CarWale
    AD

    DIY tips to clean tough car stains this Holi

    Authors Image

    Nikhil Puthran

    21,767 Views

    Introduction

    Holi is one of the majorly celebrated festivals of our country. However, this festival of colours might not be your car’s favourite occasion. And rightly so, with all the colours and water balloons, your car most often bears the brunt, especially if it is white in colour. While it is best to avoid taking out the vehicle, most of us would prefer visiting family or friends in our own vehicles to avoid inconveniences. Now, the commonly used synthetic colours during Holi are usually a blend of various chemicals like mineral oils, heavy metals and surprisingly, glass powder! Clearly, as compared to the natural colours, the synthetic colours are difficult to get rid of, especially from the upholstery. Read below to know some DIY tips on how to clean your car this Holi.

    Exterior 

    - Avoid using detergent powder or soaps to clean your vehicle as they do more harm than good. A good car washing soap, shampoo or foam should help. Use a microfibre cloth to wipe it dry and give it a fresh coat of wax to bring back the lost shine. Applying a coat of car wax a day before the festival will further ease the cleaning process. 

    - The headlights use a tempered form of polycarbonate plastic that is inherently porous. To compensate for its porous nature, the headlamps are covered by a protective film. However, due to extended exposure to sunlight and UV rays, the films begin to degrade and the plastic becomes oxidized. After you wash the car, use a micro fibre cloth to rub a combination of vinegar and baking soda on to the headlights. The naturally abrasive quality of baking soda can work to release grime and dirt, and bring a polished finish to the headlights. 

    - Avoid acid based solutions while cleaning the wheels. Wheel cleaning detergent, vinegar and hot water in a cleaning bucket should do the work better. 

    Interior 

    - Moving to the interior; well, this is where the tough part begins. Most believe that using more water and soap is an easy way to clean the seat. However, this is not true and using more water will only dampen the seat, stain them further and leave a foul smell. The trick here is to use a little hot water with baking soda and rub it in a circular motion. Use a little vinegar with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing soap to scrub the stain from the seat. Use a towel with cold water to rinse off the detergent. Leave the windows open to let fresh air pass and dry the seats. 

    - As for the leather seats, you can clean it by dabbing a cotton ball dipped in alcohol-based cleaners or a nail polish remover. Rub the seat with vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 30 minutes before rubbing it with a damp sponge. Use a clean dry towel to wipe the seat dry of any liquid remnant. 

    It is also worth noting that the above-mentioned tricks will be effective only on seats that are mildly stained whereas, the heavily stained seats will need a replacement or intensive treatment at authorized workshops. Also, the above-mentioned tips will only clean and not restore the upholstery to its original form.

    Featured Cars

    • Popular
    • JUST LAUNCHED
    • Upcoming
    Maruti Suzuki Dzire
    Maruti Dzire
    Rs. 6.79 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    JUST LAUNCHED
    11th NOV
    Skoda Kylaq
    Skoda Kylaq
    Rs. 7.89 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    JUST LAUNCHED
    6th NOV
    Tata Curvv
    Tata Curvv
    Rs. 9.99 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Mahindra XUV 3XO
    Mahindra XUV 3XO
    Rs. 7.79 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Mahindra Thar Roxx
    Mahindra Thar Roxx
    Rs. 12.99 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Hyundai Creta
    Hyundai Creta
    Rs. 11.00 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Tata Nexon
    Tata Nexon
    Rs. 8.00 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    BMW M5
    BMW M5
    Rs. 1.99 Croreonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    JUST LAUNCHED
    21st NOV
    BMW M5
    BMW M5
    Rs. 1.99 Croreonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    JUST LAUNCHED
    21st NOV
    Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 S E Performance
    Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 S E Performance
    Rs. 1.95 Croreonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    JUST LAUNCHED
    12th NOV
    Maruti Suzuki Dzire
    Maruti Dzire
    Rs. 6.79 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    JUST LAUNCHED
    11th NOV
    Skoda Kylaq
    Skoda Kylaq
    Rs. 7.89 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    JUST LAUNCHED
    6th NOV
    Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class
    Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class
    Rs. 3.60 Croreonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    Rs. 78.50 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Volvo EX40
    Volvo EX40
    Rs. 56.10 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    BYD eMax 7
    BYD eMax 7
    Rs. 26.90 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Audi Q7 facelift
    LAUNCHING SOON
    Nov 2024
    Audi Q7 facelift

    Rs. 89.00 - 98.00 LakhEstimated Price

    28th Nov 2024Expected Launch

    Get Launch Alert on WhatsApp

    Mahindra XEV 9e
    Mahindra XEV 9e

    Rs. 50.00 - 52.00 LakhEstimated Price

    26th Nov 2024Expected Launch

    Get Launch Alert on WhatsApp

    Mahindra BE 6e
    Mahindra BE 6e

    Rs. 17.00 - 21.00 LakhEstimated Price

    26th Nov 2024Unveil Date

    Get Launch Alert on WhatsApp

    Honda Amaze 2024
    LAUNCHING SOON
    Dec 2024
    Honda Amaze 2024

    Rs. 7.50 - 10.00 LakhEstimated Price

    4th Dec 2024Expected Launch

    Get Launch Alert on WhatsApp

    Toyota Camry 2024
    Toyota Camry 2024

    Rs. 45.00 - 55.00 LakhEstimated Price

    11th Dec 2024Expected Launch

    Get Launch Alert on WhatsApp

    BMW New X3
    BMW New X3

    Rs. 65.00 - 70.00 LakhEstimated Price

    Jan 2025 (Tentative)Expected Launch

    Get Launch Alert on WhatsApp

    Hyundai Creta EV
    Hyundai Creta EV

    Rs. 22.00 - 26.00 LakhEstimated Price

    Jan 2025 (Tentative)Expected Launch

    Get Launch Alert on WhatsApp

    Tata Punch facelift
    Tata Punch facelift

    Rs. 6.00 - 11.00 LakhEstimated Price

    Feb 2025 (Tentative)Expected Launch

    Get Launch Alert on WhatsApp