Gsauceman

Purchased this 97 F150 and trying to fix it up for daily driver. These grab handles appears to have mold or something on them and I've tried cleaning them with dish soap, vinegar and degreasers. Does anyone know what would clean these so they don't look so bad?

Merlin

They look pretty bad!

I might suggest giving Simple Green a try.

louisvilleRTC

I use Mr Clean Magic Erasers for things like that and they can be very helpful. If it is sticky maybe some goo-gone.

Merlin

I could be the leather color/coating is rubbed off.
In that case you will need leather dye.

Try cleaning it first.

chickenwire

One part bleach, 3 parts water. Apply and let set for 3-4 minutes. If it's mold, it should disappear. Re-clean with clear water.

Those grab handles SHOULD be molded in color, but there is a very remote possibility they were painted and the paint is coming off. In that case you'd need to clean and rinse thoroughly and re-paint. Obviously you'd want to remove the handle first.

jcdog1

Had something similar... I used steel wool and 409 cleaner on it.. after that wiped it down to remove residue and then put armor all on it..

has been fine for me and tons cleaner..

Gsauceman

What level of steel wool? Did it leave scratches in them?

Merlin

Steel wool would be my last resort. I prefer chemical rather than mechanical.
...but If I were to go that route, it would only be 0000 steel wool with APC.
Be gentle and careful! The coating and leather dye can easily be removed.

jcdog1

I use 0000 steel wool.. and 409. After I was done used armor all to seal it. I chose the steel wool because it was an 18-year-old work truck that had so much grime shoved into the handles nothing else was working. They almost look new now and are resealed thanks to the armor all. If they ever appear dry then recoat with armor-all as you are talking off that factory sheen.

As to scratches.. not noticeable. You can use steel wool to clean your windshield And it comes out beautiful. Do not use it on any painted metal it will destroy that shine. but my aluminum wheels got the cleaning of their life.

There is a place for 0000 steel wool.. and you just have to test small areas make sure it worlks for what you want it to do.

Gsauceman

Well, I soaked it in bleach mixed with water for bout 2 hours then took a green scrub pad and some dawn and scrubbed it down. I'm thinking bout finding some paint in a rattle can that will stick to this type of material.