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Durable, inexpensive and easy to maintain, vinyl surfaces can be found on everything from automotive interiors to seat cushions, furniture, shower curtains, even plumbing pipes. Most vinyl surfaces are easily cleaned using an all-purpose household cleaner applied with a damp cloth. Textured vinyl may be scrubbed with a soft plastic brush. Either way, buff it dry with a soft cloth.

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Vinyl surfaces may be treated occasionally with special cleaner-conditioners sold in retail and auto-parts stores to prevent aging, hardening and cracking. This is especially true of surfaces exposed to a great deal of bright sunshine, such as automobile dashboards.

Caution: Vinyl conditioner leaves surfaces slippery, so it’s not safe for use on vinyl-clad steering wheels or other vital automotive controls.

Spots and stains may be cleaned from vinyl by applying denatured alcohol to a damp cloth and spot cleaning. When finished, rinse away all alcohol using a cloth dampened in plain water and buff dry. Alcohol can harden vinyl if allowed to remain on the surface. Avoid stronger solvents such as acetone, paint thinner and solvent-based spot removers, which will damage vinyl.

Oils (including those from your body) also can harden vinyl over time, so regularly clean headrests, armrests and all other surfaces that come into regular contact with skin. Similarly, avoid using leather conditioners containing oil.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners, which will dull the shine of vinyl and can remove texture.

Items like vinyl tablecloths or shower curtains are machine washable in warm water on a gentle cycle. Add other items such as drop cloths or towels to reduce wrinkling. Add one-half cup of bleach if needed to kill and remove mildew from shower curtains.

References:

Don Aslett, The Cleaning Encyclopedia: Your A to Z Illustrated Guide to Cleaning Like the Pros

Jeff Bredenberg, editor, in Clean It Fast, Clean It Right: The Ultimate Guide to Making Everything You Own Sparkle & Shine