Results 1 to 3 of 3
  1. #1

    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Posts
    1
    Post Thanks / Like

    Ash covered interior.

    Rather than going out and buying something can I use some type of house-hold detergent with water to clean off the plastic trim panels and surfaces inside the vehicle? There is quite a bit of cigarette ash built up.

  2. #2
    Wax Waster Ronkh's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    SwFL
    Posts
    27,090
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Ash covered interior.

    I use pb spray and wipe
    Formerly the "Best Detailer", now just Super Wax Waster Man. Not necessarily tactful, but normally right. It`s good to be da King !!!

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Green Bay, WI
    Posts
    2,887
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Ash covered interior.

    RJ4029:
    If you are determined to use an Over-the-Counter (OTC) (IE; something bought locally at a brick-and-mortar store) cleaner, I would suggest using L.A. Totally Awesome, (LATA) the All-Purpose Cleaner you buy at a Dollar General Store. It`s a good, inexpensive cleaner for removing greasy, tarry residue, like cigarette smoke and ash. Just make sure to rinse it with clean water. Also, I prefer an older microfiber that has been washed a few (many) times, to reduce the lose of fibers lint from scrubbing OR white cotton flour sack cloths. I would suggest using an old SOFT bristle tooth brush for getting into tight edges and cotton swabs (AKA, Q-Tips) for seams, corners, and dash vents. Getting those "inaccessible", but still visible areas clean are what separate the better detailers from just novice car "detailers". Refrain from trying to use your finger nail or a small flat-tip screw driver over a cotton cloth to get into those areas; you will only gouge and scratch the plastic or vinyl from the inevitable slip-up while doing this (been there-done that; live-and-learn).
    After cleaning, I would go to Walmart and buy Meguiar`s Quik Interior Detailer and apply that as a protectant and cleaner. It smells great. I doubt it could be used as the cleaner by itself first, BUT you could try it. The cleaners are not heavy-duty.

    I will also tell you what NOT to use:
    1) DO NOT use an ammoniated cleaner . While ammonia is an excellent cleaner for removing grease, it`s not exactly "friendly" on plastics or vinyl, even diluted, in my opinion.
    2) Do NOT use OTC Simple Green. There is enough debate on the use of Simple Green for automotive/marine cleaning. I am of the opinion it is not safe on aluminum parts so I avoid using it like the plague on vehicles.
    3) Some, I am sure, may suggest using an Orange Oil-based cleaner/degreaser. I am not "big" on the orange fragrance in an interior.
    4) I also would refrain from using an automotive-type degreaser, as some contain harsh chemicals that are not "friendly" on plastics (like clear gauge lens or touch info/control/navigation screens) or your hands.
    5) I would also refrain from trying to use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on plastics or vinyl. They abrade and scuff too much on softer plastics that look unsightly in a vehicle`s interior. That said, it IS one of the few cleaners that will remove shoe scuff marks on lower door kick-panel or sill trim plastics, BUT it will also scuff and dull that area, even with "gentle" scrubbing.
    GB detailer

 

 

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 9
    Last Post: 07-31-2015, 02:26 PM
  2. Bfwd covered with wax
    By bill buxton in forum Waxes, Sealants, and LSP's
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 08-19-2009, 09:51 AM
  3. BMW Ink covered with Zaino
    By SpoiledMan in forum Click & Brag -The Detailers Showcase
    Replies: 52
    Last Post: 02-24-2008, 09:58 PM
  4. Covered in ash!
    By kleraudio in forum Car Detailing
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 05-13-2007, 01:21 PM
  5. My car is covered in ash...
    By Skyhawk in forum Car Detailing
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 05-01-2007, 02:46 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •