How to Clean Alcantara Upholstry in my CS | FerrariChat
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How to Clean Alcantara Upholstry in my CS

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by shawsan, Jun 2, 2006.

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  1. shawsan

    shawsan Formula 3

    Jul 2, 2004
    1,090
    Vancouver, Canada
    #1 shawsan, Jun 2, 2006
    I'm embarrassed to say I'm not sure if the red/black Alcantara upholstry on the seats and dash in my CS are real suede leather, or some kind of sued-look-alike. But then again, even my Ferrari dealer isn't sure and is emailing Ferrari of NA to find out, and to inquire about appropriate cleaning products. There's probably someone on this board who knows for sure and I'd welcome your input. Thanks.
     
  2. Ricard

    Ricard Formula Junior

    Jan 23, 2004
    867
    Donington Park
    Full Name:
    Richard C
    #2 Ricard, Jun 2, 2006
    Alcantara is definately a man made material which I believe is actually more expensive than suede. Suede would not last very long as a seating material (think of what a suede covered steering wheel looks like after some use). As its man made I THINK its just soap and water, although you wouldn't want the padding to get soaked I imagine. Alcantara is amazingly resilient given its brushed finish, someone once told me you could soak it in petrol then wash it and it would be like new (wouldn't recommend it though). I once read somewhere (not 100% if true) that Ayrton Senna actually bought the company that invented/make Alcantara, most car manufacturers use it.
     
  3. CAS

    CAS F1 Rookie

    Nov 6, 2003
    2,683
    San Diego, CA
    Full Name:
    Clint
    #3 CAS, Jun 2, 2006
  4. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

    Sep 4, 2001
    12,887
    Cumming, Georgia
    Full Name:
    Franklin E. Parker
    #4 parkerfe, Jun 2, 2006
    BMW sells a product to clean alcantara
     
  5. ferrarifixer

    ferrarifixer F1 Veteran
    BANNED

    Jul 22, 2003
    8,520
    Melbourne
    Full Name:
    Phil Hughes
    #5 ferrarifixer, Jun 3, 2006
    You do realise the entire car can be quite satisfactorily cleaned with a good old damp rag or chamois.

    "Cleaning products" are a huge marketing success. A massive majority are just trouble too... look at all the threads on sticky goo for dash parts, and/or corrosion of alloy wheels and chrome and engine parts etc.
     
  6. shawsan

    shawsan Formula 3

    Jul 2, 2004
    1,090
    Vancouver, Canada
    #6 shawsan, Jun 6, 2006
    Here's what to do when the coffee, ice cream, or gummy bears visit the Alcantara upholstry in your CS.

    Alcantara® washing instructions
    Here is the maintenance process for Alcantara®. Legenda of these symbols is at the bottom of this page. We advice you to print this page and conserve it for future needs.


    Alcantara®: extremely easy to clean, it can also be washed in the washing machine on the cool water cycle. To maintain its natural look, just use a soft brush. Spots are easy to remove: just follow the instructions in the spots removal table.


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    General stain removal standard
    • Act immediately.

    • Reduce the stain by working from the edge towards the centre, in order to avoid spreading.

    • Gently remove most of the dirt using a knife or spoon, and blot immediately with a clean white cloth.

    • Once the stain has been spotted, act in accordance with the instructions in the table.

    • If using a solvent, never apply directly to the stained part but on a clean cloth.

    • After applying the stain remover, remove with a clean, dry cloth, then brush in opposite direction to pile lay.

    • Leave to dry and do not lean or sit on the damp part.

    • When dry, apply vacuum cleaner with soft brush to restore pile.





    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Alcohol, spirits: wash with soap foam, then clean with diluted methylated spirit (10-20%)
    Drinks, wine: sponge with vinegar and water (50%) then wash with soap foam.
    Biro, shoe polish, tarmac, pine cone resine, chewing gum: sponge with absorbant fabric soaked in ethyl alcohol 90° or turpentine oil (white spirit).
    Beer: sponge with warm water (max 40°C) to which 3% methylated spirit has been added.
    Coffee, tea, milk: wash with soap foam. If the stain remains, clean with diluted ammonia (10%).
    Chocolate, sweets, blood: sponge with warm water (max 40°C) and 5% diluted ammonia.
    Paint: oil colour: clean with turpentine, then wash with soap foam.
    distemper: wash with soap foam. In any case if the stain is old and therefore very difficult to remove ask an expert.
    Cosmetics: generally, only wash with soap foam, in case of persistent stains, use ethyl alcohol 90° or 5% diluted ammonia.
    Do not ever use nail polish remover or any other solvent for nail vamish.
    Grass, vegetables: sponge with warm water (max 40°C) then wash with soap foam.
    Ink: remove as much as possible with blotting paper, clean with 20% methylated spirit and wash with soap foam. Sometimes lemon juice gives good results. In case of persistent stains ask an expert.
    Jam, syrup, fruit juice: sponge with warm water (max 40°C). If the stains remains, use ethyl alcohol 90°.
    Oil, grease: dry cleaning.


    Legenda

    Handwash with water at 40°C with neutral soap.
    Do not bleach.

    Dry clean with perchloroethylene.

    Iron at low temperature.

    Do not tumble dry.


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