How to clean seatbelts? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

craigg1 · 06-24-2004, 10:24 PM

I have the original seat belts that came in my truck, and they still work very well so I wanted to just clean them up instead spending a fortune for new ones. Anybody know a way to get stains out of seatbelts?

stickshift_or_walk · 06-24-2004, 10:59 PM

Craigg1,

I've taken moldy, stained belt sets from the salvage yard and made them look like new with this method:

1) Remove belts from vehicle. Get a good 6-point socket and a long ratchet, these things don't come out easily, and are tough all the way out.
2) Spray liberally with Spray-N-Wash laundry stain remover. If the stains are really tough, rub it in with a stiff brush. Won't hurt to spray both sides so it really soaks in. Let it soak for at least 15-20 minutes.
3) Take them to your local high-pressure car wash and hang them by the doo-dads on the wall that are made to hold the floor mats. Blast the belts both sides with full pressure soap, then again with rinse water until all the suds are gone.
4) Air dry, avoiding direct sunlight which will fade them and make them extra stiff. They will stiffen some when dry anyway, but the stiffness works itself out with a little use.

Sounds like a lot of trouble, but it's really pretty simple and well worth it.

BTW, a similar process on tires is the best way I know to get really clean sidewalls and WHITE letters to stand out.

Keep it shiny side up...SSOW

craigg1 · 06-24-2004, 11:13 PM

Thanks for the reply Stickshift, I will give that a try!

jimfulco · 06-25-2004, 04:32 AM

Which Spray-&-wash? Aerosol or hand-pump? They are different chemicals.

71-longbed · 06-25-2004, 05:13 AM

fyi ... 409 or grease lightning work great for white walls and lettering on tires ...spray and scrub with a stiff brush and the dirt melts off

stickshift_or_walk · 06-25-2004, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimfulco

Which Spray-&-wash? Aerosol or hand-pump? They are different chemicals.

JimFulco - I use the hand pump version that I can refill with the bigger jugs. I use it for cleaning just about everything automotive (but I still use oven cleaner for the really bad stuff).

I'm sure there are other products that will work also, but I've always had good results, and it rinses off well enough that you can paint/primer after it dries with no problems.

SSOW

mrein3 · 06-25-2004, 07:27 AM

I wait until my wife is at work and my 2-year-old who tells mom everything is taking a nap.
Then I put them in the dish washer with the plastic cover taken off the buckle.

busterwivell · 06-25-2004, 02:25 PM

I use a product called BleachWhite for tires. Cleans them quickly and easily.

06-24-2004, 10:24 PM	#1
craigg1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Beaumont, Tx Posts: 281	How to clean seatbelts? I have the original seat belts that came in my truck, and they still work very well so I wanted to just clean them up instead spending a fortune for new ones. Anybody know a way to get stains out of seatbelts?

06-24-2004, 10:59 PM	#2
stickshift_or_walk Left Foot Functioning Join Date: May 2004 Location: Duncan, OK Posts: 350	Seat Belt Stain Cure Craigg1, I've taken moldy, stained belt sets from the salvage yard and made them look like new with this method: 1) Remove belts from vehicle. Get a good 6-point socket and a long ratchet, these things don't come out easily, and are tough all the way out. 2) Spray liberally with Spray-N-Wash laundry stain remover. If the stains are really tough, rub it in with a stiff brush. Won't hurt to spray both sides so it really soaks in. Let it soak for at least 15-20 minutes. 3) Take them to your local high-pressure car wash and hang them by the doo-dads on the wall that are made to hold the floor mats. Blast the belts both sides with full pressure soap, then again with rinse water until all the suds are gone. 4) Air dry, avoiding direct sunlight which will fade them and make them extra stiff. They will stiffen some when dry anyway, but the stiffness works itself out with a little use. Sounds like a lot of trouble, but it's really pretty simple and well worth it. BTW, a similar process on tires is the best way I know to get really clean sidewalls and WHITE letters to stand out. Keep it shiny side up...SSOW

06-25-2004, 05:13 AM	#5
71-longbed Its Magically Delicious Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: oregon Posts: 2,398	fyi ... 409 or grease lightning work great for white walls and lettering on tires ...spray and scrub with a stiff brush and the dirt melts off __________________ 71 C10 LWB 350sbc -TH350 12 bolt 3.42 Posi Of all my favorite things to do, The utmost is to have a brew. My love grows for my foamy friend, with each thirst-quenching elbow bend. Beer so frosty, smooth, and cold it's paradise pure liquid gold. Yes beer means many things to me that's all for now cus I gotta pee.

06-25-2004, 07:27 AM	#7
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,254	I wait until my wife is at work and my 2-year-old who tells mom everything is taking a nap. Then I put them in the dish washer with the plastic cover taken off the buckle. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

06-25-2004, 02:25 PM	#8
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	I use a product called BleachWhite for tires. Cleans them quickly and easily. __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

06-24-2004, 11:13 PM	#3
craigg1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Beaumont, Tx Posts: 281	Thanks for the reply Stickshift, I will give that a try!

06-25-2004, 04:32 AM	#4
jimfulco Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Shreveport LA Posts: 3,170	Which Spray-&-wash? Aerosol or hand-pump? They are different chemicals.

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