Nicotine Stains on Car Vinyl

Congratulate me I'm a quitter!

But now I'm trying to figure out how to clean the mess up. I have gray interior in my little Hyundai and there are (very noticeable) yellow nicotine stains all over the steering wheel and some on other parts of the dash/shifter etc.

How do I get these stains off? I've scrubbed with Armor All cleaning wipes and 409 until my hands hurt to no avail. I want to trade the car in eventually, so I'd really appreciate the help

Also any ideas for helping with the cigarette smell in carpets, linens etc would be great too.

 

Shampoo the interior cloth surfaces. The vinyl is probably a lost cause.

 

Most interior car parts are made from plastic and vinyl which are porous and absorb certain stains. If you have scrubbed until your hands hurt, the stains are likely permanent. A more abrasive cleaner like Soft Scrub may offer some improvement.

For odor, you will need to shampoo carpet and upholstery. You can spray interior with enzyme digester deodorizer for organic odors. These are marketed under a variety of names such as OdoBan and Nature's Miracle. You can also start the car with the AC turned on and spray deodorizer in the air intake beneath the windshield. This will deodorize the AC system and circulate the deodorizer throughout the car. If repeated attempts with enzyme deodorizer fail to remove odor fail, place some coffee grounds, kitty litter, or activated charcoal from pet shop in a pie tin beneath the seats to absorb odor. There are electric ionic air fresheners available that plug into cigarette lighters.

Having your car professionally detailed may solve your odor and cleaning problems. A reputable detailer has quality products and deodorizers.

 

nolasiren! Congrats!!! THAT is a BIG accomplishment!...and welcome to the DIY forums

Is you can't get the stains off, you might be able to just cover it up with car seat covers or maybe, if the budget is right, get it reupholstered (is that what it's called?). There are also dash covers available.

Just thought I'd throw in a thought, when all I really wanted to say was congratulations!

 

twelvepole: I'll try the soft scrub, I'm thinking maybe just perserverence will help too, cleaning and cleaning it over time. I think this because some stuff does come off on the paper towels with each cleaning so perhaps it's layers on there. It's just that at the moment the steering wheel still is yellow where my hands would sit

Will also have to try that with the AC system. MUST get rid of the smell and I think that maybe the only way.

I would get the car detailed, but as New Orleans rebuilds, I don't think there are any detail shops open just yet. Eventually it may be a possiblility though once things settle a bit more. There's always driving to Baton Rouge too I suppose...

DIYaddict: Thank you! It's not easy at all, but very worth it!

The seat covers are something I'm going to keep in mind if I can't them looking spiffy enough with shampooing. The dash isn't so bad as the steering wheel and shifter stick, which I'm hoping to get clean. Strangely, when I was a smoker it didn't concern me at all that I was destroying my car...

 

years ago, i was trying to clean the once-white now-dingy exterior vinyl top of my mom's car. 409 didn't work, neither did Comet. you know what did? Fantastic! don't know why it would when the others wouldn't, but it turned it back to snow white! might be worth a shot. probably have some under your sink right now.

and CONGRATS on quitting that nasty, nasty habit!!!!!

did ya hear that, DIYaddict???? SHE Q-U-I-T!!!!!!! <hint hint>

 

Please post back so we know what works!

Yes, Annette...that's why I'm SO proud of the member. I'm always happy when one quits! They really deserve a HUGE pat on the back! Also, that's why I have black interior in my car.

 

Going to try both the Soft Scrub and Fantastic and will let you guys know what works

Something has to!

It is starting to look better, I've just been scrubbing with the Armor All cleaning wipes once a day everyday (lunch hour) thus far and it's getting...a little better. But something that would knock it right out would be much better.

 

you know what? i now seem to recall i used the Fantastic with a little scrub brush. maybe that'll help you really get into the texture of the vinyl.

 

some cars have a cabin air filter...check to see if yours does...changing it may offer some help in any odors

 

They make vinyl dyes... paint it purple! SWEET!

 

Try using a product called Grease Lighting. It's available at Lowe's or Home Depot. It works wonders on vinyl. My husband and I build sunrooms and this cleaner is unbeliveable! I also recommend trying Goo Gone. It works on the stains in my husbands truck. Good Luck!