Help cleaning sunroof headliner

[gas guzzler]

Hi,

I have just removed the headliner from the sunroof as it was almost black - it should have been cream/beige! It's a nylon type material with a thin layer of foam sandwiched between it.

I tried cleaning it with household stain remover (vanish/no wet wonder foam/carpet and upholstery stain remover etc) to no avail. I then decided to pop it in the washing machine with a healthy helping of washing power, but still it looks exceptionally dirty.

Is there special type of chemical I should be looking for, to clean the headliner with? (It's a nylon type material with a thin layer of foam sandwiched between it)

Any help would be greatly appriciated.


Adam

[gas guzzler]

Thanks. I think the 303 is the one for me. I'll be ordering some next week.

[dolebludger]

Whoa: If the cover isn't "smooth vinyl" but instead is a cloth-like material (which mine is) the 303 might not be right for this job (though it IS the right stuff to protect smooth vinyl, leather, and rubber). If the cover is a cloth-like material on the soiled side, you might try a steam cleaner.

Thanks,
Richard

[samiam4]

303 is a protectant not the best cleaner..

Try the mguire's heavy duty vinyl cleaner. It works wonders on headliners and removes all the dirt which you though was permant on the arm rests and door panels too!

Michael

[dolebludger]

Agreed! 303 isn't even marketed as a cleaner at all, but a protectant of vinyl, leather, and rubber. Even though 303 instructions say "first, make sure area to be treated is clean" 303 itslef does have some moderate cleaning power for "surface crud." But it can't touch really bad and imbedded soil. For that, a proper cleaner is very necessary.

Thanks,
Richard

I had the exact same problem with the same color headliner.

Now believe it or not, the General Motors Leather care which comes in a hair mousse like foam worked perfectly. I'm talking black and grey right back to factory beige. Its like $6 Canadian and works great.

[jonw440]

Originally Posted by dolebludger

Agreed! 303 isn't even marketed as a cleaner at all, but a protectant of vinyl, leather, and rubber. Even though 303 instructions say "first, make sure area to be treated is clean" 303 itslef does have some moderate cleaning power for "surface crud." But it can't touch really bad and imbedded soil. For that, a proper cleaner is very necessary.

Thanks,
Richard

303 has a great cleaner.
It called 303 Carpet and Upholstry Cleaner

[gas guzzler]

Thanks for all the advice. Maybe I'll see if I can get hold of the GM leather cleaner before trying the 303.

Thanks again.

Adam