Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Stain on Leather

[TESLEV!]

does anyone know how to safely remove white zinc oxide stains on the M3 leather seats, dash, etc? Soapy water is not great.

 

[WattsHappening]

Sunblock is a PITA.

Try in this order:

1. General auto interior cleaner (e.g., Griot's Garage)
2. Rubbing alcohol: start with diluted 10:1 with distilled water, then 5:1 and then non diluted.
3. Degreaser: diluted 10:1 with distilled water

Degreaser is the only thing that worked for me.

 

[boaterva]

It’s not leather. For about the hundredth time.

It’s Ultrafabric and you clean it with water and alcohol wipes (like counter wipes). Searching here or on the Ultrafabrics site will give you their official advice.

Using anything related to ‘leather’ cleaners is not a good idea.

 

[JasontheBeaver]

Using anything related to ‘leather’ cleaners is not a good idea.

Using anything related to automotive leather cleaning is perfectly fine.
The faux leather in Teslas is polyurethane, which is the same compound used to coat real automotive leather (except in untreated leather cases like the Ford 'King Ranch' seats).

This is a great product for interior cleaning, and yes it's safe on your seats.
But for zinc oxide, sroh is correct in that you usually need the strongest cleaner that is safe on the material, we recommend Opti's Power Clean. It is a degreaser that is safe on interior components and can be diluted 10:1. To remove zinc oxide it's also helpful to use a common detail brush to agitate the area, then wipe dry with a microfiber towel.

 

[Hans L]

I've been finding that Simply Green sprayed on the seats (~ 30% concentration) easily removes sunscreen, lotions, and other white-cloudish stains on the seats and door panels. I wipe it off with microfiber cloths. Completely cleans the surfaces with mild rubbing.

 

[joebruin77]

 

[afty]

I asked this in a previous thread, and someone suggested Armor All Cleaning Wipes. They work well for me.

 

[WilliamG]

I asked this in a previous thread, and someone suggested Armor All Cleaning Wipes. They work well for me.

I recall other people saying they leave the surfaces very shiny, though.

 

[OCR1]

I keep eyeglass wipes in my car mainly to keep my sunglasses clean but they work great on removing sunscreen stains from the seats and steering wheel.

 

[Joell]

I use distilled water in a spray bottle and microfiber cloths to clean my interior. Haven't had anything that wouldn't come off yet.

 

[ninpb]

I don't know my sunscreens but got kids I put them on. Is zinc oxide in most sunscreens or is it special?

 

[boaterva]

Using anything related to automotive leather cleaning is perfectly fine.
The faux leather in Teslas is polyurethane, which is the same compound used to coat real automotive leather (except in untreated leather cases like the Ford 'King Ranch' seats).

This is a great product for interior cleaning, and yes it's safe on your seats.
But for zinc oxide, sroh is correct in that you usually need the strongest cleaner that is safe on the material, we recommend Opti's Power Clean. It is a degreaser that is safe on interior components and can be diluted 10:1. To remove zinc oxide it's also helpful to use a common detail brush to agitate the area, then wipe dry with a microfiber towel.

At your own discretion. I only tell you what the manufacturer recommends. Besides that, up to you. And reminding you that it is NOT leather, which some people still think it is.

 

[JasontheBeaver]

I don't know my sunscreens but got kids I put them on. Is zinc oxide in most sunscreens or is it special?

Zinc oxide is the stuff that makes some sunscreen products very white. It's super effective and more safe for your skin and the environment, but it also gets on everything (especially with kids!) and can be more difficult to remove.

 

[afty]

I don't know my sunscreens but got kids I put them on. Is zinc oxide in most sunscreens or is it special?

It's in special mineral-based suncreens like this one: Water BABIES - Tear Free Baby Sunscreen | Coppertone® | Coppertone®

They are for people with sensitive skin. I use it because normal sunscreen gives my kids a rash.