The car ceiling or headliner is typically an overlooked aspect of your vehicle, especially when cleaning the interior, but it can still end up dirty. Luckily, there are several ways on how to remove stains from the car ceiling as well as grime and other debris. With the help of these cleaning techniques, it will make the ceiling of your vehicle looking new and clean.
Table of Contents
A close look on your car ceiling
The interior ceiling of your vehicle has a finished look. Generally, it is enclosed in vinyl, fabric, leather or other form of upholstery that has several functions such as insulation, muffling noise and vibrations, hanging devices from the roof and creating a finished appearance.
The material that covers the car ceiling is called the headliner. It is comprised of more than fabric alone or else it will have sagging sections on the ceiling. The roof lining is comprised of a hardened support that is usually fiberglass or fibrous board, a thin foam layer that is glued to the support and the visible material that is equally fastened to the foam.
The entire headliner is created in one piece. In case it is broken or falls apart, it must be replaced as a complete part.
The headliner is one of the parts of your vehicle that gets minimal attention. It is often overlooked while cleaning. Remember that the exposed surface is porous and absorbs smoke and odor, retaining it for days, weeks or even longer. Once you notice that the headliner is dirty or starts to smell, it is important to note that it requires extra care to ensure that it will not get damaged once you attempt to remove the stains or odor.
Effective steps on how to remove stains from car ceiling
When dealing with stains on the car ceiling, there are several methods that you can try to remove stains or marks on the car ceiling.
Minor soiling
When an object brushes against the headliner, it might leave behind a mark on the fabric.
- Carefully wipe the stain using a microfiber cloth.
- If the stain lingers, use a fabric cleaner on the spot with a cloth. Only apply mild pressure with the cloth since you do not want it to saturate deeply into the foam. Blot the site with a dry, clean cloth to remove excess wetness. Once the upholstery has dried up, check if the stain is removed.
Surface cleaning
- Spray the headliner evenly with an upholstery cleaner. Make sure to pay close attention to the edges and in crevices around lights. The foaming action of the cleaner breaks up any trapped dirt below the surface.
- Allow the cleaner to sit on the upholstery based on the packaging instructions.
- With a small, soft-bristled brush, slightly stir the surface of the headliner. Make sure that every part of the surface is reached to ensure even cleaning.
- Let it dry completely. It might take an hour or two for it to dry.
When spot cleaning is not enough to get rid of a minor stain or mark, it might be necessary to clean the entire headliner in an in-depth manner.
For stubborn stains, it might require a second treatment. It is recommended to repeat steps 1-4.
[crp]
More questions about how to get rid of stains from the car ceiling
How do you remove soda stains from car ceiling?
Throughout the years, many have ended up with soda stains after shaking a can of Coke. Once the incident occurs, you can wipe off the beverage easily from the ceiling. In some cases, though, it is allowed to sit for days and the dyes utilized to color the beverage can leave behind a stain.
If you want to remove the soda stain from the ceiling of your vehicle, you can utilize these techniques.
- Combine a spoonful of detergent in a cup of water. With an old toothbrush, apply the mixture on the site. Just be careful not to remove the paint.
- In case the stain lingers, combine 1/3 cup white vinegar with 2/3 cups of water. Brush the solution on the stain. Wipe it clean with a towel or cloth moistened in cold water.
- Prepare a solution with 2 tablespoons of clear ammonia in a cup of cool water. Immerse a clean cloth into the mixture and wring out the excess. Wipe it on the stain.
How do you fix a cigarette burn in a car ceiling?
If the ceiling of your vehicle ends up with a cigarette burn, it can be considered as permanent damage. This issue cannot be repaired without consulting a specialist who repairs interiors. In most cases, the damaged material from the entire roof will be replaced with new cloth or vinyl. For those who want to lessen the hassle and expenses, a cigarette burn can be concealed by using a patch of matching cloth.
Utilize a small patch of cloth, ideally slightly bigger than the cigarette burn. Apply a small amount of solvent-based glue on the site. Position the patch directly on the burn site and hold firmly for up to 3 minutes to ensure that the cloth has completely adhered. Spray flocking glue to the area to seal the site. Do not forget to finish it with a small coating of velour topcoat to the site to prevent it from becoming tacky.
Why is there a stain on my ceiling?
The roof or ceiling of the car or headliner is often unnoticed while cleaning the interior. You might be surprised to find stains and marks at the headliner that seem out of place.
When your head touches the headliner while seated or when moving in and out of the vehicle, these darkened areas on the headliner are likely from the oil from your hair. Even makeup products and beverages are also the usual sources of stains or marks on the headliner.
In some cases, an ink stain might also end up on the headliner. Remember that most of the interior surfaces in vehicles are penetrable and an ink pigment, whether large or small will later penetrate into the material.
How do you remove Coke stains from ceiling?
Most times a spoonful of detergent mixed with a cup of water will remove coke. In case the stain lingers, combine 1/3 cup white vinegar with 2/3 cups of water. Brush the solution on the coke stain. Wipe it clean with a towel or cloth moistened in cold water.
Final thoughts
Regular cleaning of the headliner of your vehicle can restore the overall interior. By using the methods on how to remove stains from car ceiling, the interior of your vehicle will be good as new in no time.
