Cigarette burns on car upholstery can be frustrating and unsightly. If you smoke or your friends smoke in your car, it is pretty easy for this to happen. But that’s nothing to worry about! You can fix these without spending a fortune in repair shops. This guide will walk you through the steps in repairing cigarette burns in your car upholstery.
If you want professional help, you can find great services for car upholstery Abu Dhabi. But if you’re ready to give it a try yourself, keep reading!
Cigarette Burns: Understanding
Cigarette burns are small, round injuries that happen when a hot cigarette or ash comes into contact with the fabric of your car’s seats. It may melt the fabric or create a small hole that leaves an unsightly mark. Repairing these burns can save your car’s interior and enhance its appearance.
First, observe the burn carefully. If that is just a small hole or some scorch marks, you might be in a position to repair it with very simple methods. However, if the burn is pretty large or deep, the best thing you can probably do is seek professional help.
What You’ll Need
Here is a list of things you will need in order to repair cigarette burns in your car upholstery:
- Scissors: For giving a proper finish to frayed edges.
- Tweezers: They will help in removing the loose threads.
- Fabric glue or needle and thread: For catching loose threads, patches to small tears.
- A patch: If the hole is large, you might need a piece of fabric that matches your upholstery.
- A marker or fabric pen: To color the raw edges of the fabric.
- An upholstery cleaning solution: This is for the first cleaning of the area before commencement.
- Microfiber cloth: For cleaning and drying out the area.
Now that you have prepared everything, you can start the repair of the burn.
Step 1: Clean the Area
First, clean the area around the burn before trying to fix it. You can use an upholstery cleaning solution with a microfiber cloth to clean the surface. This removes dirt and grime that may be obstructing your view of the damage and helps the repair materials adhere more easily.
- Spray upholstery cleaner onto the spot.
- Gently rub the area with the microfiber cloth.
- Allow it to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2: Damage Assessment
After cleanings, take a closer, more detailed look at a cigarette burn. Decide if it is indeed a small burn mark on the fabric or if actually there is a hole on the fabric.
- Small Burn Mark: If it is just a dark spot and not a hole, you are often able to clean it or use a fabric marker to color it in.
- Small hole: For a small hole, you can use fabric glue or stitch it.
- Large Hole: You will have to use a patch for a large hole.
Step 3: Repairing a Small Burn Mark
In case the burn only left a mark, here’s what to do:
- Using Fabric Marker: Choose a fabric marker with a color that is close enough to the upholstery in use.
- Color over the burn mark: Color gently over to cover the burn mark.
- Let it dry: Let the marker dry completely.
Step 4: Small Hole Repair
If there’s just a small hole from the cigarette burn, then follow these steps:
Applying Fabric Glue
- Trim the loose threads with a pair of scissors around the hole.
- Apply Fabric Glue: Squeeze a small amount of fabric glue into the hole.
- Press Edges Together: Use your fingers or a small tool to press the edges of the hole together.
- Hold in Place: For a few seconds, hold the edges together to allow the glue to start bonding.
- Dry It Out: Let the glue dry out as instructed on the package.
Using Needle and Thread
If you prefer sewing:
- Thread Your Needle: Thread your needle with a matching upholstery color thread.
- Sew Edges Together: Take small stitches to pull together the edges of the hole.
- Tie Off: After having stitched the hole, tie off securely.
- Trim Excess Thread: Cut away excess thread.
Step 5: Large Hole Repair
If the cigarette burn was large enough to leave a hole, you will have to patch it.
- Cut a patch: Cut a patch larger than the hole from the fabric that matches your upholstery.
- Apply Fabric Glue: Using your finger or a small brush, apply a thin layer of fabric glue around the edges of the hole.
- Apply the Patch: Place the patch over the hole and press firmly.
- Hold in Place: Secure the patch with your fingers or weight.
- Let it dry: Let the glue fully dry.
Step 6: Touch Up the Edges
After your repair is dry, double-check the edges. Then, if the edges of the patch or hole are visible, again use a fabric marker, coloring in any exposed edge to help the repair eventually blend in with the other fabric.
Step 7: Final Cleaning
When it’s all dry and looking good, that is a fine time to do the final cleaning of the area. With the upholstery cleaner, the area should look fresh and new.
- Spray the cleaner onto the area which has just been repaired.
- Wipe with a clean microfiber cloth.
- Allow to dry.
Step 8: Routine Maintenance
In this respect, maintaining upholstery will prevent future burns and ensure it continues to look great. Here are a few tips:
- Keep it Clean: The upholstery of the car should be cleaned regularly to avoid building up dirt.
- Use Seat Covers: Avail seat covers, especially if you smoke or have pets. They can protect your upholstery from burns and stains.
- Avoid Smoking in Your Car: If at all possible. It helps keep the inside of a car looking nice and clean.
When to Get Professional Help
Sometimes, the damage might be too great for a self-repair. If you find the burn too big or upholstery too badly damaged, then it is time to call in the pros. They can help you in the repair or replacement of upholstery to make your car as good as new.
For high-quality services, you can always visit Exotic Car Care for expert help.
Conclusion
Cigarette burns in the upholstery of your car really don’t have to involve such an overwhelming fix. With the right tools and some patience, you can restore the upholstery to its previous state without necessarily visiting a professional repair shop. Remember to take the time to clean the area off, analyze the damage level, and apply fabric adhesive or patching as it becomes required. Regular maintenance of the same may also greatly prevent these burns.
By taking these simple steps, you can maintain the beauty of your car’s interior and enjoy a clean, fresh environment every time you get behind the wheel. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for assistance!
