Hey guys,

I’m trying to get the interior on my 06’ cleaned up. The car only has 40k miles but it’s a little grimy on the inside for its age, and has an odd smell, like the plastics or seats are off gassing or something. It’s hard to describe, but it’s sort of has a coolant type smell mixed with old car. I’ve tried Ozium in the cabin air intake with the air on full blast and changed the cabin filter. No luck.

Another specific issue I have is the door panels are tacky/sticky at the top near the window after trying to clean them. I bought some 303 cleaner and applied that with a magic eraser to help scrub them clean. Is that cleaner too strong and could I possibly be hurting the vinyl/plastic? Or possibly the magic eraser is leaving behind some residue?
I used the magic eraser and Meguiar’s Interior Detailer in past vehicles with good luck but the plastics and vinyls just don’t feel clean yet in this car. This is my first attempt with 303. I bought the protectant as well but will wait to apply until the other issues are solved.


Any help is greatly appreciated

 

Leather cleaner on the seats; and a good air fresher; i put one on the vents and one inside the item holder in the middle


In your vent

under the seat

 

If the interior plastic/vinyl parts feel sticky, it is because the car was left out in the elements and low quality products were used before. You may want to try 3M adhesive cleaner/remover (3M makes quality stuff, don't get cheap imitation) to remove the goo from before. Reapply quality products and try to keep it cleaned on a regular basis.

A total go over with the seats is needed. A quality leather cleaner and then conditioner will do wonders. Remember much of the "leather" in the car is really vinyl and even the leather trim pieces are plastic coated leather.

Finally, get you wet vac out and redo the carpets and I bet you will get rid of the smell.

I would be hesitant to use 303 on anything but the top. I personally use Raggtopp for vinyl tops (that is what OEM tops are made of) I use a Maguires protectant on the dash for UV protection because it is the interior of the car and not the exterior of a freakin boat or plane.
303 has issues of running and streaking.

 

Sticky at the top of the door by the window, likely from resting your arm there. I've seen this alot on cars that need detailing at this specific location, it's often dead flesh and grime buildup from skin contact. It's as you described and hard to remove, pretty gross yeah. If it's still sticky you just need to keep cleaning it, and yeah avoid cutting corners and ditch the magic eraser, that's for kitchen surfaces. With a safe cleaner rub it in with your hands, not a cloth, like adding rub to a steak, and leave it for no more that 3 minutes, wipe, and repeat every few days until it's gone. Cleaning it a few times a week will open it up a bit, it's probably a bit dry too.

As for your cabin smell, check and clean under seats and rent an ozone device. Ozone works wonders, just practice safety because it can be very dangerous.