Gummy bears are a delicious treat for your kids to have in the car. But when one gets dropped and melts into the seat, it can be a pain to clean up. Not to worry, we can help! For your convenience, we'll tell you how you can clean it up.
In order to clean melted gummy bears from your car upholstery, including cloth, leather, carpets, and cup holders, follow these steps:
- Soak a towel with warm water and vinegar or mild soap.
- Wipe the area with the soaked towel.
- Scrape off any remaining residue with a blunt object.
- Vacuum the area.
- Apply a stain remover if the spot is still visible.
- Lastly, apply a protectant where applicable.
Removing gummy bears is probably the last chore anyone wants to do, but with these tips, it doesn't have to be a headache. In this article, we will walk you through each step of cleaning melted gummy bears from your car upholstery. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about cleaning residue and protecting your upholstery.
Steps To Remove Melted Gummy Bears From Your Car's Interior
Gummy bears are hard to beat; they come in a variety of colors, they're squishy and fun to eat, and best of all, they taste great. While this is all great, they can be a nightmare to clean up if they melt in your vehicle.
The reason gummy bears are so hard to clean is that they contain sugar. When sugar is heated, it turns into a sticky substance that can be difficult to remove.
If you've ever tried to clean up melted candy, you know how frustrating it can be. The good news is that there are a few steps you can take to make the process easier.
While gummy bears can melt on your car's carpet, leather seats, cloth seats, or cupholders, the steps for cleaning them are relatively the same.
Let's walk through the process of cleaning up melted gummy bears from your car's interior step-by-step:
1. Soak A Towel With Warm Water And Vinegar Or Mild Soap
Since gummy bears are a sticky mess, the first step is to soak a towel in warm water and vinegar or mild soap. Vinegar does wonders in breaking down sticky substances, which will make the gummy bears easier to remove.
If you don't have vinegar, mild soap or a degreaser will also do the trick. Just make sure the water isn't too hot, as this can damage your car's upholstery.
2. Wipe The Area With The Soaked Towel
Next, use the soaked towel to wipe the area where the gummy bears are melted. You may need to put a little elbow grease into it, but the goal is to break up the gummy bears so they can be easily removed.
If you need to let the substance soak for a bit, that's fine. Just make sure the towel doesn't dry out.
3. Scrape Off Any Remaining Residue With A Blunt Object
If you're having trouble removing the gummy bears, you can also try using a toothbrush or other soft-bristled brush. Just be sure not to use anything too abrasive, as this could damage your car's upholstery or carpet.
As needed, reapply the vinegar or mild soap solution to the area and continue scrubbing until the gummy bears are removed.
4. Vacuum The Area
Once the majority of the gummy bears are gone, it's time to vacuum up the area. This will help remove any small pieces of candy that are left behind.
Again, you may need to repeat these steps and vacuum again to make sure all the gummy bears are gone. For carpet, you don't want to vacuum stuck pieces, as this can damage the fibers.
5. Apply A Stain Remover If The Spot Is Still Visible
Since gummy bears come in a variety of colors, they can leave a stain behind. If the stain is still visible after you've vacuumed, you'll want to treat it with a stain remover.
There are a variety of products on the market that can remove candy stains. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and test the product in an inconspicuous area first.
6. Apply A Protectant Where Applicable
Lastly, for leather seats and cupholders, apply a protectant to help repel future stains and make cleaning up spills easier. There are a variety of products on the market; just be sure to choose one that's right for your car's upholstery.
For fabric seats, you can also use a Scotchgard product to help protect against future stains.
Check out 303 3-In-1 Leather Protectant on Amazon.
Can You Use WD-40 On Leather Seats?
If your vinegar solution isn't working to remove the gummy bears, you may be wondering if WD-40 can help. WD-40 can not only break down the sticky residue left behind by gummy bears but it can also help condition your leather seats.
To use, simply spray the WD-40 directly on the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Next, use a soft cloth to wipe away the residue. You may need to repeat this process a few times to remove all the gummy bears.
Just be sure not to use too much WD-40, as this can leave behind a greasy residue. You should also avoid using WD-40 on suede or Alcantara seats, as this can damage the fabric. If you're not sure if your car has these types of seats, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid using WD-40 altogether.
Click here to see WD-40 on Amazon.
Can You Use Goo Gone On Leather Seats?
If you have Goo Gone on hand, you may be wondering if it's safe to use on your leather seats.
Goo Gone is great for removing sticky substances like gummy bears, but you should avoid using it on leather. The chemicals in Goo Gone can damage and dry out leather, so it's best to avoid using it altogether.
However, you can use it on your cupholders and other non-leather surfaces. Just be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area first and follow the instructions on the packaging.
Click here to see Goo Gone on Amazon.
Preventing Gummy Bears From Getting On Your Car's Seats
The best way to remove gummy bears from your car's seats is to prevent them from getting there in the first place.
Here are a few tips to help you prevent this sticky situation:
Talk To Your Kids About Eating In The Car
If you have kids, talk to them about eating in the car. Let them know that they need to be careful not to drop food on the seats.
You can also set some ground rules, like no eating in the car unless there's a tray or mat to catch any spills.
Also, it's important to let them know that accidents happen. Kids can be afraid that they will get in trouble for making a mess, so it's important to reassure them that you're not angry; you just need their help to clean it up.
Use Seat Covers Or Protectors
Another way to prevent gummy bears from getting on your car's seats is to use seat covers or protectors. Seat covers are great for protecting your seats from spills and stains. They're also easy to clean; simply remove and wash them as needed.
Use A Spill-Safe Car Cup Holder
If you or your kids are eating in the car, be sure to use a spill-safe car cup holder. These holders have a lip that helps prevent spills from reaching your seats.
Using the bag that the gummy bears are in makes it easier to spill the sticky treats. So, it's best to pour them into a cup or container before you start driving.
Keep A Cleaning Kit in Your Car
Last but not least, it's always a good idea to keep a cleaning kit in your car. This way, if you do have a spill, you can clean it up right away.
A quick vacuum can prevent the gummy bears from melting and sticking to your seats. On hot days, candy can melt fast, so it's important to clean up any spills as soon as possible.
Click here to see this Armor All complete cleaning kit on Amazon.
Buy Rubber Floor Mats
Carpet floor mats are typically what come with a car when you buy them. But these aren't the best mats for preventing gummy bears from getting on your car's seats. Instead, opt for rubber floor mats. Rubber mats are easier to clean and don't absorb spills as carpet does.
While they are typically more expensive than carpet mats, they're worth the investment if you want to keep your car clean. Plus, they last longer than carpet floor mats.
In Closing
If you find yourself with gummy bears on your car's seats, don't panic. There are a few things you can do to remove them. By following these steps and tips, you can get your car looking clean and new again.
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Willie Austin
Wednesday 31st of August 2022
Very helpful post, Jacob!
Simple and easy to follow!
Eliminated the damn melted gummy bears that my daughter left behind in the passenger seat.
While I was distressed about it, found your post!
Now, this seat looks like new.
Thanks for sharing.