05-16-2011, 02:10 AM | #1 |
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Interior Cleaning
So I've just finished with quite a big photoshoot, and it was unfortunately very rainy outside. We used my car as a model "shuttle" and as a mobile clothing rack. Everyone was muddy, and there was a "pile-up" situation of people in my backseat. I bought some microfiber cloths and used water on the cloths to wipe down the leather, and that's mostly clean. But there's dirt EVERYWHERE on the floor in the backseat and the back of the front seats. I do not have all weather floor mats, because I think they look tacky, but now I have dirt everywhere on the floor. Any suggestions for cleaning?
Note: The garagemen who work in my apartment building clean the car weekly, but Thursday is three days away. In any event, if I can get them to clean the car before Thursday, how should I tell them to clean it? Should they drench and dry the standard floor mats? Should I take them out and have them steam cleaned? Should I keep using the microfibers for the leather? The problem now in the backseat is that the cloth on the hump and all below the leather upholstery where you put your feet is dirty. Black Nevada Leather, if that helps. |
05-16-2011, 08:09 AM | #2 |
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judd,
Been there, done that! Everybody has their own methods and favorites for interior cleaning, but what works for me is: Carpeting: IMHO the VERY best for normal dirt is "Blue Coral DRI-CLEAN" This is a spray foam. You spray it on, wait for 15 minutes (important) than wipe it with a dry towel and then vacuum it off. It really removes any dried on dirt and leaves a nice smell. You really do need access to a vacuum cleaner. see: http://www.bluecoral.com/INTERproducts.asp?page=1_2 You can get it at some auto parts stores or from Amazon.com For the leather surfaces it's VERY important to clean before you use any leather conditioner. Again IMHO, one of the best, reasonably priced ways to safely clean the leather is with Lexol 1115 spray cleaner. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846 Everyone likes this stuff and it won't damage the leather surface if you use it according to instructions. Try to keep it off any plastic/wood surfaces, or if you do get it on the plastic, wipe it off immediately. Follow the instructions exactly. It's easy as leather cleaners go. If you have the time, then follow up with a rubbed in application of regular Lexol conditioner. I'd be careful letting the building attendants clean the leather, using too harsh a cleaner can damage the surface and fade the color. Most important component is "elbow grease". Hope this helps. Last edited by Lotus7; 05-16-2011 at 08:16 AM.. |
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05-16-2011, 08:16 AM | #3 | |
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The interior carpeting should just be vacuumed. Leave the carpet cleaning to the professionals as all the water needs to be completely dried. If you need to do some spot cleaning, be very cautious about the amount of water you use and try to dry as best you can. |
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05-16-2011, 08:21 AM | #4 |
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First use an industrial strength vacuum cleaner or coin operated one at a gas station.
I would use water to clean the carpet unless it left a residue or stain. Lotus is right on leather cleaner. Make sure any leather cleaner has a conditioner in it. The clays in the dirt will take moisture out of the leather if left. Now...do the all weather mats still look tacky? Last edited by Radioactive; 05-16-2011 at 08:31 AM.. |
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05-16-2011, 09:04 AM | #5 |
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Careful with the leather. I clean mine with cool water and a wash cloth. Still looks perfect after almost 68,000 miles of use. Modern BMW's use full grain leather.
+1 on Lexol conditioner... just don't over do it. Once every six months is plenty. |
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05-16-2011, 11:20 AM | #6 |
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Not only do I use the "tacky" all-weather mats, I also cut an old BMW floor mat into a shape that covers the center driveshaft hump carpet. It's not elegant, but it sure works. With the nasty weather we've been having in the Midwest, one can't have too much "muck" protection. I'd rather have clean carpets than worry about what my passengers think about my taste in floor mats. After all they are already getting a "free" ride. If they don't like my floormats, they can always walk!
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05-16-2011, 11:30 AM | #7 |
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I just don't like the look of rubber. And they never look like the fit properly. If they were a bit more subtle, then I'd approve. But it looks like someone took a monster truck tire and flattened it to the floor.
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05-16-2011, 11:40 AM | #8 |
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05-16-2011, 11:40 AM | #9 | |
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http://www.cocomats.com/ A lot of different colors and styles, plus complete rubber backing to protect you carpet. |
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05-16-2011, 12:04 PM | #10 | |
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05-17-2011, 03:53 AM | #11 |
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05-17-2011, 07:30 AM | #13 |
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+1 I have them and they are a perfect fit
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05-17-2011, 07:44 AM | #14 |
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If vacuuming and other methods don’t get the carpet clean you could try a “Spot Bot”
It’s a small carpet cleaning machine that’s used for small areas (mostly for pets) and has a hand attachment that squirts carpet cleaning fluid, has a brush and vacuums the excess water out. I haven’t used it in my car, but it gets regular usage in my home. They're only about $120 |
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05-28-2012, 10:38 PM | #15 |
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You mentioned that you use cool water and a wash cloth to clean the leather in the car but I dont see the leather getting clean? I have an 04 X3 and surprisingly the interior is really nice but I find that the cream color gets dirty often due to my hetic lifestyle and my husband being such a pig... lol. I have actually used a really soft toothbrush working it for sometime to get it clean... Is that not a good idea? Your leather may be different than mine, Im thinking due to the fact that mine has 90k miles, Not sure. This is my second Bimmer and Im far from a guru when it comes to knowing the basics for cleaning the interior. The glove box and surrounding area are leather Im assuming but it is really weird feeling. Not sure how to clean it either. Soft cloth and soapy water, and/or leather cleaner? dunno... I think Im gonna pull out the manual and fill in some blanks. That said, sorry for yacking so much, any suggestions would be appreciated... thx
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05-29-2012, 12:22 PM | #16 | |
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1) http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/...oduct_Count=13 2) http://www.autopia-carcare.com/pure-...nditioner.html 3) http://www.autopia-carcare.com/wolfg...nditioner.html 4) http://www.autopia-carcare.com/son-610.html I use the BMW products-very happy with it and use it on non-BMW vehicles too. Once it is finished - I will probably choose one of the above. For older leather - the Leatherique also scored good write-ups on various forums. Hope this helps! |
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