my girlfriend uses armor all wipes but i hate the oily effect they create.

how do you clean off your interior?

also, the "pocked" portions of the interior (like right below the window) seems to be a different material. it doesn't seem as "glossy" as say, the center console. How do you clean this part?

 

this is a bit of a long winded answer, but it's worth it...
part of a clean interior is the smell. most people like the "new car" smell - I included. I have yet to find any air freshener or car perfume that actually smells like the fresh plastic and carpet fibers of a new car. however...
Murphy's soap oil is damn close - so close that people would comment on my 12 year old Isuzu truck - that it still smelled (and looked) new. here's what I do:
mix one part Murphy's w/ two parts water into a spray bottle.
spray onto a microfiber towel and wipe everything down
no streaks
no wet look
a clean surface (oily finger prints and whatnot are gone)
it dries w/o any residue
leaves the interior smelling showroom fresh
and, if you don't use the outside air for venting, virtually dust free

 

for a wipe down...Swiffer

for a clean up...Maguires NxT dash cleaner with U/V protection.

 

Swiffer duster or the California Car Duster. They make a mini-sized one that works great.

I also bought a large makeup brush at a beauty supply store to get the cracks and crevices.

Don't use Armor-All! Might as well slap some vegetable oil on it...

 

 

is this what your talking about?

http://www.colgate.com/app/MurphyOilSoap/US/Home.cvsp

 

Griots Garage Vinyl & Rubber Dressing

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog....1006&SKU=11173

No silicone, great look.

 

Coming from Arizona, I would expect you to have some interest in UV protection, which Murphys does not have.

I would recommend Meguires Interior detail spray....natural matte finish with UV protection, smells neutral and keeps the dish looking good.

 

Forgot to add that I use microfiber on all the plastic interior.

 

just want to let you know.. in the manual is says to clean with a wet soft cloth towel.. thats it, no product.. been doing that for a couple months now, still has new car scent and stays clean with no shine.. its perfect.. read the manual it tells you how to do everything... a damn soft cloth is it... DONT use a scot towel! those scratch the interior!

 

California Mini Car Duster for daily wipe for dust.

Lexol Vinylex and a microfiber towel for a good cleaning and conditioning.

 

Yeah but if you live in Cali, you NEED some UV protection. Thats all Im saying.

 

i simply use a lysol and water mix (like you would for mopping a floor). it cleans really well and smells fresh.

 

Nice info, keep it coming!


John

 

Not sure about the new Scions but on cars that have vinyl interior upholstery with thin foam padding underneath vaseline works well... yes vaseline...!!! This is more for appearance and as a preservative so... Clean it good first, using one of the above mentioned cleaning products, then apply a thin coating of vaseline, just enough you can tell there is some on it, then remove as much of the vaseline as possible by rubbing it off with a soft cloth. Of course be careful not to get too much in an area where it is hard to get a cloth in to remove it. Surprisingly this leaves a new look without being greasy or oily at all.

This is recommended in one of the recent detailing books being sold at Borders and Books-A-Million. I was hesitant at first but I tried it and it works. Gives vinyl a new look but not too shiny. It is claimed that with both vaseline and vinyl being pertroleum products the vaseline rejuvenates any areas "dried out" from harsh cleaning products and is especially good at preserving the vinyl... blah... blah... blah... All plastics are petroleum based so might work with hard plastic as well.. dunno about that but seems to work on soft plastics... ie: vinyl.

 

Meguiars Quick Interior detailer and a MF towel.