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Green Cleaner Suggestions?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Linny, Apr 10, 2006.

  1. Linny

    Linny New Member

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    I'm hoping to keep my new Prius interior nice and clean but I don't want to use a lot of chemical cleaners to do so. I use "earth friendly" products in my house but I'm not sure how they'll work on the plastics in the car. So, I'm looking for suggestions on products that have worked...like for removing fingerprints from the screen and dust from the textured areas on the dashboard where I'm afraid lint and stuff would get stuck. I've seen comments about using just water, not sure if that'll do the trick in the long run. I wondered about using those static cloths...anyone try those? I'm planning to get seat covers so that should help with upolstery.

    Thanks!
     
  2. priusblue

    priusblue New Member

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    I have a good ostrich feather duster that I use in my house that works great on the car dash boards, etc. I just swipe them off every week when I come out side to shake them out after dusting the house, and I never have to use any cleaners.

    For the MFD I just use a cloth like the one you clean sunglasses with.

    Vinegar (1/4 cup) and water (2 cups) works great as a window cleaner - I use it for my windshield too (and all over my house). A little smelly, but it's cheap and it works. In the winter I add some isopropanol so that it doesn't freeze. I would think a microfiber cloth and water would work well too, though.

    Not sure about the upholstry - I usually just vacuum, but I would think whatever you use on the house on carpet and upholstry would work fine on the Prius.

    Good luck!
     
  3. highroute

    highroute New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Linny @ Apr 10 2006, 03:12 PM) [snapback]237747[/snapback]</div>
    If you have side curtain airbags, a set is built into the front driver and passenger seats. A standard seat cover will interfere with their operation, and maybe in a very dangerous way. The seat covers that I've looked at (haven't looked very hard yet) state that they are NOT to be used on seats that contain airbags. Does anyone have a source for seat covers designed for such seats?
     
  4. Linny

    Linny New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusblue @ Apr 10 2006, 06:27 PM) [snapback]237755[/snapback]</div>
    Thanks! Great suggestions!


    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(highroute @ Apr 10 2006, 07:18 PM) [snapback]237777[/snapback]</div>
    I'm looking into these seats. These look really nice and they ask on the order form to indicate whether you have side curtain airbags so I'm guessing that means they're safe. I would talk to them before ordering though. Good question.


    http://wetokole.net/page/WOH/PROD/TOY/PRIUSF
     
  5. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    for dusting, i just use a little car duster i got at target. i do shine it up every now and then with mother's back to black for a nice touch. i don't know about the environmental friendliness of that product :(

    the screen gets done with a damp cloth, as do the tinted windows.

    seats are easy to do with water and a rag and some elbow grease, diluted resolve works well on the carpets.

    GTcovers also makes side-airbag option seatcovers. you can get them at their site: gtcovers.com or you can get them a little cheaper at toyotapartsstore.com

    i like mine but i have no financial interest in their companies.
     
  6. hdrygas

    hdrygas New Member

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    I have to say that this dash is the most impressive dust magnet I have ever seen. Maybe it is time to clean the cabin air filter? I was going to do it every 10 but maybe I should do it every 5?
     
  7. CrazyGirrl

    CrazyGirrl New Member

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    Good question. Thanks! This is off topic but I love your picture...especially your corgi! I grew up with them. : )
     
  8. BoosPrius

    BoosPrius New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Linny @ Apr 10 2006, 05:12 PM) [snapback]237747[/snapback]</div>
    If you decide on a cargo tray, consider a Weathertec. I just got one from www.autoanything. I love it. I have three dogs who sometimes ride in the back, and the material is very soft.

    Gary
    2006 Super White
     
  9. bradymills

    bradymills New Member

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  10. Sufferin' Prius Envy

    Sufferin' Prius Envy Platinum Member

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    In three years and eight month of Prius ownership, nothing except a damp microfiber cloth has been used to clean my MFD and plastics. It couldn't look any better if I used chemicals.
     
  11. seasalsa

    seasalsa Active Member

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    4 1/2 years and I can make the same statement, just a little H2O on a soft cloth does wonders on dash and upholstery. No chemicals, not even vinegar.