blotchy weatherstrip
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
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From: Maryland
blotchy weatherstrip
The weatherstripping around the doors and windshield has lots of blotchy patches. I'm guessing it's mold or mildew, as the car was kept outdoors, mostly under a cover, for a couple of years. It's not noticeable from a distance, but it looks like something that ought to be cleaned. Any suggestions on how to clean it? Obviously I don't want to risk damaging the paint or window glass by cleaning it.
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2019
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Highly recommend Adams polished VRT. I've tried several products. This is the best. (I've even tried the $70 GM weatherstrip product). VRT is the best for trying to bring back old weather strips. Will it be perfect? No. But it will be a lot better.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Oswego IL
Use a soft tooth brush so you can scrub without scratching your paint. Spray some all-purpose cleaner in a small cup so you can dip the tooth brush in it. Wipe the trim dry, then apply a good protectant. I recommend something with more durability and UV protection than a typical tire dressing offers. If you want a good on-the-shelf product, grab a bottle of the popular 303 "Aerospace Protectant" from Walmart or the auto parts store. If you have a few days to order something, then I recommend Sonus "Trim & Motor Kote" from a vendor like Autogeek. It is even more durable than the 303. It is specifically made to withstand heat, so it holds up in the sun.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2017
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From: Maryland
An old toothbrush is definitely the right tool for this job.
What do you think about using a mold & mildew remover? The only bad spots are along the top of both door sills, and along the left and right sides of the windshield.
What do you think about using a mold & mildew remover? The only bad spots are along the top of both door sills, and along the left and right sides of the windshield.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,094
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From: Oswego IL
The mold and mildew remover should be fine, but I would try some all-purpose cleaner first to see if it works. It is the more gentle option. The agitation from the toothbrush might be enough anyway.
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I tried some cleaner first (Lysol liquid) and it got the surface sort of clean, but didn't clean the blotches at all. So now I've tried some household mold and mildew remover, using the standard instructions, with the old toothbrush, and it is helping somewhat. It will need multiple applications, though. I'll see how it goes.
Team Owner
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From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
I would stick with products intended for automotive use because if you get something with ammonia in it you might cause all kinds of problems.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
I've gotten a few harsh lessons over the years using cleaning products that were not intended for the materials in cars. You get all kinds of discoloration and chalking and all that. Sometimes it releases glues or it will disintegrate foam. I just don't take any chances anymore if I actually care about the car.
Thread Starter
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From: Maryland
Update: After 3 separate applications of the mold & mildew remover, the weatherstrip on the door is looking noticeably better. However, along the sides of the windshield, it's still blotchy. I don't think that any more applications are going to help much, so I'm going to stop. Next I'll hit it with some rubber cleaner/polish and see if that at least helps make it look better.