Cleaning the dash rubber mat

Is your car looking tired? Need some advice on how to keep your car in great shape? Into detailing and cleaning and want some advice on products. Then ask away in here.
Topcat Tomcat
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Cleaning the dash rubber mat

Post by Topcat Tomcat »

Another question folks!

I can’t seem to be able to get the rubber trim from the dash thoroughly cleaned. The latest idea was to leave it soaking overnight in a strong fairy liquid solution to no avail. Any ideas...........or recommendations for institutions treating Sad Obsessives?

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Topcat Tomcat (aka Conductorwomble)

1990 216 GSi Auto 5 Door
1995 214 iS 3 Door - White Gold
1998 VVC Coupe - Tahiti Blue/Red Piccadilly & Leather
2001 1.8 Connie 45 4 Door - Wedgewood Blue
2004 75 CDTi Connie - Firefrost
carfixmobile
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Re: Cleaning the dash rubber mat

Post by carfixmobile »

Try an old toothbrush to get into all the "nooks and crannies".

Also, soaking in a "biological" soap powder may also help.
Topcat Tomcat
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Location: Worcestershire

Re: Cleaning the dash rubber mat

Post by Topcat Tomcat »

Thanks. I’ve tried a toothbrush along with a nail brush etc.

We only use the non biological, but I could try that!
Topcat Tomcat (aka Conductorwomble)

1990 216 GSi Auto 5 Door
1995 214 iS 3 Door - White Gold
1998 VVC Coupe - Tahiti Blue/Red Piccadilly & Leather
2001 1.8 Connie 45 4 Door - Wedgewood Blue
2004 75 CDTi Connie - Firefrost
Stan Thomas
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Re: Cleaning the dash rubber mat

Post by Stan Thomas »

I suggest its not just dirt, but some form of contamination. Try hot water, then some white spirit on an old tooth brush. If that fails, try thinners. When you've finally got it clean, apply some black shoe polish.

Regards to all,

Stan.

P.S.
Your not an "Sad obsessive". I had the same problem buffing-up my tyre valve caps ready for RoverFest on Sunday.
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Johnny 216GSi
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Re: Cleaning the dash rubber mat

Post by Johnny 216GSi »

Topcat Tomcat wrote: Wed Aug 03, 2022 10:01 am Another question folks!

I can’t seem to be able to get the rubber trim from the dash thoroughly cleaned. The latest idea was to leave it soaking overnight in a strong fairy liquid solution to no avail. Any ideas...........or recommendations for institutions treating Sad Obsessives?

I've just had the same problem with mine. It looks like we're astrologically synchronised or something...!

I get the problem because I've had it before. Strong cleaners will leave the white residue even though the main staining has gone. Same with Isopropanol, etc.

Last night I took my mat out thinking I'd give it a good soap and water scrub in the morning, but then with a spare 5 minutes I just reached for a nice new/clean micro-fibre cloth and gave the areas a very good rub, then pitching my fingers upwards so what I've got left of any fingernails are pushing into the gaps between the bobbles through the micro-fibre cloth. You can achieve the same effect by using a brush like a toothbrush or nail brush but with the soft cloth placed over the mat first (believe it or not). I did actually manage to get rid of the white staining with enough rubbing, then I just replicated the rubbing all over the mat so it all looked the same, I go a nice dull/matte rubber look back even without soap and water.

Give it a go is all I can say. Use a fluffy / soft dry and clean cloth if you haven't got a micro-fibre one to hand. Make sure it hasn't got any previous cleaning products impregnated into it from a previous life...
Rover 216GSi K reg. Flame Red over Tempest Grey

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Topcat Tomcat
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Location: Worcestershire

Re: Cleaning the dash rubber mat

Post by Topcat Tomcat »

Stan Thomas wrote: Wed Aug 03, 2022 2:35 pm P.S.
Your not an "Sad obsessive". I had the same problem buffing-up my tyre valve caps ready for RoverFest on Sunday.
*laughs*.
Topcat Tomcat (aka Conductorwomble)

1990 216 GSi Auto 5 Door
1995 214 iS 3 Door - White Gold
1998 VVC Coupe - Tahiti Blue/Red Piccadilly & Leather
2001 1.8 Connie 45 4 Door - Wedgewood Blue
2004 75 CDTi Connie - Firefrost
Topcat Tomcat
Club Member
Posts: 915
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2016 10:36 am
Location: Worcestershire

Re: Cleaning the dash rubber mat

Post by Topcat Tomcat »

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I’ll report back when I’ve hopefully sorted it.
Topcat Tomcat (aka Conductorwomble)

1990 216 GSi Auto 5 Door
1995 214 iS 3 Door - White Gold
1998 VVC Coupe - Tahiti Blue/Red Piccadilly & Leather
2001 1.8 Connie 45 4 Door - Wedgewood Blue
2004 75 CDTi Connie - Firefrost
carfixmobile
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Joined: Sun Jul 28, 2019 8:06 pm
Location: Wiltshire

Re: Cleaning the dash rubber mat

Post by carfixmobile »

As Stan suggested and something I have used in the past. Black shoe polish (the type in the metal container) is great for getting a nice sheen on various rubber and black plastic parts.
Topcat Tomcat
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Posts: 915
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2016 10:36 am
Location: Worcestershire

Re: Cleaning the dash rubber mat

Post by Topcat Tomcat »

carfixmobile wrote: Wed Aug 03, 2022 6:28 pm As Stan suggested and something I have used in the past. Black shoe polish (the type in the metal container) is great for getting a nice sheen on various rubber and black plastic parts.

👍
Topcat Tomcat (aka Conductorwomble)

1990 216 GSi Auto 5 Door
1995 214 iS 3 Door - White Gold
1998 VVC Coupe - Tahiti Blue/Red Piccadilly & Leather
2001 1.8 Connie 45 4 Door - Wedgewood Blue
2004 75 CDTi Connie - Firefrost
Paul_1978_yorks
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Re: Cleaning the dash rubber mat

Post by Paul_1978_yorks »

I use Autoglym Vinyl and Rubber Care on things like this.
Current:
1996-N 214 SEi, 2018 Volvo V40 Cross Country, 2015 VW Up!
Former:
214 SEi x3, 216 SLi, 216 Cabriolet, 416 GSi, 420 GSi Tourer, 25, 45, 75
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