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Unknown Leather Seat Spots?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Slavatheshrimp, Apr 18, 2017.

  1. Slavatheshrimp

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    I have recently purchased a used Prius which had spots on the leather. What can these be from and how can I remove them? It's a 2015 Prius 3rd Gen.

    IMG_3581.JPG IMG_3583.JPG IMG_3584.JPG IMG_3580.JPG
     
  2. Lightning Racer

    Lightning Racer Active Member

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    Possibly mold. Try spraying a spot with 3% hydrogen peroxide to see if there is a bubbling reaction. If so, you might let it soak and see if that might be an effective remover. I cleaned mold off of a down jacket with the stuff.
     
    #2 Lightning Racer, Apr 19, 2017
    Last edited: Apr 19, 2017
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I was thinking mold too. Like the car sat for a protracted period, all sealed up.
     
  4. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    ...hmm mold OK that might be a good diagnosis.
    Sometimes used cars are subject to ozone treatment to remove odors, and sometimes excessive ozone treatment can discolor plastics....that's a long shot.
     
  5. Maroon

    Maroon Member

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    Or it was flooded...
     
  6. Slavatheshrimp

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    You don't think it'll damage the seats?
     
  7. Lightning Racer

    Lightning Racer Active Member

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    Just try a small area to test it first. I suspect hydrogen peroxide won't hurt the seat, but it if is mold, it's already damaged if you don't fix it.

    It is just that one passenger-side front seat? Maybe the previous owner had a seat cover on it that got wet and stayed wet underneath unnoticed for weeks. If it's all the seats, I'd worry about flood damage and look for other signs.
     
  8. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Also check Google for how to handle mold stains.
    I spent a little time looking, they seemed to be saying dilute vinegar.
     
  9. Slavatheshrimp

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    Will do thanks!