Need Options For Cleaning Seatbelts

**oldmodman** · 11-13-2007, 02:13 PM

The subject car is a 2002 Toyota Corolla that I am detailing. The previous owner was a very heavy smoker. I have already removed the seats, cleaned the carpets then used a Bissel "extractor" on the carpets and seats. They came out great. The interior plastic was an easy job. But what is the safest and best way to clean the seatbelts? I will be doing it without removing them from inside the B pillars. I was going to pull them out as far as they will go, put a clamp on them so they can't pull back, then dunk all the belt that I can into a pail of very hot water with some Woolite in it. Then give them several rinses to get out all the soap, then let them air dry. Any easier or better methods out there?

**Deep Gloss Auto Salon** · 11-13-2007, 02:26 PM

Steam Clean???

**TOGWT** · 11-14-2007, 04:08 AM

Seat Belts:
Maintenance clean seat belts with a 5:1 Woolite® distilled water solution. For spot stains use a fabric cleaner (303 Cleaner & Spot Remover™)

1. Pull the belts from the retractor and gently close the door on the belt, clean and allow to air dry before opening the door and retracting the belt. Do not use bleach or strong detergents, or dye on the seat belts as this may severely weaken them and render them ineffective in a crash.
2. Once fabric is dry apply a fabric protection (303TM High Tech Fabric Guard)
3. While you are cleaning the belts, take the opportunity to closely inspect them for damage and security of attachment, ensure here are no cuts, tears or abrasions (you should always inspect for damage etc if they get caught by a closing door)

After a while the seat belt mechanism becomes slow and / or will not retract when released. This can be avoided by cleaning the upper anchor; as the seatbelt retracts it leaves behind a film of dirt, which builds up over time. But by taking a Q- tip and some Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) you can clean the seat belt anchor / retracting mechanism. Once clean add some Plexus Plastic Cleaner to provide lubrication.