best vinyl cleaner? Options

[r_towle]

I have acquired a beetle with light blue vinyl seats.

Overall, it appears that they have never ever been cleaned.
there are no tears, and I restiched the loose parts.

Now,
I have tried what I call orangina, its a citrus based commercial concentrate that I used straight, I used a toothbrush to get into the "grain" of the vinyl, and I have had some luck, but its still not clean.

I would say that its alot of grease, and or just ground in dirt...

What is the reccomended stuff to use???

Rich

[Pat Garvey]

Rich,

I don't know if you'll ever be able to bring it back to original condition, but there are a couple of things I'd try.

Sorry Bob, but cannot agree with you on the laquer thinner. It's going to seep (vapors) through the vinyl, after it softens it & screw up the foam underneath. BTW, Vinylex is a decent product.

Problem with vinyl is it's soft. Dirt particles can easily be imbedded in the pores, making them tough to get out. Scruubing isn't the answer, no matter the product. The dirt has to be lifted out, just like a dirty carpet.

I have a home steamer that I bought from Sears 25 years ago that injects cleaner & hot water & sucks it back under pretty decent pressure at the same time. You should be able to find on on the cheap at a flea market/yard sale. My seats are black vinyl, but it really pulls out some ugly fluid - I use it every couple of years. Works like a charm. Need to operate it quickly though, so as to not soak the foam underneath too badly. Open the windows & let it dry out for a few days. With your light color, I doubt that it'll be perfect but will sure help.

Laquer thinner will melt the vinyl & especially the foam underneath. Do NOT recommend that. Sorry
Pat