Interesting question - Altima Forums.net - The Nissan Altima Enthusiast Talk and Discussion Forums

MurphDurph · 07-25-2010

Anyone ever cleaned the top of the center console or the piece on the door panel that's the same material? Mine are getting dirty and I have no idea what material it is or how to go about cleaning it. Any thoughts?

**mikejamesbyma** · 07-26-2010

That center console is a pain to get clean AND looking good. I would use a mild carpet cleaner. I don't think you want to rub it too much, (i've heard that before), the material is pretty thin. The last cleaner I used was from bissel and it worked well.

MurphDurph · 07-27-2010

Thanks mike! Was it a car carpet cleaner? or a regular carpet cleaner, like for the house? I have no problem if it's a pain I just don't want to ruin the material.

**mikejamesbyma** · 07-27-2010

It was household cleaner. I don't really want to recommend that because household is pretty strong smelling stuff iirc, but it did work.

**Unclear_Motives** · 08-09-2010

Dirty with what exactly?

MurphDurph · 08-10-2010

If you're sweaty or what not, or get of work with dirty hands then touch or lean on either the door or the console they start to get a tad brownish in color if not cleaned regularly. Sometimes I'll unload the truck at work and from neck to knees I'm filthy and I'll just get in and go haha.

**Unclear_Motives** · 08-10-2010

I see...I like to usually start with warm (closer to hot), soapy water. I will use a rag and put a few drops of dishwashing liquid (breaks up grease) in the water. 9 times out of 10 this will get you off to a good start.

My methods take lots of time, although it just about always works. This is what I would do, because i get tired of buying products that are good for only one specific thing.

On the other hand, i'm sure there is something out there that will specifically take care of this mess for you, but I don't have a clue what it would be...

Ideas:
1.) See if you can make a friend that works at some auto dealership...better if its someone who cleans/details the vehicles. They have all kinds of tricks for making the used cars look like-new again.

2.) Go online to the Mothers, or Meguiars forums (should be easily found from each company's homepage)...see what you can find out there about the various detailing products. The lists of products and uses is exhaustive!

3.) Sometimes, when I'm really determined to get things clean, I will completely dismantle parts of the car just to get one part clean and get the crevices around it.

4.) Sell me the speakers....and I'll come to you and do the detailing

Maria69 · 11-02-2010

use a shoe polishing brush or any kind of brush with horse hair ... it works pretty good but first to get stains out I would wash out an old windex bottle and fill it up with warm water about 1-2 tablespoons of carpet cleaning solution and ur good