Removing dried drops of armor all off dash - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

savas · #1 07-16-2008, 05:26 PM

Long story short, my car had a very minor break down while my wife was driving it, she was about 100 miles away and so got it repaired at a genric local place(vacuum hose came loose causing no start). They cleaned the car for free but unfortunatley it looks like they sprayed armorall or something like it all over then didn't wipe it down but instead let it bake in the sun.

I've tried getting it off with the usual cleaners and even did a little scrubbing with dawn and a scouring pad. I can occationaly get a bit off, it kind of peels off. But it's an extremely slow process and was wondering if anyone could recommed a stronger cleaner thats safe to use. Alcohol worked in taking it off the glass and cluster but I didn't think that would be a good idea for the dash, seats and doors. All of it is MB-Tex. TIA.

maska · #2 07-16-2008, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by savas

Long story short, my car had a very minor break down while my wife was driving it, she was about 100 miles away and so got it repaired at a genric local place(vacuum hose came loose causing no start). They cleaned the car for free but unfortunatley it looks like they sprayed armorall or something like it all over then didn't wipe it down but instead let it bake in the sun.

I've tried getting it off with the usual cleaners and even did a little scrubbing with dawn and a scouring pad. I can occationaly get a bit off, it kind of peels off. But it's an extremely slow process and was wondering if anyone could recommed a stronger cleaner thats safe to use. Alcohol worked in taking it off the glass and cluster but I didn't think that would be a good idea for the dash, seats and doors. All of it is MB-Tex. TIA.

Try WD 40; It works on nearly all spots .

savas · #3 07-16-2008, 07:24 PM

Thanks, I'll give that a try.

savas · #4 07-17-2008, 02:56 PM

Just reporting back to say that the wd40 sort of worked but not completely. I'm getting closer.

I confirmed with the shop that it was armor all - their adivce was to spray more armor all so it will all blend in

ndz77-240D · #5 07-18-2008, 03:26 PM

Personally, I'd use a very weak solution of simple green and a soft cloth or toothbrush, then use your preffered vinyl protectant.

Dee8go · #6 07-19-2008, 01:37 PM

Armor All spooge . . . . .

savas · #7 07-21-2008, 11:49 AM

Well simple green sort of worked also. I worked my way up to full strength which got rid of the bumps I could feel but the outline is still there. Maybe it will go away over time? or I'll take it to a detailer although I can't image what else they could do.

Dee8go · #8 07-21-2008, 12:06 PM

If you get enough things that all "sorta work," you should be able to get it all off, no?

savas · #9 07-21-2008, 01:38 PM

^^ Maybe, but nothing has removed a spot completly yet....

donbryce · #10 07-21-2008, 06:27 PM

It could be silicone residue, as I think that crap is full of it. Maybe some silicone remover, used by auto paint and body shops to prep the surface for painting.

pmari · #11 07-26-2008, 09:28 PM

DOW CORNING® OS-2 SILICONE CLEANER & SURFACE PREP
"Silicone cleaner to clean Plastic and Metals, excellent for removing oils, silicone-based car wax and protectants."

Denatured and or rubbing alcohol may work also. Do a small test area first

savas · #12 07-27-2008, 10:44 PM

Thanks pmari, I'm going to try to find some OS-2. I tested some rubbing alcohol but it didn't do much.

savas · #13 07-31-2008, 12:33 PM

Took it to get detailed. They said they could take it off but in the end it looks just like before only cleaner

The OS-2 is only available in really large sizes so I ordered a sample from corning. It must be popular stuff because it's on back order (even the samples) until mid Sept.

savas · #14 08-05-2008, 11:54 AM

The rubbing alcohol and a MF towel seem to finally be working after repeated applications! The stuff is coming off just like peeling a sunburn

There is still some staining (bright spots) after peeling it off but I think I that will eventually blend in. I was most concerned with the bumps all over the dash!

Edit: I heard back from armor all and here is what they said:

"We are sorry to learn about the problem you experienced. ARMOR ALL Protectant can be removed by using a mixture of 5 parts warm water, 1 part household ammonia and 1 part dish detergent. Wipe this mixture on with a warm cloth and be sure to turn the cloth frequently; this will ensure that you do not re-apply the protectant after it has been removed."

pmari · #15 08-09-2008, 01:21 PM

That's good info, does it work? You rubbing alcohol is probaly 70% try to find 90% or move onto denatured alcohol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by savas

I heard back from armor all and here is what they said:
"We are sorry to learn about the problem you experienced. ARMOR ALL Protectant can be removed by using a mixture of 5 parts warm water, 1 part household ammonia and 1 part dish detergent. Wipe this mixture on with a warm cloth and be sure to turn the cloth frequently; this will ensure that you do not re-apply the protectant after it has been removed."