Ash covered interior.
- Thread starter RJ4029
- Start date
Ronkh
Wax Waster
I use pb spray and wipe
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.
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.