Is there something thats safe I can use for a all around cleaner..

Floor mats, interior plastic, interior trim, steering wheel. etc...

The door handles, arm rests are getting kinda gunky looking and I need to clean it.

 

armorall, just dont put it on your steering wheel, pedals, or shifter (its its manual)

 

I'd use Meguiars APC+ just use proper dilution ratios for it.

Yuck. Armorall isn't a cleaner. It's a dressing.

 

I dilute some Simple Green for interior duties. I've used 409 and others in a pinch.

 

X2

 

Is that available at local auto stores (which ones) or only online?

And what about this one
http://www.autogeek.net/dp340.html

 

I love the Tropi-Care TC-10 Leather/Vinyl/Fabric cleaner.

 

The DP Interior Cleaner is some good stuff. DP makes a lot of good products.

I'd still pick up some Meguiars APC+ because it's simply awesome. It's by far one of my favorite products.

 

I'd not use harsh non-specific chemicals on the interior. If it's leather, leather cleaner. If it's plastic, plastic cleaner, etc. With that said, most of what you mentioned is going to be plastic. I tend to use Vinylx by Lexol or Aerospace Protectant by 303 but these are technically not "cleaners". They treat the plastic and protect it. But once used and with semi-regular cleanup, they work just fine.

If there is a lot of dirt embedded I'd try using a mild soap and water with a soft brush and toothbrush for small areas. But I really think the items mentioned above would do the trick. But the bottom line is that I'd use cleaners specific to the material being cleaned (plastic).

 

Great advice tcope. APC+ can be pretty darn harsh when used incorrectly...

As is the recommendation with a polish for paint, you'll want to go with the least aggressive method to accomplish your task in the safest fashion. Even APC+ at 10:1 can be pretty aggressive...

I've not yet tried it but Boss_429 - who *is* probably the most experienced detailer with the most extensive chemical-usage knowledge on this site - recommends 303 Aerospace Cleaner for many APC-types of jobs. I have not yet tried it but, if Boss says it's the best stuff that he's used, we all should listen.

-RP-

 

Agreed. I wouldn't ever use APC+ at 10:1 on anything in the interior. I don't even think it's diluted enough for the carpets. I usually do something close to 20:1 and it seems to work great. I was leary at first about using it because the stuff will burn your hands. I tested on some unseen areas of different materials and at a dilution ratio of 20:1 or so it didn't have any discoloring, staining, etc.

 

10:1 is actually primo for carpet cleaning. I keep a bottle mixed at 10:1 for my home carpets... 10:1 is the recommended dilution, per Meguiar's, for interior 'stuff'.

 

Aren't you also not supposed to use Simple Green on Carpet at all because it tends to break down the threads in the carpet very slowly?

I think I read that in the sticky, can someone confirm that?

 

Im no expert (not yet, lol) but I can tell you what I like. For my interior plastics I love to use Meguiars Quik Interior Detailer

Quiik Detailer

http://www.meguiars.com/?vinyl-rubbe...erior-Detailer

and for my carpet I've given Meguiars Quik out a shot and I like it. At the same time my interior is not shot so with that said I think that the products you choose all boils down to what condition your interior is in.


Quik Out

http://www.meguiars.com/estore/product_list.cfm?sectionname=Consumer%20(Meguiar's %20Brand)>Car%20Interior%20Care>Cloth/Carpet%20Cleaners&sectionID=12301

Im pretty sure if you post pics of your interior that one of the experts on here can steer you in a better direction. Also the two products that I mention can be purchased locally at Autozone, etc. if you need them right away.

 

I know that's what Meguiars recommend, it's right on the bottle. However, I've used it with poor results because it was too strong, of course this was on a very old car but still ... More than one way to skin a cat, right?