Mildewed Seatbelts...HELP!

[loveyourcar]

I have a 2000 ML 430 in my shop right now. Appears to have had the panoramic sunroof open for a long time. The interior is covered with mildew. The headliner, plastic side panels, and rugs are coming out ok. The seatbelts look horrible! Won't even come clean with my Thermax! Any ideas?

 

[JohnKleven]

Replace them, you won't be able to get seatbelts looking perfect. EVER...







John

 

[loveyourcar]

I would love to just get 'em decent. Has anyone tried diluted bleach. I also don't want to weaken the fibers.

 

[Applehugger]

Remove the seat-belts, unravel them, and put a clamp at the end so they stay unraveled. Next, soak them in a bucket of diluted beach for a few minutes only. Then soak them in an APC for a few hours. Should take care of the mildew and most of the dirt.

 

[Envious Eric]

if you weaken the fibers in the belt, and they get into a crash, you are going to be held liable...replace is the only option IMO

 

[David Fermani]

Yup - Many manufacturers mandate that any seatbelt in use during the time of an accident (with SRS deployment) requires replacement. Too much risk on a critical safety component. I've positioned seatbelts out of the door and powerwashed them, but in heinsight, it's risky.

 

[WAS]

I'd say that you could safely use an APC..... I wouldn't use anything that would break down the fibers though. I've seen seatbelts in pretty rough shape that work perfectly fine. Not to mention, a customer has to PROVE that your sole action caused their seatbelt to fail in any such incident where it would be needed.



I'd have the customer sign a waiver that they cannot hold you liable for any future problems or incidents in regards to the seatbelts you "reconditioned".

 

[rdorman]

Borax...............