I'd like to do a real thourough cleaning of the drivers conrols and steering wheel and have two questions:

What is best for getting the wheel, and shifter **** clean, I've just had it a year, but there is plenty of stuff on there from it's prior owner. When I clean it, you can see goo rubbing off but it never really looks clean. It's like years of built up oil and dirt from hands on the wheel or maybe residue from armour all, not sure.

The other place is the stalk on the left for the cruise control. I've tried to clean them on other cars before and rubbed the letters right off (easily)! What can you use on those to get them clean again without damaging the white letters?

 

Try some mild dishwashing soap and a moist rag on the turn signal stalk. Just wipe lightly and the crud should come off.

As for the steering wheel/shift ****, I use Tanners cleaner - it works well for me.

 

Mild soap, water and elbow grease will do wonders. You can also get great information by posting this in the car care section of the forum. Lots of great advice by pro detailers over there. Good luck

 

I use 303.

 

Hmmm, ok I'll bite, what's 303??

 

303 goes on after you are satisfied with your cleaning.
I always just use warm water with some mild soap, but by your description I don't know if that will be enough?
Slowly step up to some slightly more aggressive cleaners.
This doesn't really apply to your problem, but use an air compressor inside for the nooks and crannies.
Good luck.

 

Cabin - Iz einszett Cockpit Premium, an interior treatment developed specifically for the cockpit providing an original factory matte finish. For use on dash, vinyl seats, doors handles, trim, stereo/head units, steering wheel (polyurethane coated) and clear plastic. Cleans components and contains (UV) protection that prevents fading from the sun that occurs over time. The gentle formula is water-based and free of oils providing a flat matte, original showroom finish. Non-slip finish allows for application on the steering wheel and gear-shift ****

Ultra violet (UV) protection - Providing protection from ultra violet radiation (UVR) is very important to avoid photo synthesis (colour fading) particularly in an open-air roadster/convertible (303™ Aerospace Protectant (pH 9.5) UVR protection is a sacrificial / renewable component; this is due to the UV protection layer being degraded by exposure to the elements (sun, sand, road or sea salt, and etc) so it is imperative that you renew it and needs to be re-applied on a regular 45 to 60 day basis (dependent upon location climatic condition)

Application- this product should be sprayed onto a cloth and the surface to be protected should be wet, not just damp with the product. Use a clean, dry cloth and agitate to ensure the protected surface is dry (this product does not air-dry) After application allow 60 minutes for product to cure, then using a 100% cotton cloth to lightly buff surface

An extract from one of a series of 110 in-depth, unbiased “Detailing Technical Papers” © TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2009, all rights reserved.

 

Thanks for the replies so far,

To add to my question...Am I crazy or do the white letters on the stalks rub right off if you use the wrong stuff?? Once they dissolve it's too late. What it is that dissolves those things and will soap and water for sure be safe there??