The headliner finishes off your car's interior by providing a finished look to your car's ceiling. Whether vinyl or fabric, the headliner can also help soften the acoustics inside the vehicle, reducing noise from the outside and improving the sound of the entertainment systems inside.
Periodic care and cleaning of the headliner should be part of regular interior upkeep. Start with a thorough inspection of the headliner to make sure that it’s secure across its entire span. Look for sagging areas, which can be caused by water leaks or unsecured headliner attachment points. Consult an automotive upholstery specialist to determine how to best address the specific type of problem you have.
Vacuum the headliner thoroughly, yet
carefully, using a brush attachment. Using other attachments on more
powerful shop vacuums could apply full suction to the headliner,
pulling or stretching it, and possibly loosening it from its
attachment points.
Clean a vinyl headliner with vinyl upholstery cleaner and a soft
cloth. Do not use any strong solvents or bleach. They may damage or
discolor the vinyl covering. It’s also wise to avoid using abrasive
cleaning pads as they can damage the vinyl surface. As you clean the
headliner, use care so you’re only wiping the surface, not pushing
and stretching the material.
To clean a fabric headliner, use automotive upholstery cleaner.
Never use strong chemicals or any cleaning agent that discolor or
damage the fabric. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label
of the cleaner for best results. To be on the safe side, it’s wise
to test the color fastness of the fabric by applying the cleaner to fabric in an inconspicuous place on the headliner (in a corner or under a sun visor, for example). To combat tough stains, it may require spot pre-treatment or repeated applications.
