autogeekonline car wax, car care and auto detailing forum Autogeek on TV
car wax, car care and auto detailing forumAutogeekonline autogeekonline car wax, car care and auto detailing forum HomeForumBlogAutogeek.net StoreDetailing Classes with Mike PhillipsGalleryDetailing How To's
 
Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Dislikes Dislikes:  0
Results 1 to 7 of 7
  1. #1
    Newbie Member Trickstr888's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Framingham, MA
    Posts
    6
    Post Thanks / Like

    Steamer Turning Black Plastic White

    I have run into this problem a few times but seems to be most common on Chevy products.
    Today working on a 2009 Chevy Tahoe I used my trusty steam cleaner to clean black plastic trim around the cup holder and it turned white. Has an 'ET is sick' look too it.
    Not sure if the plastic was maybe UV damaged before hand and the dirt, oil and yuck was keeping it look nice or Im actually taking some of the color out. I can bring it almost all the way back to black with dressing. When it happened a few times before I though that it could have been from steaming over some APC I put down before hand. This time it was just steam. I wasnt attacking the dirt either as I was just making a few passes for a customer with a Head Lice issue with their kids.
    Anyone had issues with a steamer turning black plastic white? If so how did you correct the issue?
    Thanks

  2. #2
    Super Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Stratford ct
    Posts
    968
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Steamer Turning Black Plastic White

    i have had this happen with steamer setting on high temp and keeping it in one place to long

  3. #3
    Super Member top189h's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Posts
    230
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Steamer Turning Black Plastic White

    I had this happen on a couple of gm interior pieces. If I remember correctly it's a common problem for things like the window switches. Try some leather conditioner or a quality dressing. One of the cars I had trouble with was my great grand mothers and the leather conditioner turned the switches back black and lasted the next 4 or 5 years she had the car.

  4. #4
    Newbie Member Trickstr888's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Framingham, MA
    Posts
    6
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Steamer Turning Black Plastic White

    I mixed my interior dressing with some tire shine and it did the trick. I was just worried that it would wear off quick and look lousy in a few days
    Owner/ Lead Tech @ We Care Car Care
    Southern New England Eco-Friendly Mobile Detailing
    www.WeCareCarCare.com

  5. #5
    Super Member CarolinasFinestDetailing's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    1,556
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Steamer Turning Black Plastic White

    Careful as some of the older Fords will discolor easily with steam as well.
    Carolina`s Finest Detailing - Charlotte areas preferred CQuartz Finest Reserve & GTECHNIQ Crystal Serum Ultra coating center. STEK/Suntek PPF
    www.Carolinasfinestdetailing.me

  6. #6
    Super Member KS_Detailing's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    New York
    Posts
    649
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Steamer Turning Black Plastic White

    I had this happen to me on a 99 jeep. Used some CQuartz Dlux, worked great. I was worried about it wearing off quick.

  7. #7
    Super Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    PA
    Posts
    651
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Steamer Turning Black Plastic White

    Have also had this problem. I pretty much quit using my steamer on plastics. I use it on carpets and cloth seats.

Similar Threads

  1. Wolfgang products turning black paint cloudy?
    By steve2016 in forum Wolfgang Car Care
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 11-19-2016, 10:03 AM
  2. Black plastic trim (now white) restoration - any tips?
    By nyjetfan in forum Ask your detailing questions!
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 05-03-2015, 08:48 AM
  3. White cotton terry towels to use with steamer
    By silvermesa in forum Auto Detailing Tools and Accessories
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 02-19-2015, 08:04 PM
  4. Rubber Trim turning white
    By goldenlight in forum Auto Detailing 101
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 10-24-2014, 04:31 PM
  5. White 'bleached-looking' spots on interior black plastic: Help!
    By MisterShark in forum Auto Detailing 101
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 09-12-2009, 06:48 AM

Members who have read this thread: 0

There are no members to list at the moment.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

» April 2024

S M T W T F S
31 1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 1234