labguy

So mine is rubbery and slightly sticky. Is yours like this? If so, how do you clean it?

05w211wagon

i used goo gone on the area that was a little sticky

Fatz

If like mine after 7-8 years, that is a build up of protectant. You can use goo gone, as previously stated, or WD-40, or a gentle fabric cleaner like "Teddy Bear Cleaner. You should use just a small amount of either on a microfiber towel and spread a small amount of the cleaner over the entire area. Start at an edge and rub gently. Once the residue is removed, wipe the area with a microfiber towel section dampened with water.

C280 Sport

My 2004 CLK had this issue. Goo gone or even use a leather cleaner. It will look brand new.

Rudeney

All of these soft-touch coatings deteriorate with time. You can actually wipe it off with soap, a micro fiber cloth, and a lot of "elbow grease", but a solved ranging from Goo-Gone to acetone will make it much easier. That panel pops off - just pry on is edges with a plastic wedge. The >> markings are molded in and back-lit so they will be unaffected.

labguy

Thanks, everyone. I had some leather cleaner and a microfiber cloth and used that. It took me a good 30 minutes to finish. Still some work to do, but looking so much better.

degeja

white wine or vodka works fast

Rudeney

"Honest office, I have not been drinking - that boozy smell is just where I cleaned the car!"

Stevie Palmer

I just did this with vodka and a dryer sheet. Back to perfect in under 5 minutes
Now to finish off the vodka!

mbnz230

Need to do mine too, it's super sticky

NedNederlander

Hey Rodney - I think you said this just pops off, ya? Ours is all chipped up due to.... someone's fingernails... and i'd like to replace. Thinking of sourcing a new part, just using one of my plastic trim pry tools to pop-off and then replace... whatcha think? Many thx.

Rudeney

Yes, it is just snapped into the dash to pry around it with a plastic trim tool to remove it. I think I'd try cleaning it and see if those chips are just in the soft-touch coating. I really doubt they are in the plastic itself.

labguy

This is good advice. I also thought mine had some deep scratches, but when I cleaned it they disappeared.

NedNederlander

Amazing! All it needed was a cleaning. I thought for sure it needed replacement and wishing i took before pics. I've become a big fan of Simple Green Crystal, a higher strength version of the original. I used a diluted version, sprayed it on then light scrub with soft bristle brush, wipe off with microfiber towel then repeat. It took me 3 applications and about 8 min. Good as new! I love these forums.

faded1004

i just did mine also with the leather cleaner idea... omg... makes my car look so much better with out the eye sore.