Weird interior materials- what should I do? (Pictures inside)

[phish]

I'm going to be doing a spring cleaning on my Volvo. The materials that Volvo used are peculiar, particularly the seats and dashboard. I'm not sure how to go about cleaning these and I'm hoping you can help.

Seats: Fabric is called "T-Tec". They aren't upholstery and are smooth to the touch. The seats have pleather sections on them that I know how to clean but the T-Tec is impossible to get clean. All previous attempts have resulted in watermarking and discoloration.

There's a similar, but different material on the doors and that's where the stains are the worst. Sweat and rain are the culprits.

I took a macro shot of the material if that helps:

Dash: The dash is also a strange material. It's a plastic/leather material that has pores and bumps on it. I've found that it's a dust magnet and difficult to keep clean. I certainly don't want a shiny dash, but I'd like to protect it.

Macro of the dash:

How should I approach stain removing, cleaning, and protection of the seats and dash of my Volvo? Thank you Mike!

 

[StephenK]

What have you tried already?

 

[phish]

What have you tried already?

I've tried mild soap/water, diluted APC and chemical guys lightening fast stain remover diluted 20:1. All of these were tried in tests spots that are not readily visible and left behind water marks and slight discoloration. Even straight water leaves behind discoloration! I haven't tried any protectants.

 

[StephenK]

Have never used the chemical guys product you tried but what about trying it a little stronger? Like 15:1. Just a suggestion.

 

[phish]

What have you tried already?

Have never used the chemical guys product you tried but what about trying it a little stronger? Like 15:1. Just a suggestion.

I haven't tried that. My thought was that if a lightly diluted left discoloration then a heavily diluted would be worse...

 

[StephenK]

Is it discoloration or is it water marks?

 

[phish]

Is it discoloration or is it water marks?

I think its watermarks. It leaves the material a darker color after cleaning and wiping dry. It doesn't stain it or change the color, it just looks darker like water was spilled there. This is even weeks after it's been cleaned.

 

[StephenK]

You got a dedicated leather cleaner?

 

[phish]

You got a dedicated leather cleaner?

I actually do have some lexol (I use it for my shoes haha). There isn't any leather in my car.

 

[jcaustin87]

Could T-Tech be like an Alcantra?

 

[Cabrio]

What about an AIO interior cleaner like BF?

 

[JRP]

This is from Volvo Car USA Support

Cleaning the upholstery in your Volvo

Only use cleaning agents and car care products recommended by Volvo. Clean regularly and follow the instructions included with the car care product.

Cleaning non-leather Upholstery:

Volvo offers a Textile Care Kit to keep the interior of you car i n the best condition! The kit contains a textile cleaner as well as a textile stainguard. This kit can be ordered directly through your local authorized Volvo dealer.
Fabric
Clean with soapy water or a detergent. For more difficult spots caused by oil, ice cream, shoe polish, grease, etc., use a clothing/fabric stain remover. Consult your Volvo retailer.

AlcanteraTM suede-like material
Suede-like upholstery can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.

 

[hoyt66]

I just helped my friend detail his Chrysler 300 today. It has that same dash "texture" I went with 3d hd interior protect and it came out great. The car is new so I just gave a light

wipe with apc then wipe with distilled water before using the product. Looked 1000x better and not shiny at all.

 

[phish]

Could T-Tech be like an Alcantra?

no it's much different. not as "fuzzy" or soft. This is closer to a performance soft-shell jacket. Maybe I'll try using the same stuff I use on my ski jacket lol.

 

[phish]

I just helped my friend detail his Chrysler 300 today. It has that same dash "texture" I went with 3d hd interior protect and it came out great. The car is new so I just gave a light

wipe with apc then wipe with distilled water before using the product. Looked 1000x better and not shiny at all.

Thanks for this. I've actually been looking at the hd interior protect for awhile. I'll give it a shot.

 

[phish]

This is from Volvo Car USA Support

Cleaning the upholstery in your Volvo

Only use cleaning agents and car care products recommended by Volvo. Clean regularly and follow the instructions included with the car care product.

Cleaning non-leather Upholstery:

Volvo offers a Textile Care Kit to keep the interior of you car i n the best condition! The kit contains a textile cleaner as well as a textile stainguard. This kit can be ordered directly through your local authorized Volvo dealer.
Fabric
Clean with soapy water or a detergent. For more difficult spots caused by oil, ice cream, shoe polish, grease, etc., use a clothing/fabric stain remover. Consult your Volvo retailer.

AlcanteraTM suede-like material
Suede-like upholstery can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.

I've looked at their "textile care kit" and its ~$40 plus shipping online and ~$60 at the stealership. It would be a good idea to contact the dealer and see what they recommend other than their kit.

 

[phish]

I think I'm going to try using a steam cleaner then using a fabric protectant. Any recommendations for fabric protectants?

 

[BillE]

Have you been able to find an on-line forum for Volvo owners?

Might wanna see what some other owners have found to work on 'that' interior.

Bill

 

[Mantilgh]

What about an AIO interior cleaner like BF?

This is what I was thinking of suggesting. That or just try your protectant on it to see if it evens it out.