Cleaning the exterior plastic trim

**Nav45** · 09-10-2014, 09:02 PM

Hello, I`ve been learning to clean my car for a few weeks now and I`ve learned a few things. One thing that I need some help on is cleaning the black plastic trim - at the bottom of the windshield, around the side mirrors, etc.

I`ve used a product that has left residue over these areas so I need to wipe it off with something. I would also like to treat the exterior trim, as I`ve never done it before. A little shine would be nice but the important thing is to clean it.

Also, what about the rubber around the doors? Can the same product be used on it?

I`ve seen Aerospace 303 recommended. I also found a product on Amazon called Vinylex. It seems to get very good reviews there.

I would appreciate any help. Thank you.

**The Guz** · 09-10-2014, 09:29 PM

I would recommend either some all purpose cleaner or some Mothers Heavy Duty Trim Cleaner. Then follow up with a trim dressing of your choice. My personal preference is wolfgang exterior trim sealant.

**Docpeanut** · 09-10-2014, 10:07 PM

I use an apc (all purpose cleaner) followed by cquartz dlux

**Rsurfer** · 09-11-2014, 06:01 AM

Originally Posted by Nav45

Hello, I`ve been learning to clean my car for a few weeks now and I`ve learned a few things. One thing that I need some help on is cleaning the black plastic trim - at the bottom of the windshield, around the side mirrors, etc.

I`ve used a product that has left residue over these areas so I need to wipe it off with something. I would also like to treat the exterior trim, as I`ve never done it before. A little shine would be nice but the important thing is to clean it.

Also, what about the rubber around the doors? Can the same product be used on it?

I`ve seen Aerospace 303 recommended. I also found a product on Amazon called Vinylex. It seems to get very good reviews there.

I would appreciate any help. Thank you.

Vinylex is a good OTC product for exterior plastics. Prior cleaning is key to it lasting.

**PA DETAILER** · 09-11-2014, 06:44 AM

Mothers Back to Black Heavy Duty Trim Cleaner

Followed with....

Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant

And for the door weather stripping....

Keep your door, trunk, hood and window seals from prematurely cracking and aging with Gummi Pflege Stick!

**RTexasF** · 09-11-2014, 08:50 AM

All good suggestions. A good APC and Vinylex have many other uses also. I like products that offer more value, can be used in many areas & different jobs, and are not limited to just one particular application.

I answered your question on the other forum we both frequent as well.

**RaysWay** · 09-11-2014, 10:38 AM

Be sure to agitate the trim while using a cleaner with either a brush or MF towel. Sometimes multiple applications are needed to make sure the trim is clean.

**Angus** · 09-11-2014, 10:45 AM

I`d also add Detailer`s Pro Cleanse-All is another great option for you to consider. I`ve used it to clean/ prep exterior trim and really like it. As an added plus it`s offered as a free product sample if you`re on the fence about what to get.

Detailer`s Pro Series Cleanse-All Exterior Cleaner

**Beemerboy** · 09-11-2014, 01:52 PM

If you are talking about the grainy trim like the door guards, then I use PB TR with a tooth brush.

I would clean it with a good APC prior to then, apply the TR brushing that in with a old tooth brush..it will also clean out an old was or polish at the same time...use a cotton towel to buff and trim will pop back to new looking

**Nav45** · 09-11-2014, 07:26 PM

Thanks everyone for their help and suggestions (Hi Rick!).

I ended up buying some APC and Mother`s Black to Black trim restorer. After wiping down the exterior trim with the APC, I applied the trim restorer. It worked just fine and made the trim look black and much richer. It looks quite good.

I may have not applied it correctly since some of the product got on the paint and windows. It did not come off easily so I had to do a quick detail of the car in order to get the trim restorer residue off. Next time I`ll be more careful in using it. Hopefully I won`t have to use it for a while.

I will come back to this thread for any more questions.

Once again, I thank everyone.

**RTexasF** · 09-12-2014, 09:03 AM

A few minutes of masking can save you a world of work later.

**Beemerboy** · 09-12-2014, 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by RTexasF

A few minutes of masking can save you a world of work later.

This is solid advice while working with products that can stain.

One other tip is after you`ve applied the product let it set for a minute then buff with a clean cotton towel to smooth out the finish and make even.