I was bringing Indian takeout and on the way back, had to got thru some twisties. While the going was fun, , found out that the paper bag had fallen over and left ugly oil/turmeric stains on the rear seat (leatherette)

Stupid, Stupid, Stupid of me, I agree!!!. Cleaned out the oil, but the turmeric has stained the seat.

Detailing gurus, any ideas about how to get the stains out??????? I promise that I'll never ever put any food on the seats ever again!!!!!!

 

Interesting, the vinyl should not stain. Perhaps the oil is just on top. I would try maybe some dish soap or simple green to disolve the grease. When you're done protect it again with Vinylex or 303 Aerospace Protectant.

 

Turmeric stains EVERYTHING. I can my own chutney and some pickles every year and I treat Turmeric like acid. It took a year or so for a stain to fade from my quartz countertop, but it finally faded. I'm trying to think what you can use that won't trash your seat. If you try some laundry de-greaser that my help by lifting the oil, which is probably holding the turmeric in. But I would color test anything first to make sure you don't remove the color from the leatherette. You can also try making a paste with baking soda and vinegar and leaving it on the stain for a bit (like 10-15 minutes). Also, 3 percent Hydrogen Peroxide, dabbed on the spot.
But please, test anything first.
Sunlight does wonders on food stains, anyway to get some sunshine on it?

I'll keep thinking, hope you find a solution.
Annette

 

Try Nature's Miracle. It is organic and enzyme based. Works quite well. Here's one place that sells it. http://www.ferretstore.com/nm-001.html You can find it at virtually any pet supply store.

 

i love indian food... and I NEVER place the takeout bag on the seat. only
on the floor.

 

Here is some cleaning info I fould on a web site:
Mustard: Mustard contains turmeric, a yellow dye, that can be very difficult (sometimes impossible) to remove. First try petroleum based distillates (ie. lighter fluid, paint thinner, dry cleaning solvent). If stain remains use vinegar and water solution. If stain still remains use hydrogen peroxide. This will bleach the area, so do not leave on too long. Flush with water and dry.
(It sounds like the peroxide may bleach the seat )

Here is how Popular Mechanics says to clean mustard off vinyl seats:
Rub glycerine into stain. Sponge off with detergent. If stain persists, rub with 1:2 solution of alcohol and water.


Try doing an internet search for mustard stain on vinyl. I got more hits that way (& mustard causes stains because of the tumeric in it) Good luck

 

Thanks...being Indian myself, I get to deal a lot with turmeric, but this is the first time I ever stained a car seat!!!!!

Will try all of the suggestions and hope that this will clean it up....

Thanks a bunch, folks!!! This is exactly why I am so proud of being a part of this community!!!!!! Oh...and also the smiles my MINI brings (whenever my better half lets me drive HER MINI, that is..)