A clean car interior not only makes your drive more enjoyable but also helps maintain your vehicle’s value. However, life happens—whether it’s an accidental coffee spill on the morning commute, muddy footprints from an outdoor adventure, or a motion sickness mishap on a road trip. Some stains are more than just an eyesore; they can seep into your seats, carpets, and even dashboard, becoming a nightmare to remove.
In this article, we’ll highlight ten of the worst stains you can get in your car or van—plus some handy cleaning tips to stop them from causing permanent damage.
1. Coffee Stains
A morning cup of coffee is essential for many drivers, but one sharp turn or an overfilled cup can lead to an unfortunate spill. Coffee is notorious for leaving brown stains that soak deep into fabric and leave a lingering odour.
How to remove:
- Blot the stain immediately with a dry cloth—do not rub, as this will spread it further.
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and washing-up liquid with warm water.
- Use a sponge to dab the solution onto the stain, then blot with a clean cloth.
2. Grease & Oil Stains
Whether you’ve been working on your car’s engine or indulging in a greasy takeaway, oil-based stains are particularly stubborn. These stains tend to absorb into fabric, leaving behind unsightly dark patches.
How to remove:
- Sprinkle baking soda or cornflour over the stain and let it sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb excess grease.
- Vacuum up the powder and apply a degreasing dish soap mixed with warm water.
- Gently scrub the area with a soft brush, then blot dry.
3. Ink Stains
Leaky pens, kids scribbling on the seats, or signing documents on the go can all lead to ink stains—one of the most difficult types to remove, as ink spreads rapidly into fabric and leather.
How to remove:
- Dab (do not rub) the stain with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol or hairspray.
- Blot continuously until the ink starts lifting off.
- Wipe with a damp cloth and repeat if necessary.
4. Blood Stains
Accidents can happen, whether it’s a small cut or a nosebleed, and blood is one of the most difficult stains to get out—especially once it has dried.
How to remove:
- Always use cold water, as warm water can set the stain.
- Mix cold water with a small amount of salt and dab the stain.
- For dried blood stains, apply a few drops of hydrogen peroxide (be careful on darker fabrics).
5. Vomit Stains (and Odour)
Car sickness, especially on long journeys, can leave both an unpleasant stain and a lingering smell. If not cleaned quickly, vomit stains can seep into your upholstery and become impossible to remove.
How to remove:
- Scoop up any solid residue and blot the stain with a paper towel.
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and spray over the stain.
- Sprinkle baking soda on top to absorb the smell—vacuum it up once dry.
6. Soda & Sugary Drink Stains
That fizzy drink you grabbed at the petrol station might seem harmless, but sugary liquids can leave behind sticky, discoloured patches that attract dirt and grime.
How to remove:
- Blot up as much of the liquid as possible.
- Use a cloth soaked in warm water with a small amount of washing-up liquid.
- Scrub gently and dry with a clean towel.
7. Mud & Dirt Stains
Whether it’s kids jumping in after football practice or your wellies after a countryside walk, mud stains can quickly ruin your car’s interior.
How to remove:
- Allow the mud to dry completely before attempting to clean it.
- Once dry, vacuum up the loose dirt.
- Use a carpet cleaner or a mixture of water and washing-up liquid to lift any remaining marks.
8. Chocolate & Melted Sweets
A chocolate bar left in the car on a warm day is a disaster waiting to happen. Melted chocolate or sticky sweets can create stubborn stains that are tough to clean.
How to remove:
- If the chocolate has melted, place an ice pack over the stain to harden it.
- Gently scrape off any excess before using a mild detergent and warm water.
- For stubborn marks, a small amount of rubbing alcohol can help break down the residue.
9. Pet Urine Stains
Travelling with pets is great, but accidents can happen. Unfortunately, pet urine not only stains but also leaves an overwhelming odour that’s difficult to remove.
How to remove:
- Blot the stain immediately with paper towels.
- Use an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet stains to break down the urine.
- If you don’t have an enzymatic cleaner, try a mix of white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.
10. Red Wine Stains
A glass of wine in a moving vehicle might not be the best idea, but accidents do happen—especially if you’ve transported an open bottle. Red wine stains are notoriously difficult to remove.
How to remove:
- Blot up as much wine as possible with a dry cloth.
- Pour club soda or sparkling water over the stain to help lift the colour.
- If necessary, use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and washing-up liquid to break down the stain.
Some stains are inevitable, but acting fast can prevent them from becoming permanent. A few proactive measures, such as using seat covers, keeping cleaning wipes in the glovebox and applying a fabric protectant, can help keep your car looking its best.
What’s the worst stain you’ve ever had in your car? Share your horror stories in the comments!
Related posts:
- Mastering the Tiny World: 10 Essential Macro Photography Tips
- Ten Tips To Becoming an Ice Sculpture Specialist
- Dusk to Dawn: Ten Tips for Perfect Landscape Photography
- Ten Ways to Identify Counterfeit Goods Before You Buy
- Ten of the Most Adorable Pictures of Zoey and Jasper
- Ten Amazing Cake Icing Wall Motifs by the Talented Shelley Miller