Oil and dirt ingrained in steering wheel, driver's seat etc...

Standard problem, car was almost dead so spent a few weeks with mechanic, eventually diagnosed what was wrong and in fairness delighted with the work, bill etc.

But as happens when a car goes in for a while, fellows hopping in and out of it etc., it's now filthy. Not the odd smudge or swipe, but like oil ground into seats and steering wheel. Have tried soap and water when I've got it back before and it doesn't do much. Anyone know any solution? Anything that cuts through the grime? Have covered seat in towels and a bin liner for the time being, reckon it may need a steam clean, but want to clean the steering wheel anyway.

Thanks.

ironclaw

Not joking, but there is orange (as in the fruit) based solvents and they work very well on oil stains.

biko

Bring it up with the mechanic's manager.
They probably can't fix it but could put forward to having it proper detailed.
Also it will make them start using protective sheets over the seats, it's mad that they didn't already.

listermint

Hi OP,

Just buy a 'magic eraser sponge' they sell them in Tesco and Aldi. It will clean the steering wheel in no time ive been using them for years it will come up spotless do the gearknob and the handbrake at the same time.

couple of minutes wiping down.

Thanks for all the pointers, in Tralee today so might try Halfords for a citrus based cleaner or magic sponge.

Toyotafanboi

Get some biological washing powder and mix it fairly strongly in a bowl of hot water, then use a nail brush to work it into the seat. Blot the excess away with an old towel.

You'l have good success with that. Only problem with doing it this time of year is that the seats could literally take weeks to dry naturally if you get them very wet, which is no fun.

Test on an inconspicuous are first and all tht jazz, but i've done it countless times, albeit wet-vacing out the excess not blotting it away.

Might be a good shout to hire a rug doctor for a day?

Curran

Dehumidifier bags can get got in the likes of Home Store & More which will speed up the drying process!