Prius 3 Interior plastic

you're going to glue sandpaper to it?

 

don't sand too far, it's pretty thin.

 

I'd be more inclined to try an old tooth brush, with a bit of sudsy water. The interior plastic has a distinctive raised texture; I think sanding would take that off, be pretty noticeable.

 

If you're dealing with scuffs and marks, I'd suggest first trying something mild but abrasive like SoftScrub or GoJo (with pumice). Apply a dab and gently massage the spot with a soft, damp cloth and circular motion. If it comes off, it's all good.

Be careful it doesn't make too much of a clean spot you'll notice later...seen that happen before.

 

I've considered using a course wire brush on my interior plastic. The idea being that you could brush out scuffs while maintaining the brushed grain. It's an untested idea.

 

but a good one!

 

Go with a nylon bristle first.

 

I'm with Mendel. Sudsy water, perhaps with quite mild abrasive, maybe even plain toothpaste at first, going perhaps as aggressive as GoJo/pumice if the milder attempts go nowhere.

The reason for the old toothbrush rather than cloth or sandpaper is the bristles will naturally work the abrasive cleaner all through the 3D texture, but without damaging the texture itself.

Wire brushes will leave the plastic looking as if your car was home to a cargo of emaciated rats. Sandpaper will leave you with noticeable smooth shiny spots (unless you use really coarse sandpaper, in which case it's back to the rats).

-Chap

 

i still like the sandpaper idea.

 

I really dislike the Prius interior because of how easily it scratches. Please post pictures of your results.

 

You guys are all a lot more adventurous than I would be.
No way I'd go at The Prius interior plastics with anything like sand paper or wire brushes.

BUT....

If you are really inclined to do so?

May I offer the phrase "Inconspicuous Area Spot Test"?

 

So this is after? Not bad. And I can see: the scratches are along the tops of the plastic ridges. Your light sanding has taken off enough to soften the appearance. I'm still leery, but your approach looks to be very careful.

This reminds me of Photoshop work, cleaning scratches or hairs on film scans: when they overlay a complex pattern it can be very tricky to take them out, without disturbing of the pattern.

 

in the long run, it's worth putting up with it for it's veggie based recycle ability.

 

I personally don't have any problems doing things to protect the interior of my car as in seat covers, molded dash cover Weather tech floor mats but going after the plastic with sand paper not for me.

Just as there are companies that do Paintless dent removal there are also companies that specializes in interior repair, every car dealer use is them, haven't you ever wondered when you walk onto a used car lot how these cars look like brand new inside?

I've used guys like this a couple of times, they are mobile, they will drive right to your home and do the work in your driveway (providing you're not hundreds of miles from were most of the car dealers are, and when they are done the interior looks like new again.