Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd
To clean a car headliner, you can use different techniques depending on the type and size of the stains. Use a velour cleaner sprayed directly onto the stain or a clean towel for small stains, then gently wipe it away. Use a Hydra sponge dipped in interior super soap and warm water for larger areas. Clean the headliner section by section, making sure not to get it too wet, and then wipe away the loosened dirt with a clean towel. When cleaning visors, use a Tornador with interior super soap and water to prevent excessive dripping. In case of stubborn stains, you can use an orbital polisher with a microfiber finishing pad and a car headliner cleaner.
How To Clean A Car Headliner: Tips and Techniques
Spot Cleaning Small Stains and Marks
- Tools and Products Needed:
- Detail King velour cleaner
- Clean towel
- Spray the velour cleaner directly onto the stain or a clean towel.
- Gently wipe the stained area using the towel or the cleaner-dampened towel.
- Repeat the process if necessary until the stain is removed.
Cleaning Larger Areas of the Headliner
- Tools and Products Needed:
- Detail King Hydra sponge
- Interior super soap
- A bucket filled with warm water
- Clean terry towel
- Dip the Hydra sponge into the bucket filled with warm water and wring it out about 3/4 of the way.
- Spray some interior super soap onto the sponge.
- Clean the headliner by gently scrubbing 18 by 18-inch sections at a time. Avoid getting the headliner too wet.
- After loosening the dirt, use a clean terry towel to wipe away any excess dirt.
- Repeat the process if necessary until the headliner is clean.
Note: Always clean the headliner first when cleaning the interior of a vehicle to avoid water dripping down into the vehicle.
Cleaning Visors with a Tornador
- Tools and Products Needed:
- Tornador with two ounces of interior super soap and water
- Fill the Tornador with two ounces of interior super soap and fill the remaining space with water.
- Use the Tornador to clean the visors, avoiding the headliner to prevent excessive dripping.
- Wipe away any dirt or cleaning residue with a clean terry towel.
Microfiber Towel Method for Stubborn Stains
- Tools and Products Needed:
- Gray oz 5-hour six-inch orbital polisher with a microfiber finishing pad
- An all-purpose cleaner (APC)
- Microfiber towels
- Spray APC all over the headliner, ensuring thorough coverage.
- Prime the microfiber finishing pad by spraying some APC on it.
- Press the orbital polisher with the microfiber pad against the headliner, applying slight pressure.
- Move the polisher around the stained areas, allowing the pad to lift the dirt and stains.
- After using the polisher, lightly mop up the residue with a microfiber towel.
- Use a blower to accelerate the drying process.
Note: Avoid excessive pressure or high heat from the polisher, as it may compromise the adhesive behind the headliner.
Conclusion
Cleaning a headliner doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the abovementioned techniques, you can effectively remove stains, dirt, and odors from your headliner, restoring it to its original condition. Use the appropriate tools and products for spot cleaning, larger areas, or stubborn stains. Regular maintenance and cleaning will ensure that your car’s headliner remains spotless and contributes to a pleasant driving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a carpet and upholstery cleaner instead of an all-purpose cleaner?
Yes, you can use a carpet and upholstery cleaner as an alternative to an all-purpose cleaner. Both work well to clean headliners in a car.
How often should I clean my car’s headliner?
It is recommended to clean your car’s headliner every few months or as needed. Regular maintenance will help prevent the buildup of dirt and stains.
Can I use a steam cleaner to clean the headliner?
While steam cleaners can effectively clean certain surfaces, they may not be suitable for headliners. Excessive heat and moisture can compromise the adhesive behind the headliner, leading to sagging or damage.
Are there any precautions I should take when cleaning the headliner?
Yes, here are a few precautions to keep in mind:
Avoid saturating the headliner with excessive moisture.
Test any cleaning product or method on a small, inconspicuous headliner area before proceeding with the entire surface.
Use gentle, light pressure when applying headliner cleaners or tools to avoid damaging the headliner or the adhesive.
What should I do if the headliner is severely stained or damaged?
If the headliner has extensive stains or damage that cannot be resolved with cleaning, it may be best to consult a professional car detailer or upholstery specialist. They can assess the condition of the headliner and provide appropriate solutions, such as repair or replacement.
Can I use a brush or sponge on a suede headliner?
Suede headliners require special care to avoid damage. It is recommended to consult a professional detailer or upholstery specialist with experience working with suede to determine the best cleaning method.
Key Takeaways
- Spot clean small stains and marks using a velour cleaner and a clean towel.
- Clean larger areas of the headliner by using a Hydra sponge, interior super soap, and a clean terry towel.
- Clean visors separately with a Tornador filled with interior super soap and water.
- Use an orbital polisher with a microfiber finishing pad and an all-purpose cleaner for stubborn stains.
- Be cautious not to use excessive pressure or high heat when using the polisher.
- Regularly clean your car’s headliner to maintain its cleanliness and appearance.
- Before proceeding, take precautions to avoid excessive moisture and test cleaning methods on a small area.
- Seek professional help for severely stained or damaged headliners.
- Special care is required for cleaning suede headliners.
Key Notes and Important Points:
- Clean small stains with velour cleaner and a towel.
- Clean larger areas with a Hydra sponge, interior super soap, and a towel.
- Use a Tornador for visors to prevent excessive dripping.
- Remove stubborn stains using an orbital polisher with a microfiber finishing pad and an all-purpose cleaner.
- Regular maintenance is key to keeping the headliner clean.
- Test cleaning methods on a small area before proceeding.
- Seek professional help for severe stains or damage.
- Take special care with suede headliners.
