Headliner Cleaner

[echodeuce]

I did a search and all that came up was threads from 2007 or older. I'm sure there has been advances in cleaners and techniques.

My headliner for my 89 FJ62 is in awesome condition with zero rips or crazy stains. It is however dirty around mostly the grab handle areas. I didn't want to use a harsh brush because I feared causing the headliner to pill.

What technique and cleaning solutions/products are y'all using. I would like to tackle this job on this weekend.

 

[cruiserpilot]

I would try liquid laundry soap and a soft plastic brush, like a toothbrush but bigger. Rinse the
soap with a damp towel.

 

[Output Shaft]

25 years ago I did mine with foaming upholstery cleaner I found at an autoparts store. Worked fine. Didn't like the smell of it afterwards. Too perfumey. When I clean it again, (I do it every 30 years) I'll use a scentless liquid laundry detergent diluted in water. Maybe Planet soap. I didn't use a brush last time. Used a terry cloth wash cloth.

Be gentle with it.

 

[Willard]

25 years ago I did mine with foaming upholstery cleaner I found at an autoparts store. Worked fine. Didn't like the smell of it afterwards. Too perfumey. When I clean it again, (I do it every 30 years) I'll use a scentless liquid laundry detergent diluted in water. Maybe Planet soap. I didn't use a brush last time. Used a terry cloth wash cloth.

Be gentle with it.

I am thinking either of these options as well.

I will be trying the detergent (get the non allergenic one less crap in it) option as well.

Point to note. with any type of cloth. make sure it is pure white, not dyed white. Any other color will possibly run and ruin the Headliner.

 

[umpqua]

I have my stepdaughters handprint on my headliner from when she was 4 years old. She's now 21. If I ever clean the headliner you can bet I will be cleaning well around that.

Wow.....I got old.

 

[Chris8760]

@Willard any updates on the headliner cleaning? I want to attempt the same thing this weekend with two small spots.

Any other thoughts on this?

 

[SonnyAK]

We used Folex spray cleaner (available at most box stores) and microfiber towels. Ours was pretty dirty but in good shape with no damage/tears and it turned out awesome! The cleaner does most of the work with very minimal scrubbing. I've used the product for years while cleaning up pet messes and swear by it!!



I really wish I had a before shot to show how dirty it was but at least here's an after shot...

 

[CruisD64]

We used Folex spray cleaner (available at most box stores) and microfiber towels. Ours was pretty dirty but in good shape with no damage/tears and it turned out awesome! The cleaner does most of the work with very minimal scrubbing. I've used the product for years while cleaning up pet messes and swear by it!!



I really wish I had a before shot to show how dirty it was but at least here's an after shot...

Resurrecting an old thread but I just cleaned my headliner with Folex and OMG what a difference! Previous owner was a smoker and now the headliner looks brand new. I wasn't expecting it to be able to lift the dirt and grime out so effortlessly but it was easy peazy and only took me 30 minutes to do the whole thing.

 

[SteveH]

@CruisD64 - I have a nearly empty can of MOC upholstery cleaner (wonderful stuff), but it's hard to find. Where would I buy 'Folex'?

 

[CruisD64]

@CruisD64 - I have a nearly empty can of MOC upholstery cleaner (wonderful stuff), but it's hard to find. Where would I buy 'Folex'?

You can get Folex pretty much anywhere. I got it at Ace Hardware in Truckee. It's a pet stain cleaner.

 

[SteveH]

Thanks - no idea that's what it was! I have used Tech cleaner on many stains (mostly upholstery and carpet) and it looks like water, but removes stains amazingly well.

TECH 8 oz. Stain Remover 30008 - The Home Depot

TECH Stain Remover works on all water-washable fabrics, including carpet, clothing, upholstery and vinyl. TECH contains no harsh chemicals, no fumes, no bleaching agents, no enzymes, or anything that can harm fabrics. TECH Stain Remover is safe around kids and pets. No other product is as...

www.homedepot.com

 

[Samppahj]

I have cleaned fabrics with Chemical guys Lightning fast with good result. Maybe it could do good on headliner also. You can see results here: Builds - HJ60 Snow white - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/hj60-snow-white.978827/post-13118390

On my own "vinyl" headliner I cleaned all off that I got and then painted the whole thing with SEM Color coat color matced with a clean piece of headliner. Results here: Builds - HJ60 Snow white - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/hj60-snow-white.978827/post-13006083

 

[CruisD64]

I have cleaned fabrics with Chemical guys Lightning fast with good result. Maybe it could do good on headliner also. You can see results here: Builds - HJ60 Snow white - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/hj60-snow-white.978827/post-13118390

On my own "vinyl" headliner I cleaned all off that I got and then painted the whole thing with SEM Color coat color matced with a clean piece of headliner. Results here: Builds - HJ60 Snow white - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/hj60-snow-white.978827/post-13006083

Chemical guys make great stuff. That's probably better but Folex worked just fine for me

 

[delastatte]

Used tuff stuff , it came out perfect

 

[Ironclad]

I used Folex. Easy, fast, worked great.

 

[AussieHJCruza]

As a former detailer, best way to clean a headliner is a dry vapour steamer and a small amount of a detergent of some description. Obviously the aim of the game is to add as little moisture as possible.

 

[OSS]

Gotta remember that you’re going to live inside the car you’ve just cleaned while driving it. Maybe even sleep in it while camping.
In my book, the only “safe” way to clean the headliner is with Dr Bronners pure Castile all natural unscented baby soap, a soft brush, demineralized water (RO water) and a strong wet/dry shop vac.
No toxic vapors remaining. Cleans really well. Moisture evaporates in a day or two.

 

[SonnyAK]

Resurrecting an old thread but I just cleaned my headliner with Folex and OMG what a difference! Previous owner was a smoker and now the headliner looks brand new. I wasn't expecting it to be able to lift the dirt and grime out so effortlessly but it was easy peazy and only took me 30 minutes to do the whole thing.

Glad you had the same good results with it! I’ve used Folex on tons of different materials and for numerous stains and have always had amazing results! We have a new puppy currently and he’s trying his best to use up all of our Folex supply!