Cleaning Sticky Buttons and Trim
#1
Cleaning Sticky Buttons and Trim
The rubbery surfaces on the buttons, display bezel, and vent surrounds from my 2014 F-Type V8S convertible have gradually been getting sticky to the touch. I've tried cleaning them with Armor All wipes but that doesn't help. I know that rubber degrades over tome and that the sun doesn't help. Is there any way to clean and restore these or is my only solution to replace them all?
#3
#4
#5
The following users liked this post:
technabob (09-07-2021)
#6
#7
Trending Topics
#8
I tried both Dunlop 01 fret/fingerboard cleaner (6524) and the Neutrogena wipes. Both worked, but I think I liked the fret cleaner better. Get the surface wet and let it soak in a minute to soften the finish. Have plenty of cotton clothes to rub off the gummy residue. You can use your fingernail to help scrape off the stickies. I've done the steering wheel and console switches. The area/buttons around the screen are fine, so far.
#9
#10
#12
#13
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 8,463
Received 3,226 Likes
on
2,380 Posts
Just to chime in, a few months ago the top part of the steering wheel cover/spokes on mine went sticky. Nowhere else, just that piece.
I tried some mild cleaning fluid first but it made no difference.
I then read about the Neutrogena facial wipes so I bought a pack.
They seemed to work although it took a helluva lot of hard rubbing and scratching and scraping, several hours in fact.
But I still couldn't get rid of all the stickiness so I kept going.
Next thing I know the grey finish started to come completely off revealing black plastic underneath and the whole thing ended up a patchy mess.
The only solution was to buy and fit a brand new replacement piece.
I tried some mild cleaning fluid first but it made no difference.
I then read about the Neutrogena facial wipes so I bought a pack.
They seemed to work although it took a helluva lot of hard rubbing and scratching and scraping, several hours in fact.
But I still couldn't get rid of all the stickiness so I kept going.
Next thing I know the grey finish started to come completely off revealing black plastic underneath and the whole thing ended up a patchy mess.
The only solution was to buy and fit a brand new replacement piece.
#14
Just to chime in, a few months ago the top part of the steering wheel cover/spokes on mine went sticky. Nowhere else, just that piece.
I tried some mild cleaning fluid first but it made no difference.
I then read about the Neutrogena facial wipes so I bought a pack.
They seemed to work although it took a helluva lot of hard rubbing and scratching and scraping, several hours in fact.
But I still couldn't get rid of all the stickiness so I kept going.
Next thing I know the grey finish started to come completely off revealing black plastic underneath and the whole thing ended up a patchy mess.
The only solution was to buy and fit a brand new replacement piece.
I tried some mild cleaning fluid first but it made no difference.
I then read about the Neutrogena facial wipes so I bought a pack.
They seemed to work although it took a helluva lot of hard rubbing and scratching and scraping, several hours in fact.
But I still couldn't get rid of all the stickiness so I kept going.
Next thing I know the grey finish started to come completely off revealing black plastic underneath and the whole thing ended up a patchy mess.
The only solution was to buy and fit a brand new replacement piece.
#15
#16
You're effectively removing layers off the trim...being OCD as I am, I would've replaced the entire thing, but if you do manage to cleanly remove the melted layer, I'd suggest using a good interior protectant afterwards and regularly, especially for convertibles.
Don't use Armor All. On anything. Ever.
Don't use Armor All. On anything. Ever.
#18
I tried the fretboard cleaner, several types of alcohol and acetone. Best by FAR was Isopropyl Alcohol, however, it would discolor the nearby leather, so taking things apart is my next move.
I also found that after a certain point, they old coating just wouldnt come off no matter what I used. My hypothesis is that the coating degradated in the light and that allows it to be removed. I'm afraid only mechanical methods would work if the coating doesn't come off anymore.
I also found that after a certain point, they old coating just wouldnt come off no matter what I used. My hypothesis is that the coating degradated in the light and that allows it to be removed. I'm afraid only mechanical methods would work if the coating doesn't come off anymore.
#19
I cleaned the horizontal buttons on the console last year (a COVID project) with unscented hand lotion, paper towel and a plastic scraper. Tedious but effective.
A whole lot more has gotten sticky since then - the ignis paddles are like adhesive tape, as is the horizontal facia under the nav screen. I’ll try 70% IPA (isopropyl not India Pale) and I also have 100%.
A whole lot more has gotten sticky since then - the ignis paddles are like adhesive tape, as is the horizontal facia under the nav screen. I’ll try 70% IPA (isopropyl not India Pale) and I also have 100%.
#20
Cleaned our ECO buttons yesterday. They now look and feel pristine.
It's worth noting that the 'plan of attack' is to soften the sticky coating, then physically remove it with a fingernail or toothbrush. Its just a few minutes of soaking and light rubbing.
A proper lint-free shop towel (NOT paper or cloth that would leave fibers) is needed to do a top notch job.
Thanks again, to my dentist for giving away the toothbrushes that I use on the buttons (and the fake bolts on the Tornado wheels).
EDIT: Here's one additional topic on the cleaning of the sticky stuff.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/f...on-fix-242918/
It's worth noting that the 'plan of attack' is to soften the sticky coating, then physically remove it with a fingernail or toothbrush. Its just a few minutes of soaking and light rubbing.
A proper lint-free shop towel (NOT paper or cloth that would leave fibers) is needed to do a top notch job.
Thanks again, to my dentist for giving away the toothbrushes that I use on the buttons (and the fake bolts on the Tornado wheels).
EDIT: Here's one additional topic on the cleaning of the sticky stuff.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/f...on-fix-242918/
Last edited by Carbuff2; 09-19-2021 at 07:50 AM.
The following users liked this post:
Mbourne (09-19-2021)