Interior cleaning

[zobie02]

Anyone have experience in using a steam cleaner to clean the leather, carpet, and plastic dash and trim pieces inside a car? Comments, opinions? Thanks!

[Blazebro]

Re: Interior cleaning

I wouldn't use a steam cleaner personally. All you need to use on the plastic bits is a good cloth or Microfibre mitt and some all purpose liquid. Wipe over and dry with a microfibre towel.

For dirty seats and carpets try a wet and dry vac. If your not able to get one try any number of household carpet cleaners. They do almost as good a job.

[zobie02]

Re: Interior cleaning

hmm, I thought it might help loosen up the stuck on food and sugar, and other things stuck to the plastic!

[Tuck91]

Re: Interior cleaning

hmm, I thought it might help loosen up the stuck on food and sugar, and other things stuck to the plastic!

How about a picture of what your dealing with?

[Blazebro]

Re: Interior cleaning

Is it a kiddies playhouse your cleaning or a car?

It's entirely up to you, but in my experience a bucket of apc and a mitt is all that's needed. I'd be a bit worried about a steam cleaner removing the finish from the plastic.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Interior cleaning

There are many detailers who regularly rely on a steam cleaner for detailing, inside and out.

I myself have an industrial strength unit, but admittedly use it less frequently these days as I have been doing higher-end cars with interiors in better shape.

If you have the skills and tool handy, a steam cleaner can be great - but they can also cause damage if you don't know what you are doing.

I find Meguiar's All-Purpose Cleaner (or APC+) diluted down properly will get just about anything out of an interior, plastic or carpet.

[zobie02]

Re: Interior cleaning

I'll send a picture soon, if steam cleaning can damage my car, then, I don't want to risk it!

[zobie02]

Re: Interior cleaning

There are many detailers who regularly rely on a steam cleaner for detailing, inside and out.

I myself have an industrial strength unit, but admittedly use it less frequently these days as I have been doing higher-end cars with interiors in better shape.

If you have the skills and tool handy, a steam cleaner can be great - but they can also cause damage if you don't know what you are doing.

I find Meguiar's All-Purpose Cleaner (or APC+) diluted down properly will get just about anything out of an interior, plastic or carpet.

Do any stores sell this? Like autozone, advance auto parts, etc.?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Interior cleaning

A lot of guys use steam for cleaning interior surfaces that are really a mess, and they get excellent results. But steam can be a very powerful tool, and if misused can get you into trouble. If you have no experience with steam cleaning then it's probably best to avoid it.