Auto body repair & detailing: Upholstery seats, terry cloth towel, velour material

Question
I have a 1995 VW Golf - the fabric seats have strange white stainlike spots where everyone has sat - never saw anything like before - I don't know if it could be body sweat or what from road trips we took - how do I get the fabric to look like the rest. It's a borrowed vehicle that I've had for probably 6 mos and I want to clean it good before returning it - but can not find anything on what these spots could be or how to get rid of them.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Barbara,

First, I have to assume that the seats are black or dark colored.

If this was velour material, I would have higher hopes for this problem. The fabric that is being used in cars today is extremely hard to clean. Even on the Detailing Bulletin boards there is not just one way to clean them.

Get yourself a good all purpose cleaner such as Fantastic, a white terry cloth towel and a stiff brush.

Mist the spot and the entire area of the seat lightly and scrub with the brush. Wipe down with the towel. If you see that the towel is picking up dirt continue to mist, scrub and dry with the towel. You can do this 3 or 4 times and then let the seat dry to see if you were able to remove the stain.

Good luck. Hope this helps,

Bob