13 years of ground in dirt removal

[Tankman]

I am spending some considerable time cleaning the interior of my SL. The vinyl on the doors however is causing me a bit of a headache. After 13 years and nearly 150k miles the vinyl is looking a bit grubby to say the least.

I am using heavy duty elbow grease and micro-fibre cloths but some of the dirt is really stubborn. Without resorting to a flame thrower or brake cleaner or both, what can I do?

 

[whisky120]

Are you using an all purpose cleaner? Try using a good bristle brush for shoe polishing.

 

[LTD]

Have you tried baby wipes ?

I''m serious ...

 

[Buster'stheboy]

We cleaned the grime off my car's leather door cards with Swarfega. Don't know if it's OK to use on vinyl, but you could try a patch test first somewhere that doesn't show.

 

[millo777]

I've had a similar problem on the drivers door grab handle on my w124 and come to the conclusion it needs replacing or recolouring as it's more a case of the colour wearing off, than dirt being ground in. This is on beige interior though.

Other vinyl areas in the same car have come up great using bog standartd kitchen sprays (Mr Muscle with lime and vinegar is especially good) and letting them soak into the dirt for a while before wiping off with a microfibre.

Autoglym sell something called a "Magic Sponge" for cleaning vinyl, so it may be worth a shot.

For some parts that are easy to remove, I have in the past resorted to taking them off the car for cleaning/soaking.

If you want to use all purpose cleaner, or APC as it's now known, tesco sell a perfectly acceptable version for the grand price of 37p for 500ml, and it cleans just as well as the meguiars and doesn't damage anything.

 

[Tankman]

Thanks chaps.

I like the idea of Swarfega and brushes. That combo should see most things off. Will report on my findings in due course.

 

[cheffy]

I sometimes use tar & glue remover for serious dirt like that, APC should be fine, but T & G remover sprayed on then agitated with a washing up or nail brush, should do the trick, then wash with clean soapy water.

 

[EVL]

Autoglym's Magic Sponges. They are amazing on ground in dirt. Be careful with use on leather if it has been repaired in the past.

Autoglym - car cleaning products, car care products, car valeting, car detailing

You can pick them up on eBay in singles to try. If you can't find any, let me know and I'll send you one to try.

 

[Mr.CAP]

I am spending some considerable time cleaning the interior of my SL. The vinyl on the doors however is causing me a bit of a headache. After 13 years and nearly 150k miles the vinyl is looking a bit grubby to say the least.

I am using heavy duty elbow grease and micro-fibre cloths but some of the dirt is really stubborn. Without resorting to a flame thrower or brake cleaner or both, what can I do?

Use a micro sponge together with a liquid leather cleaner and you will be done in minutes.
/ Mike

 

[DRBC43AMG]

We cleaned the grime off my car's leather door cards with Swarfega.

I havn't heard the word "Swarfega" since decades when I was last in GB. Is it still a green coloured jelly type stuff?

 

[DogWagen]

Yup - Classic British product...surprised it's not made its way to Switzerland....

 

[Wagon]

I am spending some considerable time cleaning the interior of my SL. The vinyl on the doors however is causing me a bit of a headache. After 13 years and nearly 150k miles the vinyl is looking a bit grubby to say the least.

I am using heavy duty elbow grease and micro-fibre cloths but some of the dirt is really stubborn. Without resorting to a flame thrower or brake cleaner or both, what can I do?

Hello Marc

longun

 

[neilz]

I havn't heard the word "Swarfega" since decades when I was last in GB. Is it still a green coloured jelly type stuff?

And for spraying/pressure washing it's a liquid with a strong pink colour