Finally got my late father-in-laws 69 out of 20 year storage, and am starting to get it cleaned up.
The white interior has a mildew smell to it, with some evidence on seats, steering wheel, and other plastic parts.
What's best to use to clean it?
Brent
I purchased a steam cleaner on Amazon and it does a great job deep cleaning.
Mark
Mr Clean Magic Erasers.. ( Sponges)
While the video doesn't directly address vinyl, the process is the same. Always use the least aggressive means to clean, this video shows three options. Good luck !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Bd_IqK5ydU
That's why I suggested Mr Clean sponges. They are non-aggressive and the moisture is easily controlled. They work great for smudges and smears. My white door panels seem to get the brunt of the mess or the passenger seat because of coffee drips.
Try them, you'll love using them.
Last white interior I cleaned with boat seat cleaner.
The reason I suggested staying away from those kinds of cleaners is that it winds up staining the stitching.
You allow people with coffee cups in your car!
Quote from: The Going Thing on April 07, 2020, 10:09:38 PM
That's why I suggested Mr Clean sponges. They are non-aggressive and the moisture is easily controlled. They work great for smudges and smears. My white door panels seem to get the brunt of the mess or the passenger seat because of coffee drips.
Try them, you'll love using them.
Quote from: CSX 3183 on April 07, 2020, 11:03:39 PM
You allow people with coffee cups in your car!
I am a coffee fiend. No cup holder in my 67 500. I shift and drive with a cup quit often. No female to hold it for me currently. I can only yell at myself if it drips on the white seats. >:(
Quote from: The Going Thing on April 07, 2020, 10:09:38 PM
That's why I suggested Mr Clean sponges. They are non-aggressive and the moisture is easily controlled. They work great for smudges and smears. My white door panels seem to get the brunt of the mess or the passenger seat because of coffee drips.
Try them, you'll love using them.
Quote from: The Going Thing on April 07, 2020, 09:51:49 PM
Mr Clean Magic Erasers.. ( Sponges)
100% agree. Buy one and try it in an inconspicuous area if your not sure. You'll be a believer if you do.
The original MrClean sponges work great, for the really aggressive, age baked stains, I suggest a combination of Simple Green/water at a 30/70 solution with a cloth baby diaper. Diaper should be lightly damp, not soaked. Be patient, work each item, do not clean in the direct sunlight, cool shaded area above 60 degrees will be your friend. When you come to the door panels, be extra gentle, do not put a lot of weight behind your cleaning, or you may crack your arm rests, if they are not already cracked.
Bill S.
I've had a great luck with a product called Spray Nine. It is produced in a Marine formula and non Marine formulas. I've used both
Quote from: KDunne on April 08, 2020, 12:06:46 PM
I've had a great luck with a product called Spray Nine. It is produced in a Marine formula and non Marine formulas. I've used both
curious what is the difference between marine and non marine formula? I haven't come across a product labeled that way but I am not into boats like I am cars.
Quote from: Bob Gaines on April 08, 2020, 12:10:56 PM
Quote from: KDunne on April 08, 2020, 12:06:46 PM
I've had a great luck with a product called Spray Nine. It is produced in a Marine formula and non Marine formulas. I've used both
curious what is the difference between marine and non marine formula? I haven't come across a product labeled that way but I am not into boats like I am cars.
The marine version has some additional (slightly more aggressive) additives to deal with aquatic byproducts. While in the northeast, I used both versions quite frequently.
Bill
+3 on Magic Erasers.
I've had some good results with taking out the interior, and using a power washer on everything. What's interesting is that it starts to bring out some of the original luster.
worked at my cousin's car lot back in the day, cleaned up a lot of shelbys every year with spray nine. he was known for high performance ford stuff even a couple of cobras spray nine was used on everything from tires,vinyl tops, and seats worked great
Have had great results with Soft Scrub All Purpose Cleaner. Use it with a damp sponge, apply, then wipe off with another clean damp sponge. Especially effective on white headliners in cars that have been smoked in. Should help with the mildew the OP describes.
Thanks for all the tips.
Quote from: Bob Gaines on April 08, 2020, 12:10:56 PM
Quote from: KDunne on April 08, 2020, 12:06:46 PM
I've had a great luck with a product called Spray Nine. It is produced in a Marine formula and non Marine formulas. I've used both
curious what is the difference between marine and non marine formula? I haven't come across a product labeled that way but I am not into boats like I am cars.
Bob usually found in a place like West Marine, i believe it has some mold fighting chemicals. I use it on my boat, which has an all white interior. It sparkles after its done
The sponge works best. Keep the excess water to a minimum. The stitching for the pleating in the seat can be easily stained. It's why I avoid other cleaners.