TwentyTen

I don't know WHAT the lady who owned this car before me did in it but the front driver's side seatbelt is almost black with dirt. I keep thinking, "If Lexus can't get them clean before reselling, they probably have to be replaced."

It's disgusting to the point that I can't take it any more! Any help and info will help! I don't want to remove them if possible because I don' tknow how to get them back on....safely.

Neo

iTrader: (3)

Soap and water does not work? Soft scrub (no bleach)? Mr Clean magic eraser gets out all kinds of stuff too.

Please try it on a not plainly visible section first. I've used all 3 methods on many parts of the car. I just don't want it to just happen to mess up your interior.

chuckb

try simple green and brush and a rag.

TwentyTen

Thanks! I think I'll try the Soft Soap. I was going to get some for the interior anyway. I'll have to take before and after photos so you can see that I am not exagerating.

Guitarman

You can use anything but solvent type cleaners, and as mentioned , no bleach either. Both can break the material down and you don't want to risk them ripping / not working in the event of an accident.

Woolite & water is another alternative, but I've found once serious dirt gets into them, any mild water based cleaner like that won't take it out very well. When that's the case, you have to either live with it or replace the seatbelts.

salimshah

After treatment make sure the belt is dry before it retracts.

I guess due to liability issue the dealer will not touch the belt .. other than replace it.

Salim

Shogun

I've always used carpet clearner and it seems to do a great job.

Currently, I use some Woolight brand with OxyClean (blue bottle). I saturate the spot, let it sit and run with a cloth. It works pretty well.

Goo luck,
Eric

Guitarman

Be careful with the Oxy products, because the active chemical in them is an oxygenated ( color safe) bleach and slightly corrosive.

I can't tell you they're actually breaking down the material in the seatbelt, because I truly don't know, but...if you want to be on the safe side in the event of a collision, anything even slightly corrosive should be avoided.

There's the rub ; I can think of many products that would clean the material great, but most would do as much harm to them as good. Cheers all,

parula

I would try Simple Green too, I think it is noncorrosive but check. I even use it on my GARAGE FLOOR to remove grease and dirt and it works great - I put it on and let it soak a bit and scrub it in.