Safe Ways to Clean Seat Belts?

ShineTimeDetail

ShineTimeDetail

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Sep 26, 2010
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Whats the safest way to clean seat belts and not cause problems down the road? I have heard people say not to use cleaners on them. Is this just a myth?
 
I have had good success with my steamer. I have also used Folex on some heavily soiled ones with good success. I know some that use apc but I haven't tried that route yet. Steam is my favorite method. I can't imagine most of the cleaners we all use would degrade the fibers in the belts.
 
I know that they are extremely hard to get clean. Nothing that I've used (folex; APC's) has gotten the stains 100%, but I haven't used steam. That may be the only way.
Disclaimer: the above said I've never gotten that aggressive with them for fear of getting that warpped look. Looking for a good system also.
 
I just read a thread about using Meg's Quik Out, said it worked where nothing else would.
 
Ultima Interior Shampoo works wonders and dosen't leave the belts feeling sticky.
 
I pull them out as far as they will go. Drop them into a bucket of ward water with Woolite and use a gentle brush on them. Then I rinse them with at least two rinses of fresh water. Blot them dry with a towel and leave them pulled out for a day or two until they are completely dry.

Do not let them roll back up until they are dry. Otherwise you are introducing water into the roller and clutch mechanism.
 
My seat belts don't come out that far. I have to use one Hand to extend the belt and the other to steam or scrub it's such a pita. Tried soaking it with apc, didn't work
 
Flip said:
My seat belts don't come out that far. I have to use one Hand to extend the belt and the other to steam or scrub it's such a pita. Tried soaking it with apc, didn't work
Click to expand...

With the belt extended as far as it will pull out, use a binder clip to keep it from rolling back up. Then you have both hands free to clean with. :props:
 
ShineTimeDetail said:
Whats the safest way to clean seat belts and not cause problems down the road? I have heard people say not to use cleaners on them. Is this just a myth?
Click to expand...

Yes (myth). Unless those people are using cleaning media that contain: Bleach; strong detergents; dyes.:)

Imo, these are some of the more safe/proper media/methods:

-303 Fabric Cleaner and Spot Remover
-Woolite @ 5:1
-P21S T.A.W. @ 5:1
-C-28 Seat Belt Cleaner, from Pro
-Steamer, if available
-Extend belts, secure as referenced in Charlie's post, power wash; or use oldmodman's method as described in his post
-Throughly inspect belts for abrasions, cuts, tears...advise customer of their status, need for replacement if deemed necessary
-Refer to OEM's recommendations in vehicle's Owner's Handbook under Maintenance, Service, Appearance Care sections.
-Fully explain to customer why cleaning seat belts requires such caution and careful cleaning to not compromise the belts' integrity.

During the cleaning process, one can take this opportunity to inspect the belts' anchor system and retraction mechanism. Blow out any dust/contaminates from the upper anchor and clean that anchor and retraction mechanism with IPA/Q-Tips. Follow with lubrication.

As mentioned, make sure the belts are completely dry; and, then apply a fabric protection product, such as offered by 303, before retracting them. "Shine" up the buckles.

Just a couple of ways that I have found to be useful in cleaning seat belts. I'm sure there are many others.:)

Bob
 
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