Cleaning Cupholders

W

WhiteStripes

New member
So I think one of the biggest challenges for me when doing the interior detail is the cupholder. I wouldn't say I have huge hands, but they definitely arent cupholder sized. My current method is to spray some APC directly into the cupholder, then try and get like three fingers with an MF wrapped around them stuffed down in there to wipe up the crud.



With the really bad cupholders this can sometimes take 3 or 4 go arounds, and by that time my hand is cramped and ready to give up on me.



I've tried some of my brushes, but they are long bristled and too soft for the insane ammount of sticky junk that often builds up in the bottom of cupholders.



There has to be a better way to do them than I am currently doing. Can any of you guys point me in the right direction, maybe to a certain brush that would work, or some other nifty tool you have? :xyxthumbs



Thanks
 
As much as I'd love to get a steam cleaner, they are a little out of my price range right now.



I'll look into those brushes though.



Are you an airplane detailer?
 
1. Let the chemical dwell in the cupholders for 60+ seconds.

2. Use a stiffer brush. Painter's brushes with short bristles work well.

3. Use 80 psi of compressed air to "blast" the dirt/spilled beverages/syrup loose. The compressed air will dry the cupholders much quicker as well.

4. If the cupholder can be removed (Tahoe/Suburban/Expedition/Explorer), remove it from the vehicle and clean its underside, sides, and the tray it sits in.
 
I know exactly what you are talking about. I recently purchased the Tornador, which attaches to your air compressor. This is one of the best pieces of equipment I have bought. It gets in all the little nooks and crannies and for the places that is hard to reach, after "blowing out" the hard to reach areas with the cleaner, you just switch back over to plain air and blow out all the gunk and wipe away.



Here is the website with some good videos.



Auto Detailing Supplies, Car Detailing Equipment, Auto Detailing Products
 
Whatever u use let it soak for awhile, I use straight ONR. I use a paper towel to absorb all the dirt and liquid, works great. Afterwoods I spray with some FK425. Thanks PM
 
Most cupholders have inserts that are removable. Take them out and let them soak in a bucket of hot water. For the few that are not removable I use a foaming cleaner let it dwell. Take a MF towel and your air gun cover the cupholder with the towel and blow. This should take care of almost every cupholder out there. For super vile stuff I use the heated carpet extractor and wet it down with nice hot water. The heat breaks up the gooey crap nicely.
 
WhiteStripes said:
As much as I'd love to get a steam cleaner, they are a little out of my price range right now.



I'll look into those brushes though.



Are you an airplane detailer?
Click to expand...



You can get a decent (hobbyist, not suitable for pros) steam cleaner from SteamFast for 125 bucks. Put the little round brush attachment on the end of it, then wrap a small MF around the brush. It makes quick work of cupholders, vents, all the nooks and crannies.



I'm not an airplane detailer.. I'm an airplane dirtier, ie, the guy whose office has a fantastic view. :)
 
I usually try to pop them out and clean with apc & a hose if possible. If that's not possible, I spray diluted APC in them, brush out with a firm bristled brush (I have an old Black Magic brush that's perfect), vacuum out and then wipe out with a MF and a dressing.
 
If not removable I spray a copious amount of APC/SG and let soak, come back with a microfiber sponge and give her a few twists, haven't been defeated by one yet! :D
 
Street5927 said:
I know exactly what you are talking about. I recently purchased the Tornador, which attaches to your air compressor. This is one of the best pieces of equipment I have bought. It gets in all the little nooks and crannies and for the places that is hard to reach, after "blowing out" the hard to reach areas with the cleaner, you just switch back over to plain air and blow out all the gunk and wipe away.



Here is the website with some good videos.



Auto Detailing Supplies, Car Detailing Equipment, Auto Detailing Products
Click to expand...



Bought it last year,It's a Great piece of equipment too!
 
Yeah, I've seen the Tornador and would love to get one, but I don't have an air compressor.



Lot of good ideas here though, thanks a bunch guys.
 
I agree with the above....Let it sit for a little while with APC, then use air, brushes, and MF towels.
 
In my car (2002 Accord) I disassembled the entire center console and cleaned every square millimeter. The cup holder inserts are removable but I have a tendency to go above and beyond.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top