Stained seat belts
#2
Race Director
Pro Mechanic
Member Since: Apr 2014
Location: Washington Township Michigan
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2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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When I purchased my 96 Collector Edition coupe with light gray interior, the belts were very stained. I used a hand held "Rug Doctor" cleaner with their supplier cleaner and made multiple passes to remove the stains, make the belts "as new" condition wise, without compromising the integrity of the seat belt material.
I am sure there may be other responses, but this is what worked for me.
I am sure there may be other responses, but this is what worked for me.
#3
Drifting
A friend of mine had a late 60's Mustang with stained seat belts, and he got most of it out with Dawn dishwashing soap and a toothbrush.
If I remember right, he also used some Meguiar's Carpet and upholstery cleaner ...
If I remember right, he also used some Meguiar's Carpet and upholstery cleaner ...
#4
Former Vendor
I have seen many seat belts that are discolored and damaged from cleaning. My guess is that the material is not color fast and more porous than other materials. My wife once got makeup on her seatbelt and I mixed up a little Oxi-clean and it made nice work of it. I spritzed on it, lightly agitated with fingers, and immediately spritzed with clean warm water.
Someone else suggest carpet cleaner .... as with anything even my past suggestion, handle with care and test in a small inconspicuous spot first.
Someone else suggest carpet cleaner .... as with anything even my past suggestion, handle with care and test in a small inconspicuous spot first.
#5
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Aug 1999
Location: Silicon Valley and Yosemite, CA
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In my detailing shop we use Zep Degreaser(Lowes, Home Depot, etc) and a pot scrubbing brush, available at any hardware, or supermarket) Pull the seat belt out all the way, tie a knot as high as you can so it does not rewind. Spray the Zepon the belt, and scrub, spray again and scrub, then rinse with clear water, several times. Let it dry.
The issue with using Dawn or other soaps that do not get removed, is the dirt accumulates twice as fast over time. Zep is not as sudsy as Dawn, or other equal soaps, and it does an incredible job of cutting the dirt/finger oils and when well rinsed, will keep the seat belt clean for a very longtime(Your experience will vary)
The issue with using Dawn or other soaps that do not get removed, is the dirt accumulates twice as fast over time. Zep is not as sudsy as Dawn, or other equal soaps, and it does an incredible job of cutting the dirt/finger oils and when well rinsed, will keep the seat belt clean for a very longtime(Your experience will vary)