Cleaning headliners is a delicate task that requires the utmost attention to detail. Headliners are not the easiest job due to the glue that holds them up and the delicate nature of the fabric. You want to be mindful of this while cleaning; here’s how we suggest to tackle this job:

1. Initial Assessment

• Inspect Headliner: Start this process by performing a thorough inspection of the headliner. Make sure to note any damage and make list of spot that need any special attention.
• Test for Colorfastness: In an area that is unnoticeable test the colorfastness of the material, some older vehicles will have much more delicate fabric than the newer ones.

2. Gather Supplies

• Cleaning Products: You will want to grab a variety of products to prepare for this task, this is because of the broadness of contaminates you may encounter. We recommend a good upholstery cleaner such as Koch Chemie Pol Star for standard cleaning, a dry foam cleaner like ACP Fabric Cleaner for heavier soiling and a mild solvent cleaner like Malco Outrageous Orange in case of make up.
• Tools: You will want Magic Erasers, Soft Bristle Brushes and Micro Fiber Towels for the agitation of the headliner.
• PPE: As you are working overhead it would be smart to wear protective glasses and a mask, and as always wear gloves to protect your hands.

3. Prep

• Lightly vacuum: Very lightly preferably with a brush head attachment vacuum the headliner to remove dust and lose dirt that may be pressed further into the fabric when cleaning
• Identify areas to target: Build a plan to tackle this job, focus on making sections so that you can piece them together to make sure you clean the whole headliner. Focus on locating any heavier stained spots.

4. Cleaning Process

• Spot Clean Stains:
  • Stains (General): DO NOT EVER APPLY CHEMICALS DIRECTLY TO A HEADLINER. Apply your cleaner to a brush or microfiber towel and agitate the stains. Then wipe clean with another clean, dry micro fiber towel.
  • Makeup Stains: Makeup is different, as most makeup is oil based. You will use a solvent based cleaner very sparingly. Apply to a microfiber towel and blot the area that is stained with makeup. Do not scrub with solvent cleaners as they can compromise the fabric of the headliner.
  • Smoke Residue: For smoke we recommend using the fabric cleaner as a general cleaner to ensure that the headliner is visibly clean of contaminants. After this we will use an enzymatic cleaner (Stinger Enzyme Cleaner or Malco Enzyme Cleaner)  to attempt to neutralize the odor left behind by the smoke. 
  • Use a Steamer (Optional): Steamers are an option, but be aware that you want to use the steam from a distance to help loosen dirt from the headliner. If you use the steam to much it will affect the adhesive and cause sagging of the headliner.

5. Drying and Odor Removal

• Blot Excess Moisture: When you finish cleaning you want to use clean dry microfiber towels to blot any excess moisture. You may use fans to aid in the drying process if needed.
• Odor Neutralization: Odors are best treated with an ozone machine like the UV550 or a cheaper one time use option is the Stinger Chemical Auto Fogger or Auto Scents "Wipe Out Odor Eliminator System"

6. Final Inspection and Touch-Up

• Check for Residual Stains: When you finish you will want to inspect the headliner for any residual staining. If you find remaining stains you simply repeat the process until gone.
• Final Vacuum: You will want to vacuum one more time to get the headliner fibers perked up and to the original condition.