HELP! Did I screw my seats?

palooka · 10-23-01, 08:33

I just purchased a 1997 Honda EX Coupe in relatively good shape. I wanted to detail the car from top to bottom so I began my project on the inside by removing all interior pieces and seats to clean carpet and seats separately. Based on feedback Ive read here, I used Woolite Heavy Traffic with a Bissell steam cleaner for carpets--results were great. Since I had such good luck, I decided to try it on seats as well. I didnt douse them but I applied rather heavily. Even though the seats didnt seem that dirty, I found a few spots that seemed like it had coffee spills in it because when I was steaming, some really brown liquid was making its way into the steamer. Now here is my problem--I cleaned them well, and repeatedly rinsed them with warm water. It seems like it never fully comes out. When I was done, I was happy they looked good. But as they dried it seemed like the coffee or whatever the stain was, was resurfacing. The question is, did I ruin the material by using the carpet cleaner on the seats? With the seats completely dry, it seems like in there is a
VERY VERY faint browning in the trouble spots. When they were damp, I could not see staining--as for the rest of the seats they look great. Did I ruin something? Should I repeat cleaning? Am I just being paranoid?
PLEASE HELP!

Brad B. · 10-23-01, 09:19

No, it's unlikely you hurt anything. The stain may be disguised when the fabric is wet and simply coming clearer when dry. You can spot the stain repeatedly if you like. Be sure to watch for color fastness. When as clean as possible (it may or may not come out completely) spray the seats and carpet with a fabric protectant.

palooka · 10-23-01, 10:36

thanks Brad--I appreciate the info