How To Clean This Type Of Fabric?

[mbs431]

This fabric drives me crazy. It`s not cloth as I am sure you can tell in the pic. I get seats like this all the time. I`ll use this seat as an example. I sprayed Meg`s d101 and let dwell for a few minutes. I then took my steam cleaner (75 psi) with the triangle brush wrapped in a microfiber towel. The seats still look like this. It looks like I didn`t even attempt to clean it. How do I get rid of stains on these type of seats???



http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/9188266650_5d401432e4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikesshoots/9188266650/)

Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikesshoots/9188266650/) by sspanzer60 (http://www.flickr.com/people/mikesshoots/), on Flickr

[togwt]

Alcantara® Ultra suedeâ„¢, Ecsaine, Micro suede, etc) are not types of leather but are in fact in synthetic materials, it can be described as an artificial substitute for suede leather, made from extremely fine polyester micro fibre (68% polyester and 32% urethane) it has the appearance and tactile feel similar to that of suede, and it may be incorrectly identified as such.



Alcantara is a trade name given to a composite material used to cover surfaces and forms in a variety of applications. It can be described as an artificial substitute for suede leather. The material was developed in the early 1970s



Synthetic fabrics are often manufactured with a brushed or napped finish to resemble suede leather. These products often provide a similar look and feel to suede, but have advantages such as increased liquid or stain resistance, and may appeal to consumers who prefer a non-animal product.

Identifying characteristics - these materials are very soft to the touch and will scratch or scuff very easily.The water-drop absorbency test- water drops will darken the surface and will remain dark or leave a water mark after drying.

Water absorbency rate – high, due to the potential damage caused by water foam cleaners are highly recommended





TOGWT® Autopia Detailing Wiki Article - “Alcantara® Cleaning and Careâ€� - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-detailing/137169-alcantara%AE-cleaning-care.html#post1455020





TOGWT® Autopia Detailing Wiki Articles, these informational resources contain everything you’ll ever want to know about automotive detailing and are an invaluable addition to your detailing knowledge base -. http://www.autopia.org/forum/autopia-detailing-wiki/136815-togwt%AE-detailing-articles-index-hyperlinks.html

[mbs431]

Thanks but I don`t care what this stuff is made of. I want to know how to clean it.

[Ron Ketcham]

Knowing with what one is working with is the first step to how to deal with a subject.

Knowledge only comes about through education.

TOGWT just gave you "an education" of what you need answers to, that gives you knowledge.

Now, take some time and use the search to find the correct way to gain the results you are seeking.

This is not AutoGeek, or someother sites, where everyone has some "I did it and it sort of worked" site.

[David Fermani]

APC and agitate as a pre-soak. If there are food based stains I would add an enzyme based cleaner 1st. Shampoo & scrub, then extract. Towel dry to remove residual soiling, chemical and wetness. Repeat.



When all else fails: http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-detailing/95560-when-seats-so-bad-they-need-powerwashed.html

[togwt]

Thanks but I don`t care what this stuff is made of. I want to know how to clean it.



The main priority is to ascertain the material you are trying to clean and then select a chemical that is compatible to clean it with. I apologise; perhaps I did not make this clear in my answer :wink: - “Alcantara® Cleaning and Careâ€� - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...ml#post1455020





BTW: To be a smart arse, the first requirement is that your smart-otherwise you’re just an arse

[jlb85]

That is def not alcantara or suede, looks like typical toyota-esque cheapy velour-like cloth. It probably needs a flow of fluid either by shampoo-vacuum (little green machine or better) or like the link, pressure washing :)



I hate that crappy material!!

[togwt]

That is def not alcantara or suede, looks like typical toyota-esque cheapy velour-like cloth. It probably needs a flow of fluid either by shampoo-vacuum (little green machine or better) or like the link, pressure washing :)



I hate that crappy material!!



Hence the description to `test` for Alacantra, once eliminated you can select a suitable cleaner for the actual material. DavidF has a post for cleaning `typical toyota-esque cheapy velour-like cloth` if memory serves

[tom p.]

I`m with Jacob...that looks similar to the "velour" found in many VWs...we had a nearly identical material in one of our cars.

[salty]

Looks like an Equinox. Vacuum all areas well. Mix a dedicated carpet or traffic lane cleaner a little stronger than normal. Spray and scrub and let dwell for at least 2 minutes. Extract with plain water or rinse agent.



All areas have to be wet, no half seats. let dry and check again. Terrible fabric.



APC is a last resort. There is a reason most good carpet cleaning products are non-ionic, so they attract less soiling and are low foaming.



Not all stains can be removed.

[mbs431]

I appreciate all the responses guys. I feel more and more car manufacturers are using this type of fabric, obviously because it`s cheap.