Calling Detailing Gurus - How to Clean Headliner?

[3002 tii]

I admit it, I don't always wear gloves when working on the car and unfortunately have some faint spots, prints, stains, etc. on the headliner. I had a cheap can of interior foam cleaner and dabbed a spot only to find out it left a dark stain on the liner. So to all the detailing gurus, what's the best way to get dirt (and failed attempts of cleaning mishaps)?

Quick search shows Folex Stain Remover may do the trick, any other recommendations?

[Twisted Six]

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

I admit it, I don't always wear gloves when working on the car and unfortunately have some faint spots, prints, stains, etc. on the headliner. I had a cheap can of interior foam cleaner and dabbed a spot only to find out it left a dark stain on the liner. So to all the detailing gurus, what's the best way to get dirt (and failed attempts of cleaning mishaps)?

Quick search shows Folex Stain Remover may do the trick, any other recommendations?

The coupe headliner fabric is an odd bird. Too much vigorous rubbing will permanently fuzz it. SO use any basic strong cleaner to spot soak...but plan on using a bucket of the same soap and lightly swiping the whole liner or face a hot-spot result. If soap seems to light, choose a brake aerosol cleaner to break down the stain...and persue with previous mentioned soap ...DO NOT WAIT for drying before proceeding. Air dry.

[jslym777]

definitely mist the liner evenly to avoid water spots and wipe in one direction. sometimes misting glass cleaners work well. do not oversaturate or use excess heat, or the headliner will start to fall

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Dark Schnitzer

The coupe headliner fabric is an odd bird. Too much vigorous rubbing will permanently fuzz it. SO use any basic strong cleaner to spot soak...but plan on using a bucket of the same soap and lightly swiping the whole liner or face a hot-spot result. If soap seems to light, choose a brake aerosol cleaner to break down the stain...and persue with previous mentioned soap ...DO NOT WAIT for drying before proceeding. Air dry.

Originally Posted by jslym777

definitely mist the liner evenly to avoid water spots and wipe in one direction. sometimes misting glass cleaners work well. do not oversaturate or use excess heat, or the headliner will start to fall

Thanks, I just hope the damage has not been done with this interior foam cleaner I tried. I had used it before on the A pillar and it worked fine then but the headliner clearly requires a different approach. The instructions said let it soak for half a min and then rub with the brush head. Seems like it took out the dirt but left a darker stain.

[Finnegan]

Good stuff to know. I was thinking about this just this morning (hadn't logged in). Dubbedown saved me a starting a thread!

[thekurgan]

It's nylon, which is like a plastic. Use 1Z Einszett's deep plastic cleaner or their cockpick cleaner, it works crazy good, just wipe with the direction of the fibers and finish with a damp microfiber towel. You'll be surprised what is extracted from that liner. I personally don't spray anything while in the car, only onto a microfiber towel.

[HaiDef]

I use Meguiars all purpose cleaner plus and a small hot water extract machine. A little goes a long way. The dilution ratio is 64:1.