Cleaning seat belts? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

CG · 08-10-2021, 05:34 PM

I feel like in the past there have been threads on this and a lot of folks were adamant about not cleaning them because it deteriorates the threads that hold them together. They look great but, Ahhhh! out the windshield you go because you cleaned your seat belts.

So has anyone gone out the windshield after cleaning your belts? If so what did you use? I want to avoid that. Have you cleaned your seat belts and feel perfectly safe? If so what is the secret formula? I feel like a soft scrub brush and some diluted Dawn dish soap could really help some dingy belts come back to life.

What say you?

**Ironhorse** · 08-10-2021, 05:44 PM

Along for the ride on this also. Good question, have some belts that could use a good cleaning so .........

**leddzepp** · 08-10-2021, 06:10 PM

Bristle brush and simple green. Haven’t gone through the windshield yet.

**special-K** · 08-10-2021, 06:30 PM

I bought a set of brilliant red '68 seat belts and the seller told me he soaks them in a strong mix of Purple Power a good while, then pressure washed. I did it with a scrub brush and full tilt garden hose spray. The tags don't fair too well when I did it

**davischevy** · 08-10-2021, 11:15 PM

I have been using a power washer with no cleaner or brush for years without a problem.

I have used Purple Power a couple of times on really dirty ones, but you take the risk of washing the dye out with it.

I know you asked about belts, but, when I have a dirty seat I pull it on a sunny day and power wash it, and let it sit in the sun to dry. Vinyl or cloth, I do them the same. It's fun to watch the grime roll out of a seat.

HotWheelsFan · 08-10-2021, 11:21 PM

I have not heard of deteriorating threads on seat belts.

Safety items are always extra heavy duty. Brake pedals and connecting rods to master cyl are hardened, as are seat belt bolts, among most other safety items.

I would imagine the thread used to sew the belts are high strength nylon thread, same material as the belt seems to be.

Bob

**davischevy** · 08-10-2021, 11:30 PM

The sun is the biggest enemy of seat belts.

CWW · 08-10-2021, 11:35 PM

I havent cleaned seat belts but I do have to cean my fall protection the same conserns would apply if done wrong and the strapping fails you will not fair well, with that said we use a mild soap like Down dish soap

mikelom · 08-11-2021, 03:34 AM

Try C28 cleaner and spot remover. It is formulated for seat belts.

fun in dirt · 08-11-2021, 08:37 AM

I sprayed good with Spray n Wash & let them sit for a while,
Then filled 5 gallon bucket with warm water & Dawn.
Let them sit in that a while & stir around some,
then use soft brush to scrub a little, rinse good with water hose.
Worked great for me on these '94 belts from the junkyard that were nasty!

CG · 08-11-2021, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davischevy

I have been using a power washer with no cleaner or brush for years without a problem.

I have used Purple Power a couple of times on really dirty ones, but you take the risk of washing the dye out with it.

I know you asked about belts, but, when I have a dirty seat I pull it on a sunny day and power wash it, and let it sit in the sun to dry. Vinyl or cloth, I do them the same. It's fun to watch the grime roll out of a seat.

This reminded me I have a third row Burb white with blue Highlander sitting in the barn. We have several days of high 80’s coming up. Think I’ll drag it out while I’m grabbing the big tub of seat belts

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 08-11-2021, 10:42 PM

I used a light mix of simple green and a kind brush followed by a rinse with a soft rag.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 08-11-2021, 11:41 PM

I would be more worried about belts that have a lot of imbedded dirt and grit in the weave. On a microscopic level, sharp silica shards can cut the tiny fibres and weaken the belt's integrity, causing it to fail under rapid and extreme tension.
Washing the belts gently and periodically, will keep micro FOD from causing catastrophic failure.
The same principle holds for nylon climbing ropes, NEVER step on them.
If the belts in CG's example fell apart after washing, they were already compromised and should have been replaced.
Safety equipment is SAFETY Equipment...
Let's not get nostalgic about compromised gear. Some of this reverence for OEM, NOS, vintage parts verges on superstition.
This equipment was designed 52 years ago to be safe for its immediate future. 50 years after the fact is pushing it.

**atog** · 08-12-2021, 07:00 PM

Give the little woman $100 to go shopping. Soon as she hits the pavement, run as fast as you can without spilling any beer to the kitchen. Place seatbelts in dishwasher and shut the door. Set to desired time and like magic the are clean as can be. With a little preparation before hand all this could be done before she gets home.

**Steeveedee** · 08-12-2021, 10:01 PM

$100? She comes back from the computer and says, "Hey, what's that stink coming from the dishwasher!?".

**Getter-Done** · 08-12-2021, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Bristle brush and simple green. Haven’t gone through the windshield yet.

I am on this Team

Simple Green is non This and Non That

I have saved alot lot of ugly stuff with SG.

That's my Vote in the Poll

.,,,//

CG · 08-13-2021, 07:19 PM

I drug the Highlander Burb third row (and I believe Blazer rear seat) home today. I had forgotten this is the worst of my two Highlander seats, the other is Burb second row shorty. I'm not messing with this one, too much energy to put in something I'm not going to use when its 92 and smoky out right now.

08-10-2021, 05:34 PM	#1
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 19,816	Cleaning seat belts? I feel like in the past there have been threads on this and a lot of folks were adamant about not cleaning them because it deteriorates the threads that hold them together. They look great but, Ahhhh! out the windshield you go because you cleaned your seat belts. So has anyone gone out the windshield after cleaning your belts? If so what did you use? I want to avoid that. Have you cleaned your seat belts and feel perfectly safe? If so what is the secret formula? I feel like a soft scrub brush and some diluted Dawn dish soap could really help some dingy belts come back to life. What say you? __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …

08-10-2021, 05:44 PM	#2
Ironhorse Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Wellington, Ks Posts: 10,141	Re: Cleaning seat belts? Along for the ride on this also. Good question, have some belts that could use a good cleaning so ......... __________________ 1971 Chevy 1/2T 4x4 LWB 350 V-8 Was sm465-now 350TH/np205 Tilt, Tach, Towhooks Original Truck AM/FM Wellington, Ks

08-10-2021, 06:10 PM	#3
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,995	Re: Cleaning seat belts? Bristle brush and simple green. Haven’t gone through the windshield yet. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

08-10-2021, 06:30 PM	#4
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: Cleaning seat belts? I bought a set of brilliant red '68 seat belts and the seller told me he soaks them in a strong mix of Purple Power a good while, then pressure washed. I did it with a scrub brush and full tilt garden hose spray. The tags don't fair too well when I did it __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-10-2021, 11:15 PM	#5
davischevy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Harrison, Arkansas Posts: 9,804	Re: Cleaning seat belts? I have been using a power washer with no cleaner or brush for years without a problem. I have used Purple Power a couple of times on really dirty ones, but you take the risk of washing the dye out with it. I know you asked about belts, but, when I have a dirty seat I pull it on a sunny day and power wash it, and let it sit in the sun to dry. Vinyl or cloth, I do them the same. It's fun to watch the grime roll out of a seat. __________________ other Larry Build thread, Arkansas K10 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=755797&page=5 The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in any language is priceless.

08-10-2021, 11:21 PM	#6
HotWheelsFan Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 188	Re: Cleaning seat belts? I have not heard of deteriorating threads on seat belts. Safety items are always extra heavy duty. Brake pedals and connecting rods to master cyl are hardened, as are seat belt bolts, among most other safety items. I would imagine the thread used to sew the belts are high strength nylon thread, same material as the belt seems to be. Bob __________________ 1970 C20 Long Bed Fleetside - Restoration My truck videos - Youtube

08-10-2021, 11:30 PM	#7
davischevy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Harrison, Arkansas Posts: 9,804	Re: Cleaning seat belts? The sun is the biggest enemy of seat belts. __________________ other Larry Build thread, Arkansas K10 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=755797&page=5 The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in any language is priceless.

08-10-2021, 11:35 PM	#8
CWW Registered User Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Goodrich ND Posts: 55	Re: Cleaning seat belts? I havent cleaned seat belts but I do have to cean my fall protection the same conserns would apply if done wrong and the strapping fails you will not fair well, with that said we use a mild soap like Down dish soap

08-11-2021, 03:34 AM	#9
mikelom Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: GA Posts: 104	Re: Cleaning seat belts? Try C28 cleaner and spot remover. It is formulated for seat belts.

08-11-2021, 08:37 AM	#10
fun in dirt Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 2,119	Re: Cleaning seat belts? I sprayed good with Spray n Wash & let them sit for a while, Then filled 5 gallon bucket with warm water & Dawn. Let them sit in that a while & stir around some, then use soft brush to scrub a little, rinse good with water hose. Worked great for me on these '94 belts from the junkyard that were nasty! Attached Images __________________ '72 C to K20 "Cannibalizer" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...32#post8653432 '85 K30 "Big Nassy" '06 3500 Duramax ...tow truck '06 Silverado SS...DD '06 C1500 WT...DD '07 Classic C1500 WT...DD Built & sold cause can't keep 'em all: '72 Blazer "The Bucket" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=433190 '55 Chevy straight axle gasser https://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173938 '69 Pro Street Chevelle http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=332541 '86 M1031 CUCV http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=553619

08-11-2021, 10:42 PM	#12
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,188	Re: Cleaning seat belts? I used a light mix of simple green and a kind brush followed by a rinse with a soft rag. Attached Images __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025

08-11-2021, 11:41 PM	#13
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,164	Re: Cleaning seat belts? I would be more worried about belts that have a lot of imbedded dirt and grit in the weave. On a microscopic level, sharp silica shards can cut the tiny fibres and weaken the belt's integrity, causing it to fail under rapid and extreme tension. Washing the belts gently and periodically, will keep micro FOD from causing catastrophic failure. The same principle holds for nylon climbing ropes, NEVER step on them. If the belts in CG's example fell apart after washing, they were already compromised and should have been replaced. Safety equipment is SAFETY Equipment... Let's not get nostalgic about compromised gear. Some of this reverence for OEM, NOS, vintage parts verges on superstition. This equipment was designed 52 years ago to be safe for its immediate future. 50 years after the fact is pushing it. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. Last edited by '68OrangeSunshine; 08-11-2021 at 11:50 PM.

08-12-2021, 07:00 PM	#14
atog Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: burbank ohio Posts: 2,523	Re: Cleaning seat belts? Give the little woman $100 to go shopping. Soon as she hits the pavement, run as fast as you can without spilling any beer to the kitchen. Place seatbelts in dishwasher and shut the door. Set to desired time and like magic the are clean as can be. With a little preparation before hand all this could be done before she gets home.

08-12-2021, 10:01 PM	#15
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,269	Re: Cleaning seat belts? $100? She comes back from the computer and says, "Hey, what's that stink coming from the dishwasher!?". __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

08-13-2021, 07:19 PM	#17
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 19,816	Re: Cleaning seat belts? I drug the Highlander Burb third row (and I believe Blazer rear seat) home today. I had forgotten this is the worst of my two Highlander seats, the other is Burb second row shorty. I'm not messing with this one, too much energy to put in something I'm not going to use when its 92 and smoky out right now. __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …



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