Tips for stain removal on light space gray seats

[macchiaz-o]

Despite Ford's "blue-butt" seat tests, my driver's seat appears to be permanently stained.

Any tips for successfully removing this type of stain? I assume it's from a dye in a black leather belt that I often wear. (I've worn this belt for many years... But still, it's the only cause I can think of. )

I've tried very soapy water and scrubbing, windex and scrubbing, leather conditioner and scrubbing, and interior detail spray and... you guessed it, scrubbing.

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[Neil4Real]

I’d take it to the dealer and tell them it shouldn’t stain, per the test. Hopefully they’re nice?

 

[TonyaE]

How about Dawn or peroxide? Not sure if it will work. Good luck

 

[Electric Goat]

This is why dealers try to sell you fabric protection with a fabric protection warranty. Looks like normal wear and tear due to clothing dye transfer.

I've seen some light interiors get ruined after someone wore their new blue jeans in the rain then got in the car.

Fortunately, it all comes out if you get to it quick enough and stay diligent with keeping your interior clean.

 

[Pushrods&Capacitors]

Despite Ford's "blue-butt" seat tests, my driver's seat appears to be permanently stained.

Any tips for successfully removing this type of stain? I assume it's from a dye in a black leather belt that I often wear. (I've worn this belt for many years... But still, it's the only cause I can think of. )

I've tried very soapy water and scrubbing, windex and scrubbing, leather conditioner and scrubbing, and interior detail spray and... you guessed it, scrubbing.

Simple Green spray or Fast Orange hand cleaner. You’re welcome. And don’t use any bleach wipes please!

 

[macchiaz-o]

Thanks for the tips, all.

So now I've also tried regular bleach diluted in water... No dice.

Also tried 1 part white vinegar with two parts water, and ample dish soap stirred together and blotted on with a paper towel. Scrubbed with a stiff bristle brush... No dice.

I'll try Brian's suggestions next (I need to buy that stuff first).

Most likely, I'll just have to live with it or get seat covers.

 

[Peaceowl]

Did you try Resolve? A carpet spray cleaner. That stuff is great. Good luck.
once I cut my foot and didn’t know I was spreading blood all over the carpet. Soda water and vinegar on top of sprinkled baking soda took that out.

 

[joebruin77]

Although I have an MME on order, I have had a Tesla Model 3 since 2018 and have seen many informative and helpful posts on the Tesla Motors Club website about this topic of dye transfer. Here is an example of a helpful post (see below).

If I recall, the most effective solution is to use a more powerful all purpose cleaner. My favorite automotive cleaner is Opitmum's Power Clean. I would first try Power Clean diluted at 5 to 1. If that doesn't work, then try it 3 to 1. I would spray on the Power Clean solution, let it dwell for 1-2 minutes, and then use a soft brush to work it in, then wipe it off with a microfiber towel.

Good luck!

https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/cleaning-white-seats.142221/#post-3380507

and here is a video they recommended on this topic:

https://insideevs.com/news/342260/tesla-white-interior-blue-jean-transfer-fix-video/

 

[Ninja4hire]

I would try two things, if you haven't already.
1. Mr. Clean magic easer.
2. Oxy-clean and water.

 

[Totallyford]

Despite Ford's "blue-butt" seat tests, my driver's seat appears to be permanently stained.

Any tips for successfully removing this type of stain? I assume it's from a dye in a black leather belt that I often wear. (I've worn this belt for many years... But still, it's the only cause I can think of. )

I've tried very soapy water and scrubbing, windex and scrubbing, leather conditioner and scrubbing, and interior detail spray and... you guessed it, scrubbing.

You've been on the forum along time. Back around early 2020 I had a cleaning tip for this very thing. Mix a strong solution of OXY CLEAN powder and water. Using a paper towel wipe the area generously with the solution as needed. If stain persist wet a paper towel and stick it to the seat. Check after 15 min. Do not scrub it should just disappear. Good luck

 

[macchiaz-o]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the tips! I'll need to purchase some of the products you're recommending and give these a shot.

 

[Toreus]

As a space grey interior owner, just thought I’d bump this to see if OP had any success with the suggestions? You’ve tried so many things now - if something works, I want to hear about it!

 

[y7eah]

Had this same issue, ended up trading for a GT PE with black seats. I noticed some dye transfer on the stitching around 7k miles and attempted to clean it with numerous cleaners to no avail. Ordered the Ford seat covers (which I didn't care for) and then debated briefly trying to swap the seats or have them reupholstered. On the drive to trade it in I was wearing a black hoodie and that even managed to transfer to the seat pretty badly. Luckily they didn't say anything about it. Our initial plan was to return the vehicle back to Ford after 3 years was up (Ford Options) but with the staining we were worried about fees and decided to trade up while used values are still high and tax incentives exist.

I feel for you OP, and suggest that anyone who plans to get a light interior re-evaluate if possible. I saw a REALLY bad one on Carvana with only like 15k miles. I can't even imagine what it'd look like after a couple years. Looks nice initially but not worth the long term wearability IMO.

 

[sunvalley]

LA awesome from dollar store works great. Those stains come right off

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