Maintenance - upholstery and carpets

Mats and carpets should be brushed or vacuum cleaned regularly to keep them free of grit. If they are badly stained remove them from the vehicle for scrubbing or sponging and make quite sure they are dry before refitting. Seats and interior trim panels can be kept clean by wiping with a damp cloth and upholstery cleaner. If they do become stained (which can be more apparent on light coloured upholstery) use a little liquid detergent and a soft nail brush to scour the grime out of the grain of the material. Do not forget to keep the headlining clean in the same way as the upholstery. When using liquid cleaners inside the vehicle do not over-wet the surfaces being cleaned. Excessive damp could get into the seams and padded interior causing stains, offensive odours or even rot. If the inside of the vehicle gets wet accidentally it is worthwhile taking some trouble to dry it out properly, particularly where carpets are involved. Do not leave oil or electric heaters inside the vehicle for this purpose.

    See also:

    Engine oil and filter renewal (Every 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months)
    1 Frequent oil and filter changes are the most important preventative maintenance procedures which can be undertaken by the DIY owner. As engine oil ages, it becomes diluted and contaminated, whic ...

    Handbrake cables - renewal
    1 Chock the front wheels, then fully release the handbrake. 2 Raise and support the vehicle at the rear with axle stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”). Primary cable 3 Extract the spring c ...

    Door window - removal and refitting
    Front door 1 Remove the door inner trim panel. 2 Where necessary for access, peel back the waterproof plastic sheet from the door. 3 Remove the door mirror. 4 Remove the window channel extension ...