How to Remove Motor Oil Stains from Your Car's Backseat

Accidents happen, especially when you’re in the middle of a repair and forget to cover up. Dealing with a motor oil spill on your car's backseat can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can make it a relic of the past. Here’s how to tackle this squalid situation.

Initial Steps

First, gather your supplies: mineral spirits, white paper towels, a bottle of rubbing alcohol, pure orange oil, a hand brush, strong detergent, a spray bottle, cheap bleach (yes, the kind you find at Walmart), a gallon of water, and paper towels.

Step 1: Clean the Oil with Mineral Spirits

Apply mineral spirits to the area using white paper towels. This helps to suspend the motor oil in the paper towels for easy removal. Dry the area thoroughly with additional paper towels. Thoroughness is key here.

Step 2: Pre-treat with a Natural Blend

Mix a tablespoon of pure orange oil with a suitable amount of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. liberally spray this mixture in the oil-stained area. Immediately scrub the area with a white terry cloth to help break down the oil.

Step 3: Remove Excess and Test Bleach

Soak up as much of the mixture as possible with paper towels and discard them. If you have rubber or plastic floor mats, remove them to make the cleaning process easier. Continue soaking up any remaining oil with paper towels. When you can’t get any more oil, mix a strong detergent with a little water and scrub the area with a hand brush. If you have carpet inserts, wash them separately before drying them. Remove the soapy water with paper towels or a cloth towel, and wash and wring them dry if needed.

Deep Cleaning and Finalizing

Step 4: Apply Bleach for Staining and Odor Removal

Finding a bleach that doesn’t fade is important. Test a small spot with the bleach to be sure. If it’s safe, make a 1:5 dilution of the bleach and apply it to the stained area using gloves. Leave the bleach on for a while, then rinse it off with water and more paper towels. For tougher stains, continue using plain bleach if safe. This will help remove the last of the staining and make the area smell fresh. Remember, Clorox is very harsh, so if it’s too strong, consider using color-safe bleach like OxiClean instead.

Step 5: Addressing Minor Odor Problems

For a minor smell, you might try a pet stain remover designed for carpets. If nothing else helps, a perfumed soap might be the last resort. It’s likely not the solution, but it’s worth a shot.

Final Thoughts

With these steps, you should be able to remove motor oil stains from your car's upholstery effectively. Patience and persistence will pay off, and your car will smell and look as good as new in no time. Good luck!