Audog Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 I was wondering what the best way to clean the headliner of a smokers car is. I don't want to ruin the liner, but would like to get it clean(er). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 PostalTwo Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Is it fabric? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 pirahnah3 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 it should be a foam type fabric with a fiber type backing, I know verts and some other vehicles may be slightly different however most cars and trucks I have torn into in the past were that way. Soaking it with a product is not recommended, light application should be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 PostalTwo Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 I watched a video of a guy using his steamer to clean a fabric headliner . My vehicle is not exactly fabric as it's not fuzzy and wipes off nicely Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Audog Posted February 21, 2016 Author Share Posted February 21, 2016 It is fabric, I don't own a steamer but may have to get one. MORE TOOLS! PostalTwo, CadillaChick and LFairbanks 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Dan@Adams Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 I haven't actually tried a steamer on a headliner yet, but I would think it would work ok. You will want to be careful with getting it too hot though, as that might weaken the glue adhesive holding the fabric to the foam and fiberglass backing material. I usually just take a Cockpit Brush and gently brush the headliner without using any chemicals. If that isn't enough, lightly mist a little bit of Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner into the brush. PostalTwo, Rich and Audog 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Ricky Bobby Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 If it's a smokers car. Ugh you may want a light mist of Carpet Upholstery cleaner, and try a steamer on a low setting and scrub with the head of the steamer wrapped in a cheap all purpose towel. PostalTwo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Audog Posted February 21, 2016 Author Share Posted February 21, 2016 Lots of people saying steamer, since Adams doesn't have a steamer, I'm going to ask what a good one might be. I know we shouldn't discus non-Adams stuff, but I really don't have any idea what to look for in a steamer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 PostalTwo Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Mc1385 is what I allways see recommended Ricky Bobby 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 BrianT Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 (edited) Interior cleaner sprayed onto a new lug nut brush. Don't spray onto the headliner itself, this is going to take time but it's worth it. A steamer that I would trust not to soak the material is going to be very expensive! Do 2square inches at a time. Edited February 21, 2016 by BrianT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Ricky Bobby Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 ^agreed with Brian least aggressive first. Agitate with a lug nut brush, and wrapping the head of the steamer in a MF cloth will help keep the heat down on the fabric. Put your steamer on low and yes we recommend the McCulloch's here since Adams doesn't sell a steamer PostalTwo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 garner Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 The way I have tackled headliners in the past is to spritz some carpet or upholstery cleaner on the headliner, then lightly rub with a microfiber until clean. After a few wipes, you'll learn how much cleaner you need and how much pressure to apply on the headliner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 GXPaycheck Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Just watched a video from AmmoNYC on using a steamer on the headliner. Wrap a towel over the steam nozzle and use quick light strokes. No rubbing, just let the steam work. Ricky Bobby 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Ricky Bobby Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 ^and Larry is who I got the technique from. Take it from a pro, he is top notch! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Zach5.9CTD Posted March 17, 2016 Share Posted March 17, 2016 Glad I stumbled across this post. Found out last weekend that my 3rd brake light seal had given out and began to leak. Anyway, I didn't realize it until my girlfriend asked me about water marks on my headliner. Anyway, sure enough I have gross Brown water marks above my back window. Any recommendations on how to go about getting these out without releasing the glue on my head liner and causing it to sag? Picture attached. Can see water mark above plastic on rear pillar where seat belt is housed behind door and most obvious Mark is below clothes hanger hook. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 LT1xL82 Posted March 17, 2016 Share Posted March 17, 2016 I had a similar problem in a boat. Woolite in a carpet cleaning machine worked REALLY well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 sahls01gmc Posted March 17, 2016 Share Posted March 17, 2016 First and foremost, make sure your leak is fixed! A steamer would help lift the stain, and then blot with a microfiber towel. Your headliner looks like it could take a slightly more aggressive method, perhaps carpet and upholstery cleaner sprayed on the stain, and then blot with microfiber towel. Whatever you do, DO NOT SCRUB! If you end up separating the glue from the headliner, don't worry. There's glue for that....ask me how I know! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 cchrider Posted March 17, 2016 Share Posted March 17, 2016 First and foremost, make sure your leak is fixed! A steamer would help lift the stain, and then blot with a microfiber towel. Your headliner looks like it could take a slightly more aggressive method, perhaps carpet and upholstery cleaner sprayed on the stain, and then blot with microfiber towel. Whatever you do, DO NOT SCRUB! If you end up separating the glue from the headliner, don't worry. There's glue for that....ask me how I know! Are you talking about the headliner adhesive that is in a orangish aresal can?? If so, that stuff works awesome! I pretty much redid probably 65 percent of my headliner in my old Camaro with that stuff. awesome product. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 CadillaChick Posted April 24, 2016 Share Posted April 24, 2016 I had a similar problem in a boat. Woolite in a carpet cleaning machine worked REALLY well. Woolite for lights and Woolite extra dark care for darks works great for me, especially the Ebony/Charcoal GM interiors.. Usually the first thing I try on interior fabric stains is seltzer water though but if that doesn't work I get the Woolite.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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Audog
I was wondering what the best way to clean the headliner of a smokers car is. I don't want to ruin the liner, but would like to get it clean(er).
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