By keeping the interiors of your truck safe and clean, you can enhance its value and improve the driving experience. A headliner is a part that generally gets overlooked, the fabric which is located at the lining near the ceiling of the truck. Through the passage of time dust, grime and stains accumulate on it. Cleaning the headliner aptly is a tricky job, but by using the right approach, it is possible to restore it to its original glory. Below are the steps necessary to follow for your guidance on how to clean your interior headliner to keep it fresh and new.
What is the need to keep the truck interior headliner clean
Headliner of a truck is responsible for several purposes such as: keeping the vehicle insulated, noise reduction and enhancement of aesthetics. Despite our best efforts they eventually trap dirt, grease and odor. Reasons being frequent transportation of pets, food and other tools or equipment. A habit of regular cleaning decreases these builds and also regulates the overall appeal of the truck.
How to clean the truck interior headliner
If you wonder how to clean an interior headline, here are some tools you need.
- Vacuum cleaner with an attachment for upholstery.
- Lint roller or a brush with soft-bristle.
- A clean microfiber cloth.
- An upholstery cleaner (preferred pH-balanced)
- Basic requirement – water, a spray bottle, soft sponge and steam cleaner(optional).
Steps to be followed
- Preparing the area – begin by parking your vehicle in a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight otherwise the cleaning solutions will dry out early and there can be discoloration risks involved. Next we need to remove any item from the truck that can block access to the headliner such as headrests.
2.Cleaning the headliner using vacuum cleaner – use a vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment, precisely target and remove dust and dirt from the headliner. Starting from the top work your way downwards, doing it gently to avoid damaging the fabric. Try to pay special attention to the corners and crevices where dust tends to accumulate the most.
3.Treatment for stains – need to act quickly on the stains, first try to identify the type of strain for selecting proper cleaning solution. Now we prepare the cleaning solution, by mixing the upholstery cleaner with water in a spray bottle. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution. Test the solution before using it on the stains, spray it on a small hidden part of the headliner to check for any discolouration issues.
4.Now we clean the headliner – after getting the desired cleaning solution it’s time to clean the headliner, use a microfiber cloth, slightly spray the solution on it then blot the stained area with it, but gently try not to damage the fabric. Against stubborn stains soft sponge or foam pad can be used. After completing the cleaning wipe down the entire headliner with a clean damp microfiber cloth while also removing any cleaning solution residue left on it.
5.Drying the headliner – for preventing any potential further damage, it’s crucial to dry the headliner properly. First we need to allow the headliner to dry from the natural air by keeping the windows slightly open for decent ventilation to speed up the process. Do not use direct heat sources such as air dryers or heaters as they can cause the fabric to shrink or warp.
6.Remove odor – this is optional now we can sprinkle some baking soda on the headliner and allow it to sit for several hours or overnight, baking soda is exceptional for absorbing odors. Remove it later using a vacuum cleaner.
7.Scheduled maintenance – try using vacuum often to reduce dust accumulation. Occasionally clean the headliner using dry microfiber cloth. Address spills and stains immediately to reduce effort.
Keep It Spotless: Learn How to Easily Clean Your Truck Headliner Today!
Using the proper tools and procedure, it can be restored to appear clean and fresh. Following the above steps improves the truck’s aesthetics and enhances the passengers’ and driver’s experience. Our experts at California Campershells can help you achieve the best results for any cleaning issues of your interior headliner.