Classic Car Upholstery Supplies

Classic Car Upholstery Supplies

Tips For Cleaning Antique Car Interiors

Owning an antique car and lovingly restoring it to its former glory is a dream of many. Keeping that car clean on the inside, however, is task that takes a very gentle touch. The materials used to construct the interior of an older car and the very passing of time combine to make for rather delicate surfaces.

If you want to keep your antique vehicle looking and smelling great, there are a number of tricks of the trade. The first rule is to always use the gentlest approach first. Gentle cleansers without abrasives, for example, are best to start with.

So, what do you need to keep a classic in tiptop condition? Here are the basic supplies that can help you get the job done right:

Vacuum – An automotive vacuum is your best friend when working on cleaning the interior of an antique car. Use it to clean mats, carpeting and dirt and crumbs stuck in the seats. Do this before proceeding to clean the vehicle.

Soft clothes and nonabrasive sponges – Use these to rub the dash, assist with cleaning the seats and removing built up gunk from the steering column and instrument panel.

Water – This is the original cleaning agent. Use it first to try and remove stains, spills and built up gunk. If water and cloth along will not do the trick, move on to other cleaning agents.

Leather cleaner – If the seats are made from leather and you are positive of this, use a high quality leather cleaner and softener to clean and protect the material. Be sure not to rub too hard. Do not give in and use abrasives to clean dirt out of cracks either.

Vinyl cleaner – A mild vinyl cleaner can be used in place of leather cleaner if the seats are made from this synthetic material.

Softener or polish – Keep in mind that vinyl and leather can dry out and crack. To prevent damage or stop it from getting worse, be sure to treat leather or vinyl seats and dashboards with a softening agent. Select one made for the specific interior in the classic you own.

Carpet/upholstery cleaner – Find the gentlest cleaner designed for automotive use and apply it sparingly to upholstery and carpeting. Test the cleaner in an inconspicuous spot, too. This will help you determine if any bleeding will occur.

Newspaper – When this combines with water or window cleaner getting the windshield cleaned will be a snap. Just spray the windshield and use the newsprint like you would paper towel. Newspaper removes worry about streaking and is gentle enough not to scratch glass surfaces.

Baking soda – If the interior of the car smells musty, open a few boxes of cheap baking soda and allow them to sit inside the vehicle for a few hours. Baking soda will pull out a lot of odors from the air and leave the vehicle smelling fresher in little time at all.

While harsh chemical cleaners are fine to use in the cars of today, antiques deserve a gentler touch. If it is time to clean your classic, remember less is often more on the interior.

About the Author

Find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Click here to visit us today for money-saving tips and receive free auto insurance quotes for the cheapest auto insurance rates from respected insurance companies.

Auto Detailing : How to Deep-Clean Car Upholstery Seats