How Do I Get REALLY Sticky Stuff Off Door Interiors?

[KeepItSimple]

Hello. The '95 Avalon I bought has some really sticky stuff on all the interior doors below the armrests.

I don't know what it is -- some kind of cleaner or conditioner that someone put TONS of on the doors then let it run down and dry and bake on.

At first I thought someone spilled a coke and didn't clean it up but it's on all 4 doors and very sticky and doesn't come off.

I can't get if off with regular interior cleaners. Does anyone know of something stronger that I could safely use to get if off? The Avalon has leather seats so I'm not sure if the bottom of the doors is leather or vinyl, probably vinyl.

Thanks.

[PolishAndWax]

Originally Posted by KeepItSimple

Hello. The '95 Avalon I bought has some really sticky stuff on all the interior doors below the armrests.

I don't know what it is -- some kind of cleaner or conditioner that someone put TONS of on the doors then let it run down and dry and bake on.

At first I thought someone spilled a coke and didn't clean it up but it's on all 4 doors and very sticky and doesn't come off.

I can't get if off with regular interior cleaners. Does anyone know of something stronger that I could safely use to get if off? The Avalon has leather seats so I'm not sure if the bottom of the doors is leather or vinyl, probably vinyl.

Thanks.

I like D-Solve-it. Natural citrus, works great and smells good too.

I clean my interior with a microfiber and warm water. No buildup to be had. I think interior dressings are overrated!

[CupCate18]

I have had the same problem, I think its an adhesive they used. I use LA's Awesome from the dollar tree to get it off, then normal cleaning folliows. Its some cheap stuff that's really strong, but I haven't noticed any "damage" to mine. Then again, my car has had previous owners who didn't take care of her, and she has some rough spots. Mine typically oozes in hot weather, one actual positive to the approaching cold weather.

[Pb]

I like Goo Gone.

[ToyotaJimD.]

I like Goo Gone.

I talked to my service guy at the dealer some years back about the gray stuff especially on the back door panels -- probably the same problem you have going on -- he said it's a factory adhesive that softens over time and seeps out between the cracks. He said they can send it out for cleanup for some outrageous amount of money (gee, thanks), so I just use Goo Gone once in a while.

[PhatRoyale]

Be careful with Goo Gone, especially on an older car whose panels may be already be fading in color. It's quite abrasive if used incorrectly. For a milder alternative, try going to an art supply store and picking up some Elmer's Sticky Out. It works in the same way Goo Gone does, but I found it doesn't cause interior panels to lose their original color.

[ToyotaJimD.]

Originally Posted by PhatRoyale

Be careful with Goo Gone, especially on an older car whose panels may be already be fading in color. It's quite abrasive if used incorrectly. For a milder alternative, try going to an art supply store and picking up some Elmer's Sticky Out. It works in the same way Goo Gone does, but I found it doesn't cause interior panels to lose their original color.

Goo Gone is abrasive? How so?

[PolishAndWax]

Originally Posted by ToyotaJimD.

Goo Gone is abrasive? How so?

I caught that too and in my head I changed it to 'aggressive'...I'm guessing that's what he meant.

[PhatRoyale]

Originally Posted by ToyotaJimD.

Goo Gone is abrasive? How so?

Well my experiences with it have been hit and miss, I used Goo Gone to remove some leftover carpet tape residue on my door sills with a shop towel and it left them slightly discolored, even though I didn't apply much pressure.

Sometimes it works, other times not so much. So I decided to get that Elmer's stuff I posted instead and have had no problems since.

[PolishAndWax]

Originally Posted by PhatRoyale

Well my experiences with it have been hit and miss, I used Goo Gone to remove some leftover carpet tape residue on my door sills with a shop towel and it left them slightly discolored, even though I didn't apply much pressure.

Sometimes it works, other times not so much. So I decided to get that Elmer's stuff I posted instead and have had no problems since.

Looks like the Elmer's stuff is similar to D-Solve-It...it uses natural citrus.

[KeepItSimple]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I bought some De-Solv-It but haven't used it yet.

[Pb]

Just don't use Goof Off. Goof Off and Goo Gone are totally different products. Goof Off is too strong to use on plastic.