D101 APC will not clean dirt from MB Tex Seats

[TheStig]

Hi, I have been trying to clean a gray MB Tex driver seat for my 1999 Mercedes C280 with D101 APC, but haven't been successful. To play it safe, I mixed a ratio of 10:1 and worked it into the seats with a terry towel. After drying it off, I did see some improvement, but not a whole lot. I followed up after the All Purpose Cleaner with some M40 Vinyl and Rubber cleaner/conditioner, which did nothing but shine up the seat, although it did feel a little bit softer.

Am I using too gentle of a dilution ratio to clean these seats? Should I go more aggressive, like 4:1? Will that damage the seat? What tools should I use to scrub the dirty spots, e.g. toothbrush? This is the first time I have to clean a seat with such aggression as the seats in my other cars were religiously upkept from the prior owners.

Thanks for reading!

[Eldorado2k]

Re: D101 APC will not clean dirt from MB Tex Seats

Did you see any dirt transfer onto your terry towel after cleaning? I would stick to APC 10:1 and spray directly onto the surface and gently scrub with a soft nylon brush. Wipe up with towel and see how that works out.

[Don]

Re: D101 APC will not clean dirt from MB Tex Seats

I did the seats on a 2000-something Honda Accord using Meguiar's Rich Leather Aloe Cleaner and a piece of a floor buffer scrubbing pad (the red, medium "grit" one) and got these results. They took a bit of scrubbing, but nothing less (terrycloth, microfiber, soft-medium brushes etc) would touch it, although if you spilled the cleaner directly onto the leather, you would leave a clean 'spot.'

The product on a so-so before & after pic



A good before & after

[Zileas]

Re: D101 APC will not clean dirt from MB Tex Seats

Try working the product in with a medium sized interior detail brush. The MB-Tex material is pretty durable. Wipe with terry towel, then maybe get at it with a scrub pad.

[TheStig]

Re: D101 APC will not clean dirt from MB Tex Seats

What type of scrub pad? I have plenty of the blue Scotch Brite ones but I do not have a soft vinyl or leather brush, hence my thought of using a soft bristle toothbrush.

I should also comment that the dirty spots are in the cracks and creazes of the vinyl. The seat covers should be replaced, but I at least want to clean them up and make them prettier.

[The Guz]

Re: D101 APC will not clean dirt from MB Tex Seats

Good reference video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Bd_IqK5ydU

Give the tooth brush a shot. Start with the least aggressive approach.

[Jarhead0754]

Had u thought about looking into buying meguiars new stain removal stuff in the detailer line. D106 and D116.

[TheStig]

Re: D101 APC will not clean dirt from MB Tex Seats

Isn't one of those for upholstery and the other for protein based stains from like ice cream or too much fun on a Saturday night in the backseat? Looking at my driver seat again I noticed that one black stain is actually car paint and not dirt. Looks like some careless body shop person must have had the wet basecoat on him while he jumped in the car. The rest of the stains are clearly dirt accumulating in the vinyl creases and cracks. I will hit it again after work today with APC and a soft bristle toothbrush.

[Jarhead0754]

Ones a tannin and fiber and the other is for protein based stains. But u also have D102 carpet and upholstery cleaner.

[TheStig]

Re: D101 APC will not clean dirt from MB Tex Seats

A small update, it looks like this product is causing some headaches for my spouse due to the strong scent. I will be discontinuing it immediately and using Vinylex. Very unfortunate since it did a good job with a second application and the MBTex feels softer now.

[TheStig]

Re: D101 APC will not clean dirt from MB Tex Seats

Is there a user from Meguiars on here? I would like to have some feedback or recommendations on how to reduce the odor of M40 as I would prefer not to add another product on my shelf.

[The Guz]

Re: D101 APC will not clean dirt from MB Tex Seats

Have you tried letting it air out with the windows down after applying it?

[TheStig]

Re: D101 APC will not clean dirt from MB Tex Seats

Yes it was airing out for two hours. I created a new thread in the interior care forum. I saw your recommendation for D180. Since I have a gallon if it, and it is compatible with vinyl, I will use it going forward. Thanks!

[thedoc46]

Re: D101 APC will not clean dirt from MB Tex Seats

I used APC @ 4:1 and a good scrub with a medium brush.. It took out denim staining out of beige leather, after no leather cleaner did. Came out like new. OXO hand brush purchased from Target. Put a good bit of effort in. The only time I wouldn't use a scrubbing brush after seeing what it done was if the leather looked cracked... I'd even not be afraid of using super degreaser at 4:1 it the stains were bad enough !!

Think of it this way. Coated leather is coated and made to be very durable. A scrub and a spritz isn't going to wear it away, otherwise leather wouldn't last very long.