Best Way to clean headliner

4Runner14x4

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From driving around with my back window down spring thru fall in Kentucky my headliner is pretty dirty now. Whats the best thing to use to get it cleaned?
 
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From driving around with my back window down spring thru fall in Kentucky my headliner is pretty dirty now. Whats the best thing to use to get it cleaned?

There's a carpet cleaner you can find at most auto parts stores and Walmart from Blue Magic. Comes in an aresol can. It does a fantastic job of spot cleaning and I've used it on headliners in the past.
 
A ton of detailers use Folex, its super cheap, can be purchased at any grocery store and VERY effective.

To use:
-Spray a small amount directly to a clean microfiber cloth (do not spray the headliner)
-Lightly, and in one direction only, wipe the area.

The stuff dries very quickly and will not leave any marks or residues/smells.
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I bought Meguirs All Purpose Clearner and holy sh*tballs, that stuff is great. You dilute it based on your application - strong for degreasing engine bay, heavily diluted for cleaning leather, etc. I believe I went with the 4 or 5:1 ratio for cleaning my Audi and it worked amazingly well. I used it to dab the headliner and was really surprised at how clean it came with no scrubbing or saturating!!!

My only word of caution is to dilute it more if you are using it on your seats. The 4/5:1 ratio was too strong and started to remove some of the leather's finish when scrubbing. I use much lower concentration now for seats and it works great!
 
I've never used a product, but I have found that vacuuming, and just rubbing a dry paper towel all over seems to do a pretty remarkable job.

I never drive with the window down when it's wet out, so it's really just dust that is stuck up in there it seems.
 
microfiber towel and some simple cleaner will do.. no need for anything fancy.. but if you feel like you need to spend extra cash then folex works great on home carpets as well
 
I've never used a product, but I have found that vacuuming, and just rubbing a dry paper towel all over seems to do a pretty remarkable job.

I never drive with the window down when it's wet out, so it's really just dust that is stuck up in there it seems.

I second this... I noticed last summer how dirty mine was and simply vacuuming it with a shop vac did the trick.
 
From driving around with my back window down spring thru fall in Kentucky my headliner is pretty dirty now. Whats the best thing to use to get it cleaned?

You have to be so careful cleaning your headliner! If you use too much cleaner, or soak an area too heavily, you'll ruin the headliner and it'll sag!

I'd suggest watching a few videos from Larry at AMMO NYC. He's one of the best detailers in the world. His videos are basically a religion in the detailing community. Check this video out for headliner cleaning!
 
You have to be so careful cleaning your headliner! If you use too much cleaner, or soak an area too heavily, you'll ruin the headliner and it'll sag!

I'd suggest watching a few videos from Larry at AMMO NYC. He's one of the best detailers in the world. His videos are basically a religion in the detailing community. Check this video out for headliner cleaning!

Thanks for the tips everyone. Il have to see what I can do
 
Headliner causing odor?

Recently been dealing with an odor in the truck. Best description is petrichor (a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather). I admit, I initially enjoyed it but now its just annoying. I have cleaned and recleaned all the floors and rear and flushed the a/c vents with Lysol but it hasn't solved the issue.

Last week after vacuuming the back, I laid down and looked up and noticed the headliner was filthy. I drive everywhere with the rear window partially open and i guess over the years, the headliner has captured alot of dust and dirt. I'm hoping this is the root cause for the "earthy" smell and a proper cleaning will resolve it.

I will be watching videos on the best method and report back.

**UPDATE**

Happy to say i had a leaky sunroof. Fixing it led me to find a clogged drain for the sunroof which was the root cause of the smell in my truck. Once the clogged was removed, the smell went away almost over night.
 
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You have to be so careful cleaning your headliner! If you use too much cleaner, or soak an area too heavily, you'll ruin the headliner and it'll sag!

I'd suggest watching a few videos from Larry at AMMO NYC. He's one of the best detailers in the world. His videos are basically a religion in the detailing community. Check this video out for headliner cleaning!


I love how Larry geeks out about detailing.

One of my favorite videos of his is where he gives a garage tour.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I re-upholstered my headliner with black alcantera or however its spelled. I purchased the material used for boats so its not affected by water. Just wipe it down and its clean.
 
I just use a damp microfiber towel and give it a gentle wipe down and it comes clean. Very simple.


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