Interior Spot Removal Help

[Angus]

Ok so I’ve got a few of these milky white spots on the inside vinyl trim of both my drivers and passengers side doors. I believe they may be the results of dried window wiper fluid based on their dry pattern and location/ proximity to the windshield. In the past, I’ve tried to remove them a couple of times with no luck.

Here's a close up of today's target:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=763&pictureid=4360

Since I was doing a full interior detail I figured I’d try a few different interior cleaning products. Each product was given a quick shake, sprayed directly onto the spot, and then rubbed vigorously with a green general purpose MF.

First up, my new favorite Detailer's Pro Series Total Interior Cleaner:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=763&pictureid=4359

Microfiber in action:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=763&pictureid=4358

And nothing, spot remains defiant:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=763&pictureid=4357


Next up 1Z Einszett Cockpit Premium:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=763&pictureid=4356

Same result, no change:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=763&pictureid=4355


Next up OPC at 3:1
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=763&pictureid=4361

Still nothing:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=763&pictureid=4353


Before I step up to OPC at full strength and more aggressive brushes – I wanted to get suggestions on what else I could try?

Thank you in advance for the feedback!

[jamesboyy]

What may have happen is that area has became discolored and chalky looking therefore two or three coats of trim dressing with a five minute dry time in between may restore its glory

[swanicyouth]

Looks like you've tried the standard stuff. Gotta get creative now. If it was me, I'd GENTLY go at it with some APC and a stiff toothbrush. The tooth brush should have a mild abrading effect, that combined with your chemical cleaner of choice should maximize your chances of success. I also think stiff nylon tooth brush bristles will get into the pebble style grain better than any towel.

I'd go in little circles with the tooth brush. If it's the type of BMW pebbled vinyl on the door cards I'm thinking it is, I think the method will be relatively simple if you use caution and common sense.

Whatever you do, if it was me, I wouldn't use a magic eraser - unless it's an absolute last resort. Those things work by abrasion (like Brillo) and will remove some of the vinyl colorant.

[Angus]

Looks like you've tried the standard stuff. Gotta get creative now. If it was me, I'd GENTLY go at it with some APC and a stiff toothbrush. The tooth brush should have a mild abrading effect, that combined with your chemical cleaner of choice should maximize your chances of success. I also think stiff nylon tooth brush bristles will get into the pebble style grain better than any towel.

I'd go in little circles with the tooth brush. If it's the type of BMW pebbled vinyl on the door cards I'm thinking it is, I think the method will be relatively simple if you use caution and common sense.

Whatever you do, if it was me, I wouldn't use a magic eraser - unless it's an absolute last resort. Those things work by abrasion (like Brillo) and will remove some of the vinyl colorant.

Thanks for the advice! And you are correct - it is BMW's pebbled vinyl on my 335i's door card. I'll try the tooth brush/APC approach and go as gently as possible. Instilling bigger issues while trying to remove a few minor ones is the biggest reason I've left these spots alone.

[swanicyouth]

Thanks for the advice! And you are correct - it is BMW's pebbled vinyl on my 335i's door card. I'll try the tooth brush/APC approach and go as gently as possible. Instilling bigger issues while trying to remove a few minor ones is the biggest reason I've left these spots alone.

That's a good point. I've just learned to leave some very minor things alone. I know if I ruined something, like a door card by taking off a huge chunk of color off it - I'd feel pretty dumb and wish I'd had that little spot back.

These are all first world problems. Keep in mind - people are starving someplace.

[Angus]

That's a good point. I've just learned to leave some very minor things alone. I know if I ruined something, like a door card by taking off a huge chunk of color off it - I'd feel pretty dumb and wish I'd had that little spot back.

These are all first world problems. Keep in mind - people are starving someplace.

I couldn't agree more. :applause: