I'm buying an 05 prius and the armrest is really dirty, how can I take oil and dirt off?

Hi Everyone,

I plan on being the proud owner of an 05 Prius. Where one rests your right arm and left arm is black from dirt and human oil=/. Is there something I can spray or soak onto it to lift it off? Maybe simple dish soap dissolved in water? Is there something specially formulated for it. That part of the interior is that suede looking material so it seems kinda delicate. A corner of the driver seat is dirty like that also. The carpets are really dirty, but I'm thinking a good carpet cleaner and steam might do the trick. Anyone recommend anything from Pepboys or Autozone or some place like that? Thanks

I haven't tried this myself yet (my armrests are becoming grimy) but 2004 Toyota Prius: Deal Breaker No More might help.

I use ZEP upholstry/carpet cleaner on my Ivory interior. It works like magic on removing stains and it is easy to use. Home Depot carries it.

Here is my review of the product.

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-.../62545-zep-carpet-upholstery-cleaner-yay.html

The GenII interior cloth is very thin and prone to wear. That condition is not a stain but a lack of fibers. It looks like a stain, however.

After cleaning, you can get a leather cover if PriusHood on ebay still sell it.

Leather kits are still available for both the armrests and center console. See:

Hoods, Center Console Covers items in Prius Hoods store on eBay!

JeffD

Hey that would be awesome to get a leather kit. That would solve the problem and make it easy to clean later. I was thinking the microfibers are probably beat with all that grime also. I can try a cleaner first. Thanks everyone=)

Thanks, I ended up getting another 05 that the seller had detailed so the armrest was like new =).

I try to cover that arm rest with a folded up microfiber cloth. But it doesn't stay very well. But it helps.

I have used car upholstery cleaner on it a few times and its still pretty clean but the pseudo suede they use is ridiculous in attracting dirt.

Which is why soon after buying it I bought Wet Okole seat covers. Man they are the best car seat cover ever. 4 years later and there still mint. Very smooth & soft & tough.

The other day I was at the Toy dealer and an older lady pulled up in an 09 next to me and we started talking. She was standing with the door opened talking to me and I could see the seats and the armrest and they were black. Really nasty.
She was trading it in for a new Prius. I thought I bet the dealer gave you a good beating over those seats.

damn really an 09, eeeeeeeeeeeee. She must be a greasy person