The wife scuffed the headliner when she was trying to flick an ash up through the sunroof. She was almost in tears so I tried to be cool about it but really I was furious inside. She was gonna start wiping but I told her to leave it. It doesn't look like it burned a hole but there is a black ash stain. How should I clean it? Is there a colour match spray paint I could use?

 

I think you are better off trying to clean it first, if it can be cleaned. I am willing to bet that a reputable detail shop may be able to help you whether it is a stain or a burn mark. I have to wonder how nice you expect to keep the interior of the truck if you or your wife smoke in it (just had to throw that out there).

 

He'll keep it as nice as he wants, it's his truck, and his decision to smoke in it. Just had to throw that out there.

 

I get it, I do, but every smoker's vehicle I have been in has had small burns and a layer of smoke residue on all the glass and clear plastic surfaces. More power to anybody to keep their vehicle as nice as they want. Anybody who knows me will attest to my vehicle's neatness and cleanliness. The point I was getting at was that you had to expect it sooner or later. It does stink when it happens sooner, though. Hey, I did offer up some useful advice and it was not my intention to slap the original poster in the face with my advice, rather a gentle nudge to the shoulder.

 

"He'll keep it as nice as he wants, it's his truck, and his decision to smoke in it. Just had to throw that out there."

BrokeVW,
Thanks for getting my back on this one.

Chug,
"I think you are better off trying to clean it first, if it can be cleaned."

I know I should clean it, with what and how, that was my question in the original post.

 

Like I suggested, contact a detail shop and find out what they do. They should know just what to do.

 

The surgeon general warns that cigarette smoke can be hazardous for your health and the interior beauty of your truck. It may also complicate pregnancy and marriages.

But to the OP try posting this in the care and detailing section. The detailing guru's should be able to to help you out.but I would try a nice upholstery cleaner from a well known company.

 

maybe use ur finger as a spacer then use a vacuum to suck up the ash.

ive used dry microfiber towels to take off dirty hand prints off a head liner..never for ash tho. if it doesnt work spay cleaner on the microfiber itself and wipe a sample spot.

i know they make this foam cleaner for headliners but i dont know if it can be bought over the counter

 

detail shops use a bic razor and shave small pieces of head liner away (in a less noticeable spot) and then use a spray adhesive on the burn and then apply the headliner shavings...re-apply/layer as needed...hope this helps the chimneys out there....

 

Yea I saw them do that on an episode of trucks on spike tv. You can google the site and they probably have a video of how to do it on there. That is if you pan on doing that yourself.

 

Some good suggestions from you all. I had a can of carpet cleaner so I sprayed the spot and will let it dry before vacuuming it up the way matthew87 described above.

 

If you let people smoke in your truck I say go ahead and get use to the discoloration and holes in your fabric.

 

OK, here's some advise right back at you.

If you let babies in your truck then go ahead and get use to the smell of vomit in your fabric.

Now can we get over the smoking thing and just deal with my original issue.

 

No problem... although it is clear that you are just too simple to think for yourself. I mean, you must have a job that you are capable of doing, as you have a new truck, yet you must be stupid because someone smoked in the truck. The one you own.

Since you are so stupid, it is important for others to point out where you should change. They know better than you.... and **** on your own desires to make your own choices.

Much like the socialist scumbag Cass Sunstein, they know better and are only looking out for your stupid little self, so they feel the need to "nudge" (verbatim from the book by Sunstein, titled Nudge) you into the correct and appropriate way of thinking and doing things.

It is precisely that kind of thinking that has led us to where we are today, slipping further into a euro-like nanny state full of pansies.

To be fair, you have gotten some advice on the subject though, so not all is lost... it just really gets to me sometimes when people act holier than thou. Just answer the damn question and leave the peanut gallery comments for your friends and family who can more easily overlook that little character flaw of yours (telling people what to do that is!).

Here I found this video online of a Burn-Out repair kit, though it seems to be for velour more than cloth.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBx8VI1iumI
Here is another... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_iDF...eature=related

There seems to be a few videos online showing burn repairs, it looks like it can be taken care of easily enough though.

 

I'd be more stupid to NOT let my wife smoke in the truck! HELLO!

I have the sunroof, power rear slidding window and window vent visors all for this reason and besides a smoker in my truck doesn't bother me as much as it appears to be bothering some members here.

Please can we just stick to advise on cleaning the cigarette ashes.

Thank you.