How to Remove Stains From Car Molding

Cleaning and protecting car molding prevents stains and spots.

White stains develop on the black flexible molding on a car or truck because the material from which it is made is quite porous. Drivers often do not dress the molding with a protective substance that may lead to blotches and spots due to weathering. In addition, even if a protectant is used, the coverage may not be even, leaving the molding exposed in places. It is best to keep the molding protected starting when the car is new to prevent spots, but there are some remedies if stains form on the molding.

Things You'll Need

• All-purpose spray cleaner
• Car wash towels
• Automobile detergent
• Warm water
• Sponge
• Plastic and rubber protectant

Instructions

1. Pour some all-purpose spray cleaner on a car wash towel and clean the molding carefully, making sure to clean every crack and crevice, including inside the window frames. Turn the towel frequently to ensure that you use a clean area of towel every couple of inches. This should remove any whitish spots that might have been caused by wax or protectant buildup.

2. Mix automobile detergent with warm water and wash the car, including the newly cleaned molding. Use a natural sponge or a sponge made specially for washing autos. Rinse the car well with clean water and wipe it dry with clean car wash towels, making sure to wipe all the molding as well.

3. Dress the molding with a fresh coat of protectant that is made specifically for the purpose. Make sure to cover all molding surfaces evenly and wipe off any excess. It is important that all areas of the molding absorb an equal amount of the protectant.

Tips & Warnings

• Repeat this process each time you wash your car to prevent the reappearance of stains.

• Ask the staff at your local auto supply shop or your car's dealership to recommend a brand of automobile detergent and protectant for your car.

• Use this same procedure for cleaning and protecting the other plastic and rubber parts of your car such as wiperblade cowls and plastic bumpers.

• If you cannot remove the spots from your car's molding with this procedure, try using a black automotive plastic dye designed to cover the blemishes. It is available at auto parts stores.

• Do not spray the all-purpose cleaner directly on the car itself because it might harm the paint.

• Never use harsh chemical cleaners on rubber molding. They cause the rubber to decay.

References

• Superior Car Care: Trim and Molding Care
• Autogeek: How to Protect Trim and Molding