Quick and Easy Headliner Cleaning and Carpet Deodorizer

[jonheld]

So in preparation for my ridiculously long journey to Cruise Moab, I decided to spruce up the interior a bit. I was cleaning the interior glass with Windex and paper towels and I oversprayed a bit onto the rear of the headliner where there was a fairly large dirt spot. Rubbing it with a clean paper towel, I was amazed at the amount of poop that came off.
I got into it and went section by section, first wetting it down with Windex then lightly scrubbing with clean paper towels. I did the entire thing including the A, B, and C pillars, sun visors and all.
It looks pretty good if I do say so myself. Almost every dirt spot is gone and the entire headliner looks 2 shades lighter.

Last week I had added a layer of the Second Skin heat shield to the front of the truck. Had both front seats out and the carpet pulled back. Went in without much effort and I did several carpet vacuums while I was there. Before I put the seats back in, I sprinkled some baking soda on the carpet and rubbed it in with a stiff, nylon bristle brush. Vacuumed up the excess and now the interior has no smell at all. It used to have the combination of 20 years of motor oil, gear oil, grease, transmission fluid, tuna sandwiches, 10 year old Doritos, etc.

Lovin' it.

 

[CJF]

Cheers Jon,

Curtis

 

[CJF]

Oh, and come do mine now.

 

[DiscoveredLC]

Nice! I have some baby formula stains from the previous owner. Ill try the windex

 

[kirkagosto]

I used to detail cars and we used Windex a lot on carpets for stains and stuff. Just need to check it in an inconspicuous area first in case it fades the carpet. Simple green works pretty good to just have to let it air out a little more.

 

[jonheld]

I was looking at all the threads about people power washing carpets and steam cleaning headliners, and I was like, "Yea, I'll get right on that."
After 20 years of ownership I'm happy with the "appearance" of clean.

The baking soda idea came from my wife, but I'll take credit for it anyway.

 

[BrotherRob]

Take it a step further if you have the seats out. Hose them down with water and carpet cleaner and suck it back out with a shop vac or carpet shampooer. You'll suck about 10 pounds of mud out. I do this about once a year and my carpets still look brand new.

 

[JCruse]

I saw this thread and since you guys always help me so much I thought I'd put something down that I know about. For cleaning interiors like the headliner many detailers use a 50/50% or 30/70% mix of Woolite and distilled water. It's a great gentile, but very effective and safe cleaner for fabric interiors. Spray on and wipe the area clean with a terry cloth or microfiber towel.