Crap/Mold on Weatherstripping but only on the lower window part, how to clean/remove?

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Hello again... Has anyone ever saw/experienced something like this? It is only the lower weatherstripping around the Windows... It is nasty & I cannot get it to come off completely... It is nowhere else on the vehicle, not even around the seals/weatherstripping on the top of the car which has a "Panoroof"

Things I have tried thus far...

APC (Adam's Polishes diluted 5:1)
Clay Bar
Alcohol Pads/Swabs (this worked the best as it knocked the high spots but did not completely remove it)

Pics (I live in SW GA BTW)

weatherstrip_01.jpg


weatherstrip_02.jpg
 
Maybe try a soft tooth brush on it with some simple green or something stronger.?
 
lyodbraun said:
Maybe try a soft tooth brush on it with some simple green or something stronger.?
Click to expand...

Thanks, I may try that...

I tried some Adam's APC diluted and a toothbrush and it didnt remove it but did help a little...

Im tempted just to replace the darn things... But thought I would post here asking for suggestions...
 
1. Just use some APC and a microfiber towel to wipe it down. It might take a little bit of elbow grease but you should start to see some dirt transferring to your towel. Remove as much of the dirt/gunk as possible, then let dry.
2. Next to completely clean the surface I would use 1z Plastic Vinyl Deep Cleaner. It might take multiple passes to completely clean the rubber.
3.To prevent future contamination I would recommend sealing the rubber surface. I have had good luck with Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant.

Some other strong rubber/vinyl cleaners I would try.
Meguiars #39 Heavy Duty Vinyl cleaner
Amazing Roll off
Duragloss #701 whitewall tire cleaner
 
geekdout said:
1. Just use some APC and a microfiber towel to wipe it down. It might take a little bit of elbow grease but you should start to see some dirt transferring to your towel. Remove as much of the dirt/gunk as possible, then let dry.
2. Next to completely clean the surface I would use 1z Plastic Vinyl Deep Cleaner. It might take multiple passes to completely clean the rubber.
3.To prevent future contamination I would recommend sealing the rubber surface. I have had good luck with Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant.

Some other strong rubber/vinyl cleaners I would try.
Meguiars #39 Heavy Duty Vinyl cleaner
Amazing Roll off
Duragloss #701 whitewall tire cleaner
Click to expand...

Thanks... I may a couple of your suggestions depending on price of the products.. If that doesnt remove it completely I am just going to replace them I believe since I have scrubbed and scrubbed and nothing removes it completely...

Im baffled why it is only on this weatherstripping and not on other parts of the vehicle where there is weatherstripping...
 
Have you tried steam. Not sure if it will work, but you never know.
 
Sorry but APC isn't going to get that out. Is it a Mitsubishi? My sisters car is infested with that crap and I live in ga also. You might need to use a polish or compound.
 
ct18 said:
Have you tried steam. Not sure if it will work, but you never know.
Click to expand...


I have not but don't have a steamer... BTW Im a newbie to all this detailing/cleaning/etc stuff...
 
KillaCam said:
Sorry but APC isn't going to get that out. Is it a Mitsubishi? My sisters car is infested with that crap and I live in ga also. You might need to use a polish or compound.
Click to expand...

Nope it is a '12 KIA Optima EX... Guess I Should have specified that...

Just thought I would post here before I got them all replaced or removed what I could and apply some type of "VRT" to them and hope it doesnt come back as bad...
 
Try undiluted Adam's APC. It won't hurt the trim.
 
Use a paint safe APC in conjunction with a Magic Eraser. Seriously. I had the same problem on my 2005 Ford Taurus and this was the only thing that worked. Just be sure not to get the Magic Eraser on the paint, and get more than one Magic Eraser, because you will tear them up.
 
It looks like mineral deposits to me. Try wiping down with white vinegar.
 
That bottom trim piece can often be easily popped off, which will make whatever you try easier and protect your paint
 
allenk4 said:
That bottom trim piece can often be easily popped off, which will make whatever you try easier and protect your paint
Click to expand...

Have you removed one from a KIA Optima '11-'13? I was not sure how easy it could be removed... Any tips would be greatly appreciated as I have never removed weatherstripping before... I do however have a complete 11 piece set of non marring plastic/composite interior/clip removal tools I use all the time for removing interior pieces that any of those might help...

However, I have been looking at can get all 4 pieces that have this junk on them for about $45 plus shipping so I am thinking about just replacing the darn things with brand new ones...
 
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