Fabric cleaner

I need to clean the seats of my new (to me) 2005 Element. There are some stains on one of the seats and I'm not sure what product to use safely on them. Any input would be appreciated!! Thanks!

I need to clean the seats of my new (to me) 2005 Element. There are some stains on one of the seats and I'm not sure what product to use safely on them. Any input would be appreciated!! Thanks!

Tuff Stuff. Look for yellow can with red labels.

NO! - don't use any solvent-based cleaner on your seats. The manufacturer of the water-resistant fabric expressly states that will do more harm than anything. Do a search of the forums and you'll find several threads that talk about the same thing.

I've used it many times without any problems. Not using ANY solvents is just a catch-all for liability concerns.

Also, since water is the "universal solvent", what does that say?

I'm just sharing my proven method that works well for me.

It's effective and keeps my at time extremely filthy interior looking clean and new.

Non-chlorinated brake cleaner worked for me. It got out a grease stain that even a steam cleaner couldn't get out and I haven't had any problems.

The fabric used on the seats is called FXC. It is designed to resist dirt and other such crud. For most spills (pop, chocolate, sandwiches), they recommend using 1 part clothes detergent to 9 parts water. It is truly amazing how those seats clean up. I would wet the whole seat panel or you may get some water marks between the cleaned and uncleaned part of the seat. After washing, rinse well with a wet cloth (don't soak it though unless you want to wait quite a while for it to dry).

I have an FXC data sheet that explains how to clean different kinds of spillsl. I will try to find the source so I can direct you.
Perry
Proud owner of a Galapogos Green 2004 EX

Thanks Perry.....I appreciate your input. I still have not tried to clean the stains. I bought my Element used, so I'm not sure what is on the seat. It only seems to be on the driver's seat. I really want to get it cleaned up. It's left a kind of white-ish faded looking stain. Thanks for any help...

I've been using Blue magic with excellent results. I have a 90lb dog that loves to swim and get muddy. The seats look almost new after clean-up. And this stuff really does clean out coffee. I use a dry terry cloth towel - no special micro or brushes needed.

It dries pretty quick and inexpensive too...

I use Tuff Stuff. It is good for cleaning the door jambs too.

These are the FXC fabric cleaning instructions I finally found elsewhere on the forum:

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9788

For the life of me, I can't find official instructions from the manufacturer, although you may be able to email them. Milliken makes FXC.

The instructions in the above link look like the real deal though. I've only had to clean up minor stuff so far, but these instructions worked great.

Resolve carpet cleaner

I've been using Blue magic with excellent results. I have a 90lb dog that loves to swim and get muddy. The seats look almost new after clean-up. And this stuff really does clean out coffee. I use a dry terry cloth towel - no special micro or brushes needed.

It dries pretty quick and inexpensive too...

A good recommendation. Costs $5 and change at Walmart.

The fabric used on the seats is called FXC. It is designed to resist dirt and other such crud. For most spills (pop, chocolate, sandwiches), they recommend using 1 part clothes detergent to 9 parts water. It is truly amazing how those seats clean up. I would wet the whole seat panel or you may get some water marks between the cleaned and uncleaned part of the seat. After washing, rinse well with a wet cloth (don't soak it though unless you want to wait quite a while for it to dry).

I have an FXC data sheet that explains how to clean different kinds of spillsl. I will try to find the source so I can direct you.
Perry
Proud owner of a Galapogos Green 2004 EX

what (s)he said. Seriously, this is how I clean my seats, and if that will take care of the mess the dogs make of mine, it will clean yours.

A bucket and a rag are your best friend for cleaning the E inside and out.

Cross-posting instructions in case someone misses them in the old thread:
http://www.elementownersclub.com/uploads/files/fxc%20care%20instructions1.jpg

The fabric used on the seats is called FXC. It is designed to resist dirt and other such crud. For most spills (pop, chocolate, sandwiches), they recommend using 1 part clothes detergent to 9 parts water. It is truly amazing how those seats clean up. I would wet the whole seat panel or you may get some water marks between the cleaned and uncleaned part of the seat. After washing, rinse well with a wet cloth (don't soak it though unless you want to wait quite a while for it to dry).

I have an FXC data sheet that explains how to clean different kinds of spillsl. I will try to find the source so I can direct you.
Perry
Proud owner of a Galapogos Green 2004 EX

Hi Perry,
Liked your info here...I just purchased a GGM (Galapagos Green Metalic) 2003 EX....I was complaining that i was sorry I didn't get the black one...but the color is growing on me. Does the 2004 have the grey & green interior as well. It's hard to dress up...Pictures??
Fieldcat