleaner inside the cabin.
   • When spraying the cleaner, be sure to leave the car doors open and work in a well-ventilated area.
   • To avoid skin irritation when handling the cleaner, wear nitrile or latex gloves.

   Make your own purifier

   
   

   In a spray bottle, mix a quarter cup (60 ml) of white vinegar, half a tablespoon (7.4 ml) of liquid soap, and 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water. Shake the bottle to mix the ingredients.
   

2. 2 Rub the cleaner onto the stain. Foam the cleaner by moving the brush in small circles. Press down on the brush a little to push the foam deeper into the stain.
   • Do not press too hard on the brush to avoid damaging the adhesive under the upholstery.
   • This method allows you to easily remove dirt stains and traces of material wear.
3. 3 Wipe or blot the stain with a dry microfiber towel. Press the towel against the cleaned area to absorb the cleaner. Run a towel around the stain to remove it from the upholstery surface. Check the condition of the stain - if it is still noticeable, repeat cleaning again.
   • You can buy a microfiber towel at any home improvement or auto supply store.

Method 2 of 3: How to remove stubborn stains

1. 1 Remove the stain as much as possible with an upholstery cleaner and a stiff bristled brush. Spray the cleaner onto the brush to moisten the bristles. Rub the cleaner into the stain in a circular motion to loosen it. Wipe off the cleaner and part of the stain with a microfiber cloth.
   • Interior brushes can be purchased at your local auto accessories store.
   • Wear a pair of nitrile gloves to avoid skin irritation from contact with the cleaner.
2. 2 Buy or rent a steam cleaner. Steam cleaners eject steam under pressure to loosen dirt and penetrate stains. Check with your local supermarket or home improvement store to see if they rent steam cleaners. If not, buy a small steam cleaner for your home.
   • Budget steam cleaners cost around 2,500 rubles.
3. 3 Spray the steam, keeping the spout 5 cm away from the stain. Use a narrow nozzle or steam cleaner brush. Aim the nozzle at the stain and press the button to spray out steam. Spray the entire stain to remove heat and moisture from the upholstery.
   • Do not oversaturate the stain with water to avoid damaging the adhesive under the upholstery.
4. 4 Blot the stain with a dry microfiber cloth. Blot the damp spot with a microfiber cloth. If dirt remains on the upholstery, steam the stain again, then wipe it down with a cloth in a circular motion.
   • This method is best for removing food stains or other stubborn stains.

Method 3 of 3: Deep-clean the entire headliner

1. 1 Spray upholstery cleaner (or universal cleaner) on a stiff bristle brush. Clean your car in a well-ventilated area. Dip a large interior brush in the cleaner.
   • Do not spray the cleaner directly onto the ceiling of your car, as it may loosen the adhesive under the upholstery.
   • If you have very sensitive skin, wear thin latex gloves.
2. 2 Scrub the ceiling with a brush to foam the cleaner. Move the brush in long back and forth strokes to foam the cleaner. Wipe the car ceiling using light pressure on the brush. Apply a little more cleaner to the brush if it stops lathering.
   • Use a circular motion to rub more of the cleaner on the most visible stains.
3. 3 Remove the cleaner with a wet vacuum cleaner. Slide the brush attachment onto the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner. Place the nozzle on the car ceiling and turn on the vacuum cleaner. Start at the front of the car and work your way back. Brush across the ceiling to remove the cleaner.
   • This method removes traces of nicotine and smoke from the vehicle interior.
4. 4 Let the headliner dry completely. Although the vacuum cleaner will absorb most of the moisture, leave the vehicle for another 24 hours to allow the upholstery to dry completely. Run your hand over the fabric to make sure it is dry, and smooth out any lines the vacuum cleaner may have left.
   • If the vehicle is in a safe, temperature-controlled area, leave all windows open to ventilate.
5. 5 Repeat the process if stains remain visible. When the car is dry, inspect the upholstery for stains and discoloration. Start by spot treating the stains, but if that doesn't work, try more intensive cleaning methods.
   • Some stains cannot be removed. In this case, try to lighten the stain as much as possible.

Warnings

• If you have sensitive skin, wear a pair of nitrile or latex gloves.
• Work in a well-ventilated area so that vapors of the cleaner do not accumulate in the room.

What do you need

Removing stains from upholstery

• Upholstery cleaner
• Soft brush
• Microfiber towel

Removing stubborn stains

• Upholstery cleaner
• Stiff bristled brush
• Steam cleaner
• Microfiber cloth

Deep cleaning of the entire headliner

• Upholstery cleaner
• Stiff bristled brush
• Vacuum cleaner for wet cleaning