cleaning interior parts
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2019
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cleaning interior parts
Maybe a stupid question (There are no stupid questions, only stupid people): I have just purchased a '93 Ford F150. The interior is in pretty good shape but there is the normal build up of dirt and oils on the trim pieces, facias, handles, ***** and such. I was wondering for the best way to clean these parts up? Would running them through the dishwasher (no heat drying of course) work or might they get damaged in there? I figured a parts cleaner would ruin the plastic pieces so that's probably out. Any suggestions?
Tony N
Tony N
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Houston/Sugar Land
I use Crud Cutter from Home Depot in the flooring dept. If I have the part off I use dawn liquid dish soap. Both products love to eat dirt and grease. The door handles and window cranks and little parts like the opener on the vent window usually need to be repainted to look new. Sandy
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Joined: Feb 2012
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If the seat covers are fabric, take them off and find a laundromat with big front load washers. Run the seat covers on as gentle a setting, with detergent of your choice, as the machine will allow. Take them out and air dry them at home.
While the seats are out, remove the carpet and use a pressure washer, no detergent needed, (or hose and a large stiff bristle brush, detergent needed) and allow to air dry.
This is the easiest best way to remove the years of dirt ad grime that has built up.
Before you put the carpet back in, check for rust and other signs of age on the metal cab floor, wiring, etc. Paint with a good rust inhibiting paint if needed.
This is also a great time to do any work under the dash that might need to be done. With the seat out, it makes under the dash way easier to get to.
While the seats are out, remove the carpet and use a pressure washer, no detergent needed, (or hose and a large stiff bristle brush, detergent needed) and allow to air dry.
This is the easiest best way to remove the years of dirt ad grime that has built up.
Before you put the carpet back in, check for rust and other signs of age on the metal cab floor, wiring, etc. Paint with a good rust inhibiting paint if needed.
This is also a great time to do any work under the dash that might need to be done. With the seat out, it makes under the dash way easier to get to.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 192
Likes: 1
From: DEWINTON Alberta
I had front bench out and happened to have a loaner carper cleaner on hand. Worked well and did the carpets still installed in truck.
took door panels off , stood them up outside in the sun and used the hose and soapy water. Cleaned up ok.
dash parts or anything plastic usually winds up in the sink for a soak w dawn dish soap.
I pulled dash appart and used air to blow dust out of everything I could find.
Popped all the air diverters out of dash, more dish soap and a toothbrush.Some foam on the backs melted away so replaced foam w new.
Managed to take the last 30 plus years of DNA and gunk out.
took door panels off , stood them up outside in the sun and used the hose and soapy water. Cleaned up ok.
dash parts or anything plastic usually winds up in the sink for a soak w dawn dish soap.
I pulled dash appart and used air to blow dust out of everything I could find.
Popped all the air diverters out of dash, more dish soap and a toothbrush.Some foam on the backs melted away so replaced foam w new.
Managed to take the last 30 plus years of DNA and gunk out.
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5th Wheeling
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5th Wheeling
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Thanks Sandy. I'll try that too. I'll take each method suggested to a part and see which one does the best and go from there.
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5th Wheeling
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Sloopdog,
Ironically, the bench seat is perfect. I suspect that it was professionally repaired as it looks better than new. I'm mainly dealing with all the grease build up from touching and whatever else accumulates in the cabin over time. I will be keeping your advise though as I'd still like to get an early '70's truck someday.
Ironically, the bench seat is perfect. I suspect that it was professionally repaired as it looks better than new. I'm mainly dealing with all the grease build up from touching and whatever else accumulates in the cabin over time. I will be keeping your advise though as I'd still like to get an early '70's truck someday.
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5th Wheeling
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Thanks Broncor. I'll definitely add that to the task list. I was planning on getting a vacuum to the guts of the dashboard. In NorCal we have alot of dust accumulation. Sounds like I can use you too if I need to get rid of evidence? 
FTE Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,288
Likes: 200
From: springfield Missouri area
I bought one of these to try it when I get to the plastic trim.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wmr-w50079/
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wmr-w50079/
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,958
Likes: 228
I always wanted to try a steamer like that. I was also looking at this which uses an air compressor. There are a few of them not sure if any are better than the others.
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