Cleaning 20 yr old headliner - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rickjordan · #1 03-03-2003, 09:27 PM

I would like to get the headliner in my TD back to white, if possible. Currently it's on the gray side, but I know it was originally white. I want to avoid using anything that would ruin the material. Would a bleach based product be too strong. Also, what would be the best way to clean it, sponge, brush, etc? To me, it's amazing that the headliner is still holding up, pun intended.

rickjordan · #2 03-04-2003, 09:55 AM

How would you apply it. Do you use full strength, use sponge, a brush etc? I would imagine a sponge only because otherwise I and the interiour would get all wet from a dripping brush.

ck42 · #3 03-13-2003, 11:57 PM

Was about to ask this same question myself Rick.

Lemme know how the murphy's soap works out for you

Chris
'85 300SD

Snibble · #4 03-15-2003, 07:49 PM

I cleaned my headliner yesterday and I am pleased with my work. I have a gray headliner, and before cleaning it, it was dark gray/brown colored.

This is probably due to cigarette smoke over the years. Anyways... I used Oxi-clean I found at Target. I put about half a scoop in with about 20 oz of hot water and into a spray bottle. I sprayed the headliner and gently scrubbed using a cloth towel. It worked marvelously... gunk and dirty wiped away. Today.. the inside is just like new! Even the handle thats up on the headliner is brand spanking new-like! Just sharing my experience on cleaning the headliner.

ck42 · #5 03-15-2003, 07:53 PM

Good work Snibble! Sounds like a method worth giving a try on mine.

Chris
'85 300SD

rickjordan · #6 03-15-2003, 09:17 PM

I'll give it try too. This "scoop", did it come with the oxy-clean. If not, how big of a scoop was it?

Snibble · #7 03-15-2003, 10:11 PM

The scoop is inside the 2 pound bucket. When I first opened it.. i didn't see the scoop. I took a straw and poked through the oxi-clean powder and felt it on the very bottom. Anyways.. the scoop is small. Circumference is about as big as a half-dollar. I am not sure... but I think thats about the right size. There are instructions on the bucket, too.

Oh.. and I paid $4.99 for the 2 pound bucket at Target.

rickjordan · #8 03-16-2003, 09:59 AM

Thanks, I'll go to Target today and buy some.

Aaron · #9 03-25-2003, 08:48 AM

Yes, a good plug for Murphy's Oil Soap from me! Never used it but Mr. Murphy is alumni of my high school.

rickjordan · #10 03-25-2003, 04:30 PM

Well, I tried the Oxyclean and it did the trick, for the grab handles at least. It didn't quit clean the ceiling material itself, as I had expected. Maybe I need to use a stronger solution.

MTI · #11 03-25-2003, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rickjordan
Well, I tried the Oxyclean and it did the trick, for the grab handles at least. It didn't quit clean the ceiling material itself, as I had expected. Maybe I need to use a stronger solution.

Rick, that sounds like good old fashioned testosterone poisoned thinking!

Consider using the same solution, but with repeated applications since I wonder how well a higher concentration will affect the fabric when it doesn't get rinsed out.

#12 04-13-2003, 01:40 AM

I had to have my headliner removed by the dent people after a hail storm. I took the headliner, used 409, dawn soap, lots of water, then meguiars odor remover. Beleive it or not, it did not discolor my grey headliner and it made it look brand new. The odor remover was used to remove any 409 smell or dawn smell (im sure there wasnt cause i hosed it down really really well).

But anyway, the best way to clean it is to remove it and hose it down. let dry then install back.

I wish i had some before and after pictures, before it was a dark color and kinda tan (from smoking, etc.) now its grey/whitish.