Cleaning metallic cloth upholstery in 57 Eldorado ??

[Acmemopars]

I'm looking for different ideas on what to use for cleaning the seats in my 57 Eldo.

This is a survivor car and everything inside is original and the blue-metallic paisley seats are dirty/dingy and need cleaned.  I'd like to hear what other have used and how it worked.

I'm thinking about Dawn dish soap with water and a soft sponge....maybe a little baking soda to help neutralize the smell, etc..

Thanks for any other suggestions.

Mike Nelson
Denison, Tx

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

I would forget about using Dawn and a sponge.  That
is putting too much water into the fabric and the
underlying foam.  Not good.  It will never dry.

You need a foam type product.  For upholstery and
other auto related things I use a product called "Tuff
Stuff".  It's in a spray can and comes out as a foam. 
You spray it on, let it sit for a couple minutes then
wipe off with a clean terry cloth towel.  No need to
rinse or wet it. If the seats are really dirty, repeat the
process.  Works on rugs too.

Two cans should do both front and rear.  Any good
auto store should have it.  It's made for automotive
use but I use it around the house as well.

Mike

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Not sure how it would go, but I have found that Brakleen is good on any surface to clean up spots, except painted surfaces.

My wife always has a can of it next to the Washing Machine.

Bruce.

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

Bruce:

Brakleen is a solvent that would be good for
"spot cleaning" a small greasy spot or two.
However, to get a good even cleaning on
something as large as a car seat, you are
going to create more issues than you solve.

Not a good idea for the foam under the
fabric either.  Being that old it's already not
in the best shape.

Dry cleaners use solvents to clean fabric
however they are immersing the whole
piece in the solvent -- can't do that with a
car seat.

Mike

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Thanks Mike,

I only use it for spot cleaning.

Bruce.

[fishnjim]

Vacuum well.   Foam upholstery cleaner and then spot with Resolve spray cleaner, as needed.   Then use the scotch upholstery treatment once it's clean.   Use plenty of clean paper towels or clothes to pick up the dirt.   You don't want anything harsh or too wet.   Be careful around areas that saw a lot of sun, they may be weak and split if you rub hard.   
You can take off the cloth and launder it by hand with woolite and resolve, air dry, but it may shrink or sag if any wool in/vinyl on it.   I do swatches that way to get to original color.   
You can try a pro steam cleaner (or detail shop), if that doesn't cut it, but they may not guarantee no damage.   Probably won't ever be pristine but made presentable.
I'd assess and take the seats out, and air them and vacuum out the insides to get rid of any smellies before you try to clean.  Pull up the rug too.  May find something valuable.  If the seat cotton batting or foam is rotted then cloth will have to be taken off and repadded and redone.   Check the springs.   Old foam tends to crumble and make a mess and can't be fixed, only replaced.

[Acmemopars]

All very good information.

Thank You Very Much !

Mike

[Skwerly62]

I second taking the seats out. Check up under the cushions and foam. Little critters get anywhere and curl up and expire. I found about 5 mummified rodents and their associated nests in the back rest of the rear seat. 🐁 Remoce their nests which are always urine-smelly of wadded batting then go on to clean and make nice. Good luck
S