Water stains on a car headliner can be unsightly and difficult to remove. If your car has been in a rainstorm or you have had a water leak, you may be wondering how to get the water stains out of your car’s headliner.
Before we go any further, I have to tell you something. Water stains are best cleaned when they are still fresh. The longer you wait, the harder it is going to be to get water stains out of your car’s headliner.
In this blog post, we will outline eight easy steps that will help you get water stains out of a car headliner.
Key Takeaway
How To Get Water Stains Out Of Car Headliner
- Mix water and dish soap.
- Add the mixture to a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture on the water stains.
- Use a soft toothbrush to agitate the solution.
- Wipe the headliner with a clean microfiber towel.
- For more stubborn water stains, you can add vinegar to the microfiber towel and wipe it.
What Are Water Stains on a Headliner?
Water stains occur when water seeps through the headliner and leaves behind a stain.
Water stains on headliners can occur for a variety of reasons. One common reason is that the sealant or coating that was initially used to protect the fabric from moisture has worn off over time. This leaves the porous fabric vulnerable to absorbing liquids, which can then cause discoloration and staining.
Another possible cause of water stains on headliners is poor ventilation in the vehicle. If there is not enough air circulating inside, it can create a humid environment and lead to condensation building up on the surface of the headliner. This excess moisture will eventually evaporate and leave behind visible water spots or streaks.
Pro Tip: Use the least aggressive method when cleaning water stains on your headliner because you can easily damage the headliner and cause it to sog.
In some cases, leaks may develop in the roof of the car and drip onto the headliner material. This can happen either gradually over time or suddenly in the event of a severe rainstorm or car accident.
Whatever the cause may be, it’s important to address any water stains on your headliner as soon as possible. If left untreated, they can eventually lead to further damage and even replacement of the entire component. There are several ways to remove water spots from headliners, so consult your local automotive specialist for more information.
Can Too Much Water Cause The Car Headliner To Sog?
A car’s interior can be seriously damaged by too much water, so it might be worth checking to see if your headliner is affected. If you do notice any signs of sagging, take your car in for repair as soon as possible. Headliners can be replaced relatively cheaply, and it’s definitely better than dealing with a wet and moldy interior.
If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain or snow, make sure to park your car in a garage or under a carport to keep it as dry as possible. And if you do happen to get caught in a rainstorm while your car is parked, be sure to open the windows and sunroof (if you have one) to allow it to dry out. It might take a little bit of time, but taking these precautions will help protect your car’s interior from water damage.
To prevent water damage on your vehicle:
- Park in a garage or under a carport
- Open windows and sunroof when weather permits
- Use windshield wipers and defrost appropriately
- Remove snow/ice from the vehicle after storms
- Inspect for leaks regularly; fix immediately if found
- Prevent pets from entering vehicles; they can bring in water and dirt
- Clean carpets and upholstery regularly to remove any traces of water or moisture.
How To Get Water Stains Out Of Car Headliner
Water stains on a headliner are usually caused by a leak in the roof of the car. Most of the time, water stains on a car headliner can be removed with some simple cleaning techniques. Ideally, you would want to get rid of the water stains as soon as possible because the longer you leave it, the longer it will take to clean. However, I have used this simple technique over the years on some pretty stubborn water stains, and has worked for me.
1. Required Materials
- Bucket
- Dishsoap
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Soft brush or a toothbrush
- Two microfiber towels
2. Mix water and dish soap
Add lukewarm water to a clean bucket and add a couple of drops of dish soap. There is no need to buy some special dish soap, just use the one that you have at your home. Do not add a lot of dish soap because you don’t need a lot of bubbles. Stir the mixture until the dish soap has dissolved.
Dish soap is a great fabric cleaner because it contains degreasing agents that break down oils and grease. It also has a high pH level, which helps to remove dirt, sweat, and other soils from fabrics. In addition, dish soap is gentle on fabrics and will not leave behind any residue or streaks. This makes dish soap great for cleaning water stains out of a headliner.
3. Add the mixture to a spray bottle
Add the water and dish soap mixture to a spray bottle. You can either add it to a spray bottle or soak a clean microfiber towel into the bucket. However, I prefer using the spray bottle method because this way you have more control. If you soak the towel, then you have to wring it out to a point where you have enough solution on the towel, but not too much as you don’t want to get the headliner soaking wet.
4. Spray the mixture on the water stains
Grab the spray bottle and spray the mixture directly on the water stains. Make sure not to get the headliner soaking wet. Just add enough of the mixture to cover the water stains. In fact, there is a good chance that you will have to do this step a couple of times before the water stains are completely cleaned.
5. Use a soft brush or a toothbrush to agitate the water stains
Use a clean soft brush or a toothbrush to agitate the water stains on the car headliner. Be sure to use circular motions and apply pressure to help loosen up any dirt or residue that may be causing the stains. Depending on how stubborn the water stains are, you might spend a couple of minutes brushing.
6. Wipe the headliner with a clean microfiber towel
While agitating the water stains with a soft brush, you will be able to see the results. When you get the desired results, wipe the headliner with a clean microfiber towel and let it dry for a few minutes. Once the headliner is completely dry, review the results and see if you need to go over it again.
7. If not satisfied with the results, go back to step four
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself spraying and brushing the water stains more than one time. If your water stains are a couple of years old, you might need to perform the steps more than one time. That’s why I said it’s best to act while the water stains are still new. I had one car with water spots that were there for as long as I can remember. It took me around 4 cleaning sessions to completely remove them. That might not be the case with your vehicle, but I am just saying.
8. Pour white vinegar on the water stains
Once the water stains have been cleaned off of the headliner, it is time to neutralize any odors. Pour a little bit of white vinegar on a clean microfiber towel and wipe the area where the water stains were present. White vinegar will help disinfect the area and remove any lingering odors.
