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Red door inserts and seat inserts cleaning / Dash cleaning

9.5K views 16 replies 12 participants last post by  Thomas08  
#1 ·
Hey all,
I have a 2014 CR-Z EX with the black interior and red inserts. (Not sure if they are all this color as this was the one I wanted). Anyway, I've noticed that the red inserts seem pretty tough to clean. I'm not even sure how to clean them. They material is a rough mesh type of material that seems to be somewhat porous. Any thoughts? Should I try to vacuum them?

Second question, I was curious what you guys use on your dash to keep it clean and remove particles and dust, etc? I have Back to Black and used to use that on my old Civic's exterior black trim pieces. It seems to do a good job. Since this car has like 500 miles on it, I'm so paranoid as to what to use to clean the car. I've yet to do anything because I'm afraid to use the wrong chemical to clean the car.
 
#2 ·
I've searched the detailing section and I didn't see anyone asking this specific question about the mesh door and seat cleaning. The material seems very hard to clean and little bits of dust and debris are getting lodged into them.

Also, I was planning to use back to black on my dash and other plastic surfaces. Does anyone recommend anything better or safer?
 
#3 ·
For the inserts, my '11 had that grey fabric. I was tired of cleaning it with Isopropanol so I reupholstered it wil 1/8" foam and black vinyl, stays clean now. Not sure about the '14 Z's, I know they're different though.

I use ArmorAll interior wipes, matte finish, seems to work great on the dash but not great on the gloss finished pieces.

Also, the exterior door trim, I use Meguiar's Black wax on them. It seems to hold the nice black finish for a couple months.
 
#6 ·
I have a '13 base, which is black/charcoal My biggest issue with the door fabric is dust. I have been using a spray cleaner that is essentially water and alcohol (I use it on my tinted windows, so I don't have to be cafeful spraying it around. The seats are the same fabric, but I just wipe them down with a damp towel (usually after washing).

The dash I just use a dusting wand that is a microfiber, so it pulls the dust away. I may look at the armorAll option, but I can't handle the smell of hot armorAll. :p

The Meguiar's black wax sounds like a good idea, I can never seem to keep the driver's door clean!
 
#7 ·
I have the same interior. The door is kinda heavy so you have to arm bar it to get it to open fully just about. It leaves marks. I use ArmorAll interior CLEANING wipes. It does the job nicely. Just wring it out before you apply though, you don't want those chemicals soaking in the fabric too much.

DO NOT USE the Shine crap. On your dash or ANYTHING. Multiple detail shops have explained to me that stuff dries on the dash and over time in the sun ends up cracking your dash and door panel. Even worse on vinyl.

For dusting, which is a major issue on the black interior I use Casabella Microfiber Dusting Magnet Cloth Yellow. Got it from Amazon for like 7 bucks and it attracts dust and captures it. Don't wash the towel though. Shake it out real good and rinse it off in warm water and hang dry.
 
#8 ·
I'm not a big fan of ArmorAll. I don't like the smell and it makes things too shiny and slippery. After some research, I ended up with Meguiar's Natural Shine Protectant which is good for all plastic, rubber and vinyl. I think it smells pleasantly fruity. It also gives a black depth to the dash and doors without adding too much shine. It also supposedly has a UV protectant, but I still use a sun shade when I park outside.

I dealt with the door fabric by replacing it. :grin:
 
#10 ·
I use Meguiar's Ultimate Protectant for interior dash/console surfaces and use a lightly wet microfiber cloth (water only) on the red door lining. Some cleaners/protectants may stain the red lining so just be careful if you decide to go that route. Also, the clear plexi on the guages scratches very easily as does the glossy pieces of the dash so just use a light touch and soft cloth/microfiber.
 
#13 ·
I just use a clean moist cloth on the seats. For the dash, I'll do the same and when dry apply 303 aero space protectant. If you go to some of the auto detailing websites you can sometimes get samples to try before you buy.

Might want to try some of that scotch guard fabric protector on the seat/door inserts (not the leather type material) for future easy cleaning. Just mask off the other stuff. Hope that helps.
 
#15 ·
how to clean interior

A lot of people will give you lots of different advice. I like for the fabric Rust-Oleum 278146 NeverWet Outdoor Fabric Spray. For the rest I have been trying Honda Holly's suggestion of Mothers VLR. As seats are mostly fabric I have been known to use my Bissell pro heat carpet cleaner hand tool. It works well for fabric and carpet. Carpet does not get that dirty though once I installed the Weather Tech Floor liners


 
#17 ·
I used to clean my car through vacuum cleaner. Through vacuum cleaner i can clean my car easily. I have bought this cleaner from https://bestvacuum.reviews/vacuum-under-100/. It is hard to find good vacuum cleaners in low price. I can clean my seat covers ass well and also my car foot rest. My car seats easily get dirty and only i can clean through vacuum because i can't clean through water.