Cleaning lower, exterior plastic trim?

[chrisofpa]

So I finally managed to get my Mabett mud flaps on, they're really nice, however before I managed to do that I got the plastic trim behind my wheels stained from road debris, thanks to Pen-Dot having to resurface roads/place grave during the busiest times of the year... Anyway, I cleaned the area with a shammy cloth, soap and water, it removed most of the stains but I can still see some of it on the plastic. I was wondering if anyone has a technique or product that can deal with this to save me a trip to a detailer? See photo below, thanks.

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[matmondro]

If you have some sort of Armol All or plastic trim restorer on hand, I'd give that a try first just to see. If it doesn't work and you need to remove those products, clean only that area with Dawn dish soap+water or an alcohol-dampened rag.

 

[EVH5150]

I use a Heavy Duty Magic Eraser to clean the lower plastics. Dry thoroughly, then I coat everything with Griot's 3-in-1 Ceramic Spray Wax.

 

[chrisofpa]

If you have some sort of Armol All or plastic trim restorer on hand, I'd give that a try first just to see. If it doesn't work and you need to remove those products, clean only that area with Dawn dish soap+water or an alcohol-dampened rag.

I ended up using the concentrated soap that I use in my pressure washer to clean my cars to get most of the stain out but I can try Dawn too since that stuff is pretty impressive in its cleaning potential.

As for alcohol, do you mean rubbing alcohol? My only concern with that is drying out the plastic but I guess if the Armarol or plastic restorer doesn't clean it off, I can use it to deal with that.

 

[chrisofpa]

I use a Heavy Duty Magic Eraser to clean the lower plastics. Dry thoroughly, then I coat everything with Griot's 3-in-1 Ceramic Spray Wax.

Thanks for reminding me of the magic eraser, I have a fresh one lying around, it didn't cross my mind that it might work for this!

 

[matmondro]

Thanks for reminding me of the magic eraser, I have a fresh one lying around, it didn't cross my mind that it might work for this!

In regard to your reply to me too, yeah, just rubbing alcohol. I should have been a little more clear on that though, as in use it to remove the Armor All or trim restorer if that ends up not working (don't know if you'd need to strip it back off before taking to a detailer).

I will however second the Magic Eraser. Have used it on my lower plastics and works well. Just follow up with some sort of wax/coating etc as @EVH5150 mentioned. Have used a magic eraser on the belly pan of my snowmobile for many years too and it works really well. That belly pan on my sled is a very similar textured plastic to what is on the Maverick.

 

[EVH5150]

I originally tried this on the lower cladding on our Escape a couple of years ago; I never in my life would have thought of using a Magic Eraser, but it worked amazingly well. Due to the slight texture of the plastics, they wear out pretty quickly. I think I used it in a bucket with Dawn and water then washed and dried the entire vehicle.

 

[chrisofpa]

In regard to your reply to me too, yeah, just rubbing alcohol. I should have been a little more clear on that though, as in use it to remove the Armor All or trim restorer if that ends up not working (don't know if you'd need to strip it back off before taking to a detailer).

I will however second the Magic Eraser. Have used it on my lower plastics and works well. Just follow up with some sort of wax/coating etc as @EVH5150 mentioned. Have used a magic eraser on the belly pan of my snowmobile for many years too and it works really well. That belly pan on my sled is a very similar textured plastic to what is on the Maverick.

Oh now I understand, that makes sense, I think I will give the Magic Eraser a shot now. I do have plastic detailer and dawn dish soap on hand to try out too.

 

[chrisofpa]

I originally tried this on the lower cladding on our Escape a couple of years ago; I never in my life would have thought of using a Magic Eraser, but it worked amazingly well. Due to the slight texture of the plastics, they wear out pretty quickly. I think I used it in a bucket with Dawn and water then washed and dried the entire vehicle.

I guess that's why they call it a "Magic Eraser", I had great success with them around the house but it didn't even cross my mind it would work in this application.

 

[Cancunbadlands]

VRP Chemical Guy's works great for plastic restoration

 

[Maverick123]

Just remember, don't EVER use magic eraser sponges on paint ...

 

[Hanzzolo]

Any plastic restoration will work. I use Simonz because it’s relatively cheap and lasts decently long.

 

[chrisofpa]

VRP Chemical Guy's works great for plastic restoration

Thanks! I just added that to my Amazon Wishlist if the magic eraser doesn't get me there.

 

[chrisofpa]

Just remember, don't EVER use magic eraser sponges on paint ...

Thanks for the heads up, if I got something stuck to my paint and WD40 doesn't work I have a clay bar kit which I know how to use.

 

[chrisofpa]

Any plastic restoration will work. I use Simonz because it’s relatively cheap and lasts decently long.

Good information, I thought most of these products just added a shine to the plastic, I didn't think they were intended to actually clean. I am learning a lot of good information on the subject thanks to you guys!

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