Pro Detailers::: removing water stains from seat and door panel fabric?

[Smartin]

Before I ruin the original fabric on this car, I figured I would pick the collective brain of the forums.  This is in virtually every door panel, and the seats could use a good clean, too.  How do I remove the water stains?

 

Before anyone suggests one of those tornado air/water guns, I already tried.  No go.  Didn't even touch it.

 

Steam cleaner?  If so, any recommendations on which one to buy?

[JohnD1956]

I am not an expert but I will suggest trying a rug cleaner product with a bristle brush. Then asorb the cleaner with microfibre towels. 

Also, if there is any rug retailers in your area you might inquire if they can recommend a professional cleaner. I once took a heavily soiled car for treatment and $60.00 later it was nearly new inside. 

[old-tank]

Simple Green

[Smartin]

I thought about Simple green...didn't try it because I was unsure if it would be too strong. Might give it a shot since this stuff isn't perfect anyway.

[lrlforfun]

OK Adam: Get a harbor freight steamer. Works great.  Soap?  Super Clean 10:1 with 8 drops of Dawn dishwashing liquid. Spray lightly, let dwell a bit steam off. Wipe with a microfiber.   First, use a test panel to get the hang of it.    WA LA.  Mitch

[Y-JobFan]

I would recommend this unit especially since you are doing so much of this now.  I have had one for about 4 years and it does a fantastic job   https://www.floormatshop.com/Detailer-Pro-Heated-Carpet-Extractor.aspx?matchtype=&network=g&device=c&keyword=&campaign=1337060088&adgroup=pla-513380765727&_vsrefdom=floormatshop&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIue6Zvf6w7gIViaCGCh0oGgmeEAQYByABEgKVevD_BwE

 

[Dennis Hagen]

I have used Blue Magic carpet cleaner with great results. Example: I spilled battery acid on my boat carpet and it cleaned it completely, also worked well on a off white headliner in my 56 Buick.

[NTX5467]

Are the stains "mineral-based" or "oil-based"?  Which might affect which type of cleaning solution was used in the steam unit.  Just don't soak the fabrics too much that the backing board gets too wet.

 

Please advise of process and results,

NTX5467

Edited January 31, 2021 by NTX5467 (see edit history)

[60FlatTop]

Years ago a friend of mine, Grimy's too, had a stained and dirty car interior cleaned by a local Service Master: https://www.servicemaster.com/company/our-brands/servicemaster-clean/

 franchise. They are professionals. He was thoroughly impressed then and would probably still give them a high rating. As I remember the car was a '56 Cadillac Fleetwood 75.

 

Just in case anyone has a leather interior I recently replaced the leather seat bottom in my wife's 1998 Tahoe. The upholstery company said they had complaints that the new leather was not as shiny as the original (with years of sweat and body oozings on them). They recommended Scrubbing Bubbles for the original surfaces. Wow! What a job that does, if you have leather.

[39BuickEight]

A detailer that I used finish at work would fairly heavily soak the entire surface.  The marks would blend away as it dried.  Water stains would come out by soaking the whole thing in water.

Edited January 31, 2021 by 39BuickEight (see edit history)