Content

• Method 2 of 3: Dealing with stubborn stains
• Method 3 of 3: Removing mold and odors
• Tips
• Warnings

1 Unwind the strap to its maximum length. Pull the belt gently until the stopper engages. Now it is fully available and it will be much easier to work with it.

2 Secure the clip next to the spool that the belt is wound around. Move up the belt all the way to the spool. This is where most of the belt is stored when not in use. Install the metal clip as close to the coil as possible. The belt will now be unable to wind back up.

• Metal clips can be found at your local hardware store.

3 Spray the belt with cleaner. An all-purpose cleaner or cloth cleaner can be used safely to clean the belt. They are sold in the department store as spray bottles. All-purpose cleaners do not contain bleach and can be used even on delicate fabrics. Apply a small amount evenly over the entire length of the belt. Don't forget the seamy side.

• A mixture of equal parts of a mild, pH neutral detergent such as liquid soap or baby shampoo and water can be used as a cleanser.
• Vinegar and vinegar-based cleaners are very good at removing odors, but since vinegar is essentially acidic, if used in the wrong amount, the fibers in the belt can be damaged over time. So it's best to use wet baby wipes and gentle cloth cleaners.

4 Rub the belt. Use a stiff bristled brush. Start at the top of the strap and work your way down. Do this carefully without circular motions and in one direction only. Do this as carefully as possible to prevent wear on the belt fibers.

• Very dirty belts can be reapplied with the cleaning agent.

5 Wipe the strap with a microfiber towel. Wrap it around the strap and pull it down the entire length. This way you can get rid of excess moisture. Use only microfiber towels. Their fabric is very soft and therefore will not damage the strap fibers.

6 The belt should now dry. It will take at least one night. Wait a while if it is still wet. It is important that the belt is completely dry before you remove the clip to prevent mold from building up in the fibers.

Method 2 of 3: Dealing with stubborn stains

1. 1 Mix detergent with water. Take a small glass of warm water. Add a little (press 3–4 times on the dispenser) detergent or all-purpose detergent. Do not use a cleaner with bleach or vinegar as the acid will damage the belt. Regardless of the origin of the stains, in most cases they can be treated with a detergent or detergent. You don't have many choices for cleaning agents because some of them are very aggressive on the material of the seat belt.
2. 2 Dip a stiff bristled brush into the solution. Dip the bristles of the brush into the bowl to absorb some of the liquid. It is necessary to wet it only slightly so that the seat belt does not get wet through.
3. 3 Rub the stain. Move down from its top point. Do this carefully without circular motions and in one direction only. Rub very gently, adding a thin, uniform layer of a small amount of cleaning agent if necessary.
4. 4 Use a steam cleaner. On the most stubborn stains, a specialist or personally you can use a steam cleaner or a washing vacuum cleaner. Apply a coat of fabric cleaner or upholstery shampoo to the belt and immediately use the appliance on the lowest setting.

Method 3 of 3: Removing mold and odors

1. 1 Unwind the belt. Likewise, gently pull on the belt until the stopper engages. Mold spores can now be identified and the belt can be reached to remove odors.
2. 2 Secure the clip next to the spool that the belt is wound around. Find a reel to wind the belt around when not in use. Move up the belt all the way to the spool. Install the metal clip as close to the coil as possible. The belt will now not roll back.
3. 3 Mix the detergent in a bowl. Add one tablespoon (15 ml) of non-bleach soap to a bowl (240 ml) filled with water. Add two tablespoons (30 ml) of vinegar. Stir well until a lather forms.
4. 4 Rub the belt. Use a soft bristled brush to gently work with the cleaner. Dip it in soapy water and slide down the belt. Do this carefully without circular motions and in one direction only. Careful not to damage the belt fibers, apply a thin, uniform layer of a small amount of cleaning agent.
5. 5 Wipe the seat belt with a microfiber towel. Use a dry microfiber towel to remove excess moisture that could damage the integrity of the strap threads. Wrap it around the strap and pull it down the entire length to get rid of excess fluid.
   • If you have recurring mold problems, spray one of the antifungal agents on the belt while it is still damp. Use a product that does not contain bleach.
6. 6 Let the belt dry on its own. Leave it overnight or until dry. The seat belt must be completely dry before you remove the clip, otherwise the damp cloth, when wound around the spool, will become a breeding ground for mold and odors.

Tips

• Don't use bleach.This product weakens the fibers of the seat belt and removes only the external appearance of mold, but does not actually stop its growth.
• Regular air freshener will not remove odors that are deeply embedded in fabric, but odor removers work without thoroughly cleaning the seat belt.

Warnings

• Mold spores are dangerous enough. Wear a mask when handling mold in a car.