How To Remove White Bleached-Looking Marks Off Car Plastic

The plastic and rubber parts on the car’s interior and exterior fade over time and become white. Apart from regular cleaning, they do require some extra love to keep their nice and natural color.

Same as you would wax your vehicle to protect it from the environment, the plastic and rubber parts need to be protected as well.

In this blog post, I am going to talk about how to remove white bleach-looking marks off car plastic (dashboard, door trims, window trims, etc.).

Key Takeaway

• In order to remove white bleached-looking marks off a car plastic, you need to pre-clean the surface with a microfiber towel, spray a surface cleaner on a microfiber towel and then clean the bleached-looking marks. For more stubborn white bleached-looking marks, you may need to repeat this process a few times.

What Is The White Stuff On My Car?

There are a few different ways that white bleached-looking marks can form on car plastic. One way is when the plastic is exposed to sunlight or another bright light source for an extended period of time. This can cause the plastic to become discolored and start to look bleached.

The most common form of plastic degradation or fading is caused by UV exposure. The UV light breaks down the polymer bonds within the plastic causing a slow deterioration of its flexibility and color retention.

Another way is if the plastic is cleaned with harsh chemicals or cleaners that are not meant for use on plastics. This can also cause the plastic to become discolored and start to look bleached.

One of the most common causes of white bleached marks on car plastic is exposure to chemicals. Common household cleaners, detergents, and even some soaps can contain chemicals that can bleach or otherwise damage car plastic.

Finally, if the plastic is exposed to extreme heat, this can also cause the plastic to become discolored and start to look bleached.

If you have any of these bleached-looking marks on your car’s plastic, you may want to try cleaning the affected area with a mild soap and water solution. If this does not work, you may need to replace the affected piece of plastic.

How To Remove White Bleach-Looking Marks Off Car Plastic

• Pre-clean the white bleached surface with a clean cloth
• Spray the surface cleaner on the microfiber towel. You can use a total interior cleaner.
• Wipe the white-bleached marks
• Repeat the process if needed

If you have white bleached-looking marks on your car plastic, dashboard, door trims, or window trims, then this article is for you. I am going to talk about how I remove the white bleached-looking marks that can occur from sun exposure, polish residue, or simply age.

1. Required items for the job

• Microfiber towels
• Total interior cleaner (see price on amazon.com)

Total Interior is an all-purpose cleaner/protectant for your interior, which works on virtually all surfaces. I love using it on brand-new cars cause it maintains that brand-new look without adding any unwanted shine.

2. Pre-clean the white bleached surface

Start by using a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove any dust or debris. If there are any stubborn spots, you can try lightly dampening a microfiber cloth and gently scrubbing the area. The idea here is to pre-clean the area and remove any debris and dust.

After you pre-clean the surface with a microfiber towel, place that towel aside and get a clean one for the following steps.

3. Spray the surface cleaner on the microfiber towel

The way you use the Total Interior is to spray it onto your microfiber towel. You don’t necessarily want to spray directly onto the surface because you don’t want to get the over-spray on the glass and the paint and whatnot.

This way you just stay more in control of your cleaning. I usually go with about four sprays of the surface cleaner into the microfiber towel.

4. Wipe the white-bleached marks

Now what you’re going to do is simply work the product. You’ll see that it’ll start breaking down into kind of fingerprints that are on the actual surface.

Any dust that is left on the surface, it’s going to go in and pick it right up without scratching the surface because it does have a natural lubricant that goes ahead and does that for you.

Since it is a liquid it’s going to go down and trap that dust so that you’re not just kinda pushing it around all over the place.

5. Repeat the process if needed

Depending on how stubborn the white bleached marks are on your car plastic, you might need to repeat the whole process multiple times. I personally have had situations where I get rid of the bleach-looking marks after the first go.

However, I also had situations where the bleach-looking marks were finally gone after the fourth cleaning. Just repeat the process until you get the desired results.

How To Make a Plastic Cleaner At Home

Plastic cleaners can be quite expensive. This is why many people want to make their own plastic cleaner solutions at home. There is nothing wrong with that. However, depending on how bad your plastic surface is, you might need to eventually get a stronger plastic cleaner if the DIY plastic cleaner doesn’t work.

I would first try cleaning the plastic with the DIY homemade plastic cleaner. If this doesn’t work, you can then go ahead and buy one. Here is how to make a plastic cleaner at home:

What do you need:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1-quart warm water
• 1/4 teaspoon dish soap

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle.
3. To use, simply spray it onto your plastic surfaces and wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

Extra tips:

• You can also use this cleaner on non-plastic surfaces, like ceramic tile or stainless steel.
• For tougher stains, you may need to let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before wiping it away.

Does Vaseline Restore Plastic?

Vaseline can help to restore the shine to plastic surfaces, but it is not a true restoration product. If your plastic is dull, faded, or scratched, you may need to use a different product to achieve the desired results.

Vaseline is a petroleum jelly-based product that has been used for generations to help protect and moisturize the skin. It is made from crude oil that is refined and then treated with other chemicals to create the finished product.

If you’re looking to restore plastic, one of the best things you can do is to use Vaseline before paying for expensive plastic cleaners. This will help to protect the plastic from further damage and also make it look shiny and new again.

Simply apply a small amount of Vaseline to a clean cloth and then rub it into the plastic. You may need to do this several times in order to get the desired effect but eventually, your plastic will look as good as new.

FAQs

Q: What causes white bleach-looking marks on car plastic?

A: White bleach-looking marks on car plastic are typically caused by a chemical reaction between the plastic and certain cleaning products or environmental factors.

Q: Can I use bleach to remove white marks from car plastic?

A: No, it is not recommended to use bleach to remove white marks from car plastic. Bleach is a strong chemical that can cause further damage to the plastic and may even discolor it.

Q: Are there any home remedies to remove white bleach-looking marks from car plastic?

A: Yes, there are several home remedies that you can try to remove white bleach-looking marks from car plastic. These include using baking soda paste, toothpaste, or vinegar mixed with water. However, it is important to test these remedies on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they do not cause any further damage.

Q: Can I use a magic eraser to remove white bleach-looking marks from car plastic?

A: While a magic eraser can be effective in removing certain stains, it is not recommended for use on car plastic. Magic erasers can be abrasive and may cause scratches or damage to the plastic surface.

Q: Will using a heat gun remove the white marks from car plastic?

A: Using a heat gun on car plastic to remove white marks is not recommended. Excessive heat can cause the plastic to warp or melt, resulting in additional damage.

Q: How can I prevent white bleach-looking marks from appearing on my car’s plastic?

A: To prevent white bleach-looking marks on car plastic, avoid using harsh cleaning products that can react with the plastic. Instead, opt for mild soap or cleaners specifically designed for plastic surfaces. Additionally, regularly cleaning and protecting your car’s plastic with products formulated for automotive use can help maintain its appearance.

Q: Can I use a steam cleaner to remove white marks from car plastic?

A: Steam cleaners can be effective in removing certain stains from car plastic, but it is important to use them with caution. High temperatures and pressure can potentially damage the plastic surface, so it is best to test the steam cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Q: Are white bleach-looking marks permanent on car plastic?

A: In most cases, white bleach-looking marks on car plastic are not permanent and can be removed with the appropriate cleaning methods. However, if the marks have deeply penetrated the plastic surface or have been left untreated for an extended period of time, they may be more difficult to remove.

Q: Should I seek professional help to remove white bleach-looking marks from car plastic?

A: If your attempts to remove white bleach-looking marks from car plastic have been unsuccessful, or if you are unsure about the best approach, it is advisable to seek professional help. Professional detailers and automotive service centers have the knowledge and expertise to effectively treat and restore car plastic surfaces says ADV Rider.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, removing white bleach-looking marks off car plastic can be accomplished through various methods.

Pre-cleaning the surface with a microfiber towel and using a surface cleaner can be effective.