How to clean the ceiling of a car interior without streaks

If you need to clean the ceiling of the passenger compartment in the car, it is better to use the services of professionals. In other cases, the specifics of the task, and this is working with a horizontal surface located above the head, and even with a very uncomfortable topography, properties and nature of pollution, will require additional information.

Otherwise, instead of cleaning, you can get expensive upholstery ruined with varying degrees of irreversibility.

What is better not to do when cleaning the headlining of a car

Errors can be associated both with the washing process and with the choice of products and consumables:

• the interior, especially if it has been recently cleaned, must be carefully protected from the inevitable dirty precipitation from the ceiling;
• you can start buying products and cleaning only after finding out exactly what and how the upholstery under the roof is made of;
• do not try to wipe off stains, especially with the application of force, detergents should work, not a rag or napkin;
• cleaning solutions should not be allowed to soak for a long time, then it will be difficult to remove stains;
• in the presence of pile, it is necessary to take into account laying it in the direction from the windshield and not change it across the entire width;
• detergents can be quite aggressive, do not work over your head.

It is undesirable to try to use a vacuum cleaner, especially a powerful one. Ceiling coverings are quite delicate, and besides, they are always in sight; you can spoil the whole impression of the cabin by arranging tears or peeling. Eliminating them will be very difficult.

What to look for before washing the ceiling

Before starting work, you need to find out what the upholstery of the ceiling is made of. The choice of cleaning technology and consumables will depend on this.

upholstery type

Typically, the upholstery of the ceiling is made of panels or frames covered with decorative material.

It can be:

• various types of natural or artificial fabric;
• non-woven synthetic materials, it is desirable to know which ones;
• leather;
• all kinds of artificial or eco-leather;
• Alcantara is a synthetic material such as suede.

After finding out the type of material, it remains only to purchase a detergent for just such a coating in an auto chemical goods store.

Preference should be given to the foam structure, it works better, lasts longer and allows you to clean the entire ceiling in one go. When the solution dries quickly, it is very difficult to avoid the appearance of streaks and contrasting spots.

The nature of pollution

The use of modern universal cleaners makes it not important to take into account the type of pollution.

They work equally well with any, although this does not exclude the appearance of stains from some unique substances, which will require a particularly strong stain remover. Dangerous in itself.

It will be necessary to check it for the absence of side effects.

Cleaning tools

You will need a certain amount of microfiber cloths, with which it is customary to clean car interiors. Detergent consumption is usually indicated on the label.

Just in case, it is better to stock up on brushes and a brush, they can come in handy if more solid stains are encountered during the cleaning process, which are slowly removed by the main tool. To remove the foam, it is convenient to use a set of artificial foam rubber sponges.

Step-by-step algorithm for cleaning the surface

You should start with the protection of the cabin. All seats, front and rear panels, steering wheel, controls and floor covering are covered with waterproof sheets of oilcloth or plastic.

Dry Cleaning

The ceiling is treated with napkins to remove dust, even if it is visually invisible. In the process of applying a cleaning agent, it will manifest itself and affect its effectiveness.

If the ceiling covering is strong enough, you can use a low-power car vacuum cleaner, being careful.

Wet cleaning

The cleaning agent selected for the given ceiling material is applied in accordance with the instructions for use. If it is foam, then after a short pause, you can treat the surface with a soft brush.

The more contaminated a particular place, the more intensively the foam solution is rubbed into it. The foam will change color before your eyes, which means that dirt is effectively dissolved and removed.

Washing off the solution

The spent product is removed with wet foam sponges. The procedure is repeated several times until the sponges no longer get dirty from working on the ceiling. This will mean that the remnants of the product are completely removed and the ceiling is clean. It is necessary to act in one direction, from the front glass to the rear.

Do not allow abundant rinsing of the composition with water. The coating may begin to flake off the substrate, forming conspicuous bubbles and bumps.

Drying

After wiping with dry wipes, it is enough to leave the car with open windows for natural drying. It is undesirable to speed up the process by blowing or heating, the upholstery can lead and distort.

But leaving the car with the ceiling still wet in the parking lot with the windows closed is unacceptable. Many troubles are possible, up to breeding mold and bacteria with consequences in the form of a musty smell.

Steam cleaning

Steam cleaners work very effectively, but in the case of a ceiling, it is better not to risk it. This is too harsh a method, unsuitable for surfaces where it is important to maintain a perfectly even relief.

How to remove a stubborn stain

If you need to work with stubborn stains from certain types of fats, then this should be done before the cleaning process with the main tool.

Use specialized stain removers for car interiors, in extreme cases, a weak solution of vinegar in water can help. The technology should be tested on an inconspicuous area of ​​the skin.