Just upgraded to a nice cloth 40/20/40 bench seat. They are all dirty, but the armrest is covered in a black crust. I'm pretty sure nobody died in this seat, but the crust is still disgusting. How do you clean the seats, especially the crust, without damaging them? I keep nudging it with my elbow and it gives me the shivers.

 

Carpet machine and carpet cleaner?

 

I've been more than happy with the results of any of the carpet/interior cleaners you can buy at the parts store that comes in an aerosol can with a scrubber built in. I've had them take out coffee stains several years old. They've also gotten me out of a few jams with the wifey when I forget to wipe my boots before walking on the carpet in the house.

If it's anything other than cloth/carpet, try warm water and a good microfiber cloth. You'd be amazed how much crud that microfiber can pull out!

Mike

 

Could you post a picture so we can see the "damage"? lol

 

Waterless hand cleaner for the vinyl arm rest. Cover the arm rest with the hand cleaner and wait 20 minutes and use a brush and water to shrub. Use paper towel to remove the hand cleaner and dirt.

 

Depends how involved you want to get. Years ago with mine I pulled all the covers off the foam, washed them by hand, then reassembled. Still look like new. If they are not that bad a good over the counter upholstery cleaner works well.

 

Baby wipes are the best vinyl cleaners in the world. Will remove grease,grime yellow smoke stains. Clean and then use a vinyl protectant.

 

I got to work on it tonight. Being cloth, I tried Resolve upholstery cleaner. It was worthless at helping me wipe the crust away, but I found it loosened the crud enough that I was able to chip away at it with a razor blade. After a while of soaking, reducing the crust to more of a fecalish substance, I managed to scrape away enough that some cloth became visible. Then I was able to wipe it clean - er. There is still some brownness, but generally less heave-inducing.



I will say that Resolve does seem to work well, but doesn't go very far. A new can was just barely enough to clean the front seat.

 

Wow looks great! I always wonder how someone can let their interior go like that. As much as I hate Turtle Wax, I've found their Oxy Power Out Upholstery Cleaner works well. It has a brush on the end of the can, and usually goes a long way. Might be worth a try.

 

Very good stuff. I'd recommend that as well. Let it sit a couple minutes and then go to town with that scrubber!

Mike

 

I like a product called Spray Nine for cutting dirt and grease like that.
I buy inexpensive white cotton washcloths at Walmart ($4 for a pack of 18)

Spray, let set, scrub and pat dry with a clean cloth.
Repeat as necessary.
It's never damaged foam or fabric for me, but test in an inconspicuous spot first.