I hope it's alright for a tenter (it is a pretty luxurious tent ) to ask a question here on behalf of caravanning friends!
They've just bought a pre-loved Eldis Aurora Crusader yr 2000 van which has some kind of grease deeply ingrained in the seats next to where the cooker is. I've not seen it but she explained over the phone that it may be a combination of cooking grease and suntan oil, obviously not cleaned for a long time. She said the fabric is sort of smooth and shiny with a cream/beige/blue/terracotta pattern as opposed to thick with a pile. I don't know if this sounds familiar? So if anyone can suggest a suitable cleaning product, we'd be really grateful, please? We're lending her our aqua-vax but think it sounds like the normal cleaning agents recommended to use with it may not be powerful enough to shift this grease.
Depending upon the fabric, not recommended for velour, velvet etc. they could try steam cleaning, or using blotting paper and a hot iron (the blotting paper should soak up the grease) Maybe they should just give it a normal clean first and then check the result before trying stronger cleaning solutions.
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I 've found steam cleaning very effective, but would test on small area first and probably not with cushions still inside the van! (i.e. take the cushions out and do them outside preferably on a sunny day to help them dry quickly) Also not tried, but what about using bicarbonate of soda sprinkled on and left to absorb any grease then vac after a couple of days - again I would patch test first.
We had a 1999 Eddis caravan and it had cushions a bit like you are describing - I think it was a cotton fabric so they may have to be careful as they could shrink.
A phone call or e-mail to Eldis may confirm this and they could check what to use / not use, as some things may damage the fabric.
On all our caravans we have wither made loose washable covers for the cushions or now we use cheep Ikea fleece throws that we can easily wash if there is a spillage and they double up as blankets too.
Thank you for your replies and help. I know my friends will be very grateful. I'll let you know what worked when they've done it, for others who may encounter the same problem.
We have always used standard washing machine detergent on our seats and carpet in conjunction with our very old and trusted VAX Hoover. Does the trick every time. If its really stubborn put some in a spray bottle at 50/50 mix with hot water and pre-soak it first.
And as a added bonus it smells nice too.
------------- If at first you don't succeed, pay someone else to do it for you....
To many times now iv had to do van seats!!Iv used aldi liquid detergent and the secret is not to over wet the fabric.Try to blot most of it out.If you have a wet and dry hoover even better.
I'd say a bit of neat washing up liquid rubbed into the area, then rubbed away with a damp cloth until it hopefully removes the grease.
Checked with OH regarding brake cleaner as I know he has used that on loads of stains, says it may work but watch the foam cushion underneath as it may react with that.
As stated by GT60, aerosol spray brake cleaner, is the stuff to use, I used to keep a tin in my truck for when I got grease on the seat. I occassionally got a lump of black grease on my back while hitching up trailer & it ended up on't seat, the brake cleaner cleaned it off no probs.