How to remove Nasty Film on Interior Plastics?

[JDGolden]

I’m stumped on what that is. You’ve used some strong stuff and it hasn’t fixed it yet. I’m interested and hope someone else may know what it is and how to fix it.

Don’t toss the Meguiars quick interior detailer, that’s a great product and I’ve been using it for over 10 years.

[PaulMys]

Yeah I really haven't seen something like this before. Its almost like a sticky adhesive. Lighting was bad, so I enhanced the photos to show the residue, which then shows the plastic structure, probably making it appear 'dry'. Any cleaner you suggest?

Now I'm wondering if the dealer might have used something that attacked the plastic?

I work for a dealer (driver), and when I see their "detail" guys work, I literally cringe.

I can just see some young kid using the unmarked bottle of wheel cleaner on the dash. JMO

[The Guz]

Its an Acura RDX with leather seats, but the film seems to be only on the dash and door panels.

What emulsifying cleaners do you recommend that would work? And should I just bin the Meguiars QID?

Keep the QID. It works well for maintenance . Don't expect a deep clean as it contains a light cleaner. I see that one area where the white streak is at is by the door. It would not surprise me if rain caused the dealer product to stain it.

You mentioned you used a scrubber pad. Do you have access to a soft bristled brush to get into the texture. I am not sure if that pad can get into the texture.

Locally as someone mentioned you can usually find the Griot's Interior Cleaner. I don't know how strong this product is to clean given that it is sold over the counter but you could give that a try.

The two cleaners coming to my mind are Optimum Power Clean and CarPro Inside. I just don't know if that would take care of what is going on with interior. Some APC's can turn the interior trim pieces white. Inside needs a follow up with a damp towel to avoid the possibility of having the area turn white unless it is diluted 1:1.

I would also recommend Gyeon Preserve to re-hydrate your dash. One of the best products to re-hydrate and rejuvenate interior trim.

[Eldorado2k]

Use leather conditioner.

[PA DETAILER]

Weird indeed. Strongest plastic cleaner I can think of...

Nextzett Plastic Vinyl Deep Cleaner Plastik Reiniger

[sudsmobile]

It looks like cars that I do that have sunscreen all over the doors. It's really common here. The only thing I've found that gets it out is lightly diluted apc and one of those yellow scrubby interior brushes.

[sudsmobile]

The problem with the dash and door panels is the grain. That's where the brush comes in. You'll never get it out of the grain with a rag.

[ducksfan]

It looks like cars that I do that have sunscreen all over the doors. It's really common here. The only thing I've found that gets it out is lightly diluted apc and one of those yellow scrubby interior brushes.

I think this is the best guess I've seen so far. Sunscreen can be nasty to try to remove. I've had better luck with CarPro Inside than general APC. But even after you clean it, sometimes you have to hydrate the plastic a few times over a period of time to let it work itself out. I would put the car where it will get a lot of sun to heat the inside up and let the hydrater do it's thing.

A few good suggestions just on this page of products you can use to hydrate with. I've just seen a hot interior help the hydrater a lot.

[damonb10]

And should I just bin the Meguiars QID?

No way! That is one of the best products for a quick wipe down and light cleaning.

The situation that you are dealing with does not fit that application and calls for a different product.

[Belo]

steamer maybe? Only risk would be splattering it around though.