Sun-bleached and faded seat covers can detract from the luxurious feel of your Mercedes Benz. If you’re facing this issue with sheepskin seat covers, especially after investing in quality ones, replacing them might seem like the only option. However, before you consider purchasing new Benz Seat Covers, there’s a cost-effective and satisfying DIY solution: redyeing them. This guide will walk you through a proven procedure to revitalize your sheepskin benz seat covers, making them look as good as new.
Understanding Sheepskin Benz Seat Covers and Dyeing
Sheepskin seat covers are a popular choice for Mercedes Benz owners seeking comfort and a touch of luxury. Their natural fibers provide excellent insulation, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. However, prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to color fading, particularly with dyed sheepskin. Instead of discarding your investment, redyeing is a viable method to restore their original vibrancy and extend their lifespan. This process, while requiring some care and attention, is achievable at home and can save you a significant amount compared to buying replacement benz seat covers.
Materials You’ll Need for Dyeing Your Benz Seat Covers
Before starting, gather all the necessary materials to ensure a smooth and efficient dyeing process for your benz seat covers:
- Understanding Wife (Patience is Key): This DIY project requires time and a dedicated workspace, so ensure you have understanding and support at home.
- Appropriate Dye:
- For Close Matches & Convenience: Liquid RIT dye, readily available at fabric stores, can be a suitable option if you find a color close to your original benz seat covers.
- For Exact Color Matching: Consult “Carpet & Rug Dyers” in your local directory. Franchises like Langenwalter Co (http://www.langdye.com) can custom mix dyes. Attempt to purchase a matching dye directly from them, acknowledging that perfect color matching on sheepskin can be challenging.
- Woolite Fabric Wash: A gentle detergent specifically designed for wool, essential for cleaning your benz seat covers without damaging the fibers. (http://www.woolite.com)
- White Vinegar: Used in the final rinse to adjust the pH of the wool, preparing it to better absorb the dye.
- Two High-Quality Plastic Sprayers: Essential for applying the dye evenly. Having two ensures a backup in case one malfunctions.
- Plastic Sheeting: To protect your work area from dye splatters – crucial for indoor dyeing.
- Rubber Gloves: To protect your hands from dye.
- Pyrex Measuring Cup: Microwave-safe for heating the dye.
- Clothesline or Rod, Weights, and Wire: For stretching the benz seat covers during drying to prevent shrinkage.
- Household Bleach & Kitchen Cleaner with Bleach (e.g., Clorox): For cleaning up any dye spills. (http://www.clorox.com)
Step-by-Step Guide to Redyeing Sheepskin Benz Seat Covers
Follow these detailed steps to successfully redye your sheepskin benz seat covers:
Step 1: Cleaning Your Benz Seat Covers
- Vacuum: Thoroughly vacuum your benz seat covers to remove loose dirt and debris.
- Machine Wash (Gentle Cycle): Wash each cover individually in a washing machine using COLD water and the delicate setting. Use Woolite Fabric Wash.
- Double Rinse: Ensure all soap is removed by performing a double rinse cycle.
- Vinegar Rinse (pH Balancing): For the final rinse, add ½ cup of white vinegar to the water. This adjusts the wool’s pH, optimizing dye absorption.
- Spin Dry: Spin the covers to remove as much water as possible.
- Air Dry and Stretch: Hang the covers in a well-ventilated area to air dry completely. This may take a few days. Crucially, stretch the sheepskin as it dries to prevent shrinkage. Use weights at the bottom and consider using a rod through headrest holes to maintain shape.
Step 2: Preparing for Dyeing
- Oven Preparation (Warming, Not Baking): Preheat your kitchen oven to approximately 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82 degrees Celsius) and then turn it OFF. This warmth will help the dye penetrate the wool fibers. Ensure the oven is OFF before placing sheepskin inside.
- Dye Dilution: Dilute the dye according to the instructions. A 10:1 (water to dye) ratio is suggested, but a 20:1 ratio may also work. Experiment on a small, hidden area if unsure.
- Work Area Protection: Cover your kitchen work area (countertops, floor, and potentially walls) with plastic sheeting. Dye spray can travel, so thorough protection is essential. Alternatively, dye outdoors if weather permits.
Step 3: Dye Application and Heat Setting
- Warm the Seat Cover: Place a cleaned and dried sheepskin cover in the turned-off, warmed oven for about 5 minutes. This pre-warming step is crucial.
- Heat the Dye: Microwave about a pint of the diluted dye in a Pyrex measuring cup to 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit (82-88 degrees Celsius).
- Spray and Rub: Remove the warmed seat cover from the oven (turn the oven back ON to maintain warmth for later steps). Place it on your protected work surface. Wearing rubber gloves, pour the hot dye into a sprayer and apply it to the sheepskin. Immediately rub the dye into the wool with your hands to ensure even coverage and penetration. Reheat the dye as needed to maintain temperature. The dye needs to be above 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) to work effectively. Dampen the wool thoroughly, but soaking is not necessary.
- Heat Setting in the Oven (“Baking”): After dyeing a section (like the seat or back), turn the oven OFF and place the damp, dyed sheepskin back inside the warm oven for about 5 minutes. This “baking” step ensures the dye reaches the required temperature on the wool for proper setting.
- Repeat Dye and Bake: Repeat steps 3 and 4 for all sections of the benz seat cover, reheating the dye and “baking” after each section.
Step 4: Final Rinse and Drying
- Inspection and Spot Dyeing: After “baking” and removing the cover, inspect it in bright sunlight for any missed spots. Spot dye these areas, and re-“bake” those spots. Rubbing the wool in different directions helps reveal unevenly dyed areas.
- Final Rinse: Machine wash the dyed cover again in cold water with a double rinse. Add ¼ cup of bleach to the first rinse to help remove excess dye.
- Spin and Hang Dry (Again with Stretching): Spin dry to remove excess water and hang to air dry completely, stretching as before to prevent shrinkage.
- Dye Residue Check: While the cover is damp, rub it with a clean white cloth to check for dye transfer. If dye transfers, re-rinse until no dye residue remains.
- Final Drying: Ensure the benz seat covers are completely dry and no longer smell like wet sheep before reinstalling them in your Mercedes Benz.
Step 5: Clean Up
- Clean Work Area and Washing Machine: Immediately clean up your work area and washing machine using household bleach to remove any dye traces, preventing staining. Clorox kitchen cleaner spray with bleach is also effective.
- Dye Storage: Store any leftover dye in a sealed jar in your refrigerator for future touch-ups if needed.
Important Cautions for Dyeing Benz Seat Covers
- Sheepskin Only: This method is strictly for 100% sheepskin benz seat covers. Acrylic-backed or imitation sheepskin covers will be ruined by the heating process.
- Oven Safety: Never place sheepskin in the oven when it is turned ON. The heating element could cause a fire. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby as a precaution. Electric ovens are recommended. Exercise extreme caution with gas ovens that have pilot lights.
- Color Test: If you have a sheepskin headrest cover, test the dye on it first to ensure you are satisfied with the color match.
- Small Area Dyeing (Spot Treatment): For minor faded areas, try spot dyeing. Spray the dye, rub it in, and use a heat gun, hot hairdryer, or halogen lamp to set the dye. Use a wet vacuum to remove excess dye and prevent transfer to clothing.
- Dye Transfer Check: Before using the redyed benz seat covers, rub them with a clean cloth to check for any dye transfer.
By following these steps and cautions, you can successfully redye your sun-bleached sheepskin benz seat covers, saving money and restoring the luxurious appearance of your Mercedes Benz interior. This DIY project is a testament to resourceful car care and can bring new life to your cherished benz seat covers.
