Does anyone know what we are supposed to use to clean the non leather interior surfaces (SE trim) such as the center arm rest, dash grab bar, and window soft surfaces? I can’t even tell whether these should be treated as fabric or some kind of vinyl. Should we use fabric or vinyl cleaners/protectant one these surfaces? Almost feels like synthetic suede, but I really have no idea what thus material really is.

 

We are successfully using the following:

1) Spray Window cleaner on the non-leather soft surfaces, 2) carpet cleaner on the sci-fi seat fabric and 3) wax detailer spray on the hard plastic items (the little flat plate next to the cup holder) which seems to NOT be able to be cleaned in any other manner.

 

On a similar note. Any thoughts on car-washes for the exterior?

The manual recommends against an automatic-car wash especially with forward moving tracks.. or at least make sure all the assist-breaking and collision avoidance stuff is turned off. Mercedes now has a “wash button” to ready the car for an automatic wash. It’s too cold to hand wash. I am going to try a touch-less auto wash without the forward moving track tomorrow.

 

Too cold? What is the actual temp where you are. If the temp is well below freezing why wash it at all? I would think getting water in the seals and cracks and then freezing would be a bad thing.

 

I use one simple product for all my vehicles interiors, Dash Away from Surf City. Been using it for many years and never had any issues. Plus it smells good. The only thing I will say is don't get it on the windows or gauge screen/infotainment screen, it will streak those pretty good. The only Glass Cleaner I will use is Sprayway Ammonia Free, as all of our windows are tinted.

As for exterior soaps/washes. I only use a PH neutral soap. There are several of these on the market. Right now the one I use is Mothers CMX Ceramic Wash and Coat. It doesn't sud up like most washes, but it works exceptionally well. Especially if you have to wash your car in the sun. And the water beading is amazing.

I used to detail cars for a living, not so much now. But I never use an automated car wash. Period. Those things wreck havoc on your paint. If you care about your vehicle, avoid them at all costs.

 

It’s a typical 22 deg F winter outside, nothing extraordinary.

Unfortunately, I don’t have the means to hand-wash the car myself in the winter. Frequent washes are needed during winter time to remove the salt all over the roads her for the snow/ice. It can be corrosive if left on.

Thanks for the info.

 

Ahh salt. I see. How about a pressure washer and some rubber gloves? You could makes easy work out of removing the salt and road grime with one.

By the way, I've been using the products from this company for a while and they never disappoint. Got just about everything you need:

https://www.griotsgarage.com

 

you can clean every thing with pledge multi surface cleaner, including the screens, I don't use interior protectants any more because they evaporate and dirty the windows