I'm buying an 05 prius and the armrest is really dirty, how can I take oil and dirt off?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Jeffrimerman, Aug 27, 2011.

  1. Jeffrimerman

    Jeffrimerman Member

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    Hi Everyone,

    I plan on being the proud owner of an 05 Prius. Where one rests your right arm and left arm is black from dirt and human oil=/. Is there something I can spray or soak onto it to lift it off? Maybe simple dish soap dissolved in water? Is there something specially formulated for it. That part of the interior is that suede looking material so it seems kinda delicate. A corner of the driver seat is dirty like that also. The carpets are really dirty, but I'm thinking a good carpet cleaner and steam might do the trick. Anyone recommend anything from Pepboys or Autozone or some place like that? Thanks
     
    #1 Jeffrimerman, Aug 27, 2011
  2. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    #2 cwerdna, Aug 27, 2011
  3. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    #3 F8L, Aug 27, 2011
  4. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    After cleaning, you can get a leather cover if PriusHood on ebay still sell it.
     
    #4 usbseawolf2000, Aug 27, 2011
  5. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    #5 jdenenberg, Aug 27, 2011
  6. Jeffrimerman

    Jeffrimerman Member

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    Hey that would be awesome to get a leather kit. That would solve the problem and make it easy to clean later. I was thinking the microfibers are probably beat with all that grime also. I can try a cleaner first. Thanks everyone=)
     
    #6 Jeffrimerman, Aug 27, 2011
  7. Jeffrimerman

    Jeffrimerman Member

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    Thanks, I ended up getting another 05 that the seller had detailed so the armrest was like new =).
     
    #7 Jeffrimerman, Dec 15, 2011
  8. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    I try to cover that arm rest with a folded up microfiber cloth. But it doesn't stay very well. But it helps.

    I have used car upholstery cleaner on it a few times and its still pretty clean but the pseudo suede they use is ridiculous in attracting dirt.

    Which is why soon after buying it I bought Wet Okole seat covers. Man they are the best car seat cover ever. 4 years later and there still mint. Very smooth & soft & tough.

    The other day I was at the Toy dealer and an older lady pulled up in an 09 next to me and we started talking. She was standing with the door opened talking to me and I could see the seats and the armrest and they were black. Really nasty.
    She was trading it in for a new Prius. I thought I bet the dealer gave you a good beating over those seats.
     
    #8 edthefox5, Dec 15, 2011
  9. Jeffrimerman

    Jeffrimerman Member

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    damn really an 09, eeeeeeeeeeeee. She must be a greasy person :eek:
     
    #9 Jeffrimerman, Dec 15, 2011
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