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New Prius, Oak Interior A Problem?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Ed Hamilton, Oct 16, 2007.

  1. Ed Hamilton

    Ed Hamilton New Member

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    Just bought a 2008 Barcelona red with a Oak interior. Gorgeous car but I can't help wondering about that light colored interior. The left armrest and center (console) armrest are fabric covered in the same oak fabric. I use both every time I drive to rest my forearm. I can't help but wonder that if, over time, both will become stained by skin oils, skin creams, sun block or whatever. Is there anything available that would protect the two armrests from staining?

    Ed Hamilton
     
    #1 Ed Hamilton, Oct 16, 2007
  2. Nda3rdCar

    Nda3rdCar Junior Member

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    Well, light coloured interiors are simply going to be harder to keep clean... Even light coloured leather arm rests get dirty or stained. For our cloth interior I use Scotchguard brand cloth protectant. They even make an automotive specific Scotchguard if you can find it. (Mask off with tape and newspaper what you don't want to spray.)

    For cleaning, I haven't found anything better than Armor All Cleaner... yes, it works on cloth. It really removes stains and sometimes I just use a little on the arm rests and driver seat each time I clean the car. It cleans gently and brings up the nap of the fabric. They make cleaning towels, but I prefer the spray bottle and using small cloth towels or old white t-shirts.

    Remember to keep chemicals away from the electronic displays.... use water moistened microfiber towels... that sort of thing. For the carpeted floor mats, I use a Bissell Spot-Bot hose.

    -Nda3rdcar
     
    #2 Nda3rdCar, Oct 16, 2007
  3. inventor00

    inventor00 Active Member

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    Remember this is a specific type of material that really resists dirt - read up on it on this board.

    I did put leather console cover over our tan - from PriusHoods (Robin sells on ebay), just in case....
     
    #3 inventor00, Oct 16, 2007
  4. Gringa

    Gringa Junior Member

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    I also worried about the light colored interior. I got the leather center console cover from PriusHoods. It does a good job. I got the arm rest covers, but they look like crap. At least they protect the cloth on the armrests.
     
    #4 Gringa, Oct 16, 2007
  5. daveleeprius

    daveleeprius Heh heh heh you think so?

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(gringa @ Oct 16 2007, 05:03 PM) [snapback]526562[/snapback]</div>
    I second the recommendation for the leather center armrest cover from PriusHoods. Very well made, high quality, looks great.
     
    #5 daveleeprius, Oct 16, 2007
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ed Hamilton @ Oct 16 2007, 05:37 AM) [snapback]526270[/snapback]</div>
    Avoid touching the armrests if you have sunscreen/block.

    Otherwise you should be ok.
     
    #6 Tideland Prius, Oct 16, 2007
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