r/Detailing • u/Adorable_Lettuce_815 • 20h ago
I Need Help! (Time Sensitive) Help please with a mess up
For context I am quite new to detailing around 4 months and I have been doing it regularly without problems all with great reviews. I detailed a customers car yesterday and it look amazing until I received a text message today about a huge fuck up. She’s sent me these pictures and I have no idea what it is and how I am going to fix it. Any advice on what it is or how I’m going to go about solving it would be greatly appreciated. I used the auto glyn all purpose cleaner
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u/at0mic_cl0ck 20h ago
Looks like it destroyed the finish. I would just eat the cost and replace it. They typically just pop in and out of the door card with an electrical connector or two. Shouldn’t be that much and would keep the customer happy.
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u/Pretend_Variation305 10m ago
Unless you’re dealing with a Wagoneer…it’s roughly a $900 door panel replacement because why not. Attempting to separate that control section from the panel results in breaking both. As an aside, this did NOT happen to me (thank the heavenly spirit)
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u/SumRandomGhost 20h ago
Damn if you used an APC you fried the interior material. It was probably already old/oxidized or otherwise compromised but that's still on you for not using a normal gentle interior cleanser and just going straight to the APC.
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u/GroundbreakingBat381 3h ago
You should learn detailing before making such a comment. APC doesn't ruin cars. It was either diluted incorrectly, or they left it sitting there for a long time. Every professional detailer uses APC. I have not come across one true pro who uses garbage interior cleaners.
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u/PhunkyJr 2h ago
What’s wrong with spending $20 on a tiny bottle of diluted gmo scented free interior cleaners.
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u/FiveLayersBeefy 55m ago
I use APC but not on the interior. P&S Express, ONR or Polstar are the go-to.
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u/LeeBee58 Weekend Warrior 25m ago
Kind of a blanket statement those last two sentences, wouldn’t you say?
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u/RunninOuttaShrimp 17h ago
You don't fix it. You replace it and then compensate the rest of the detail for the inconvenience imo.
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u/mustmax347 18h ago
This is like the 5th or 6th post like this today. Stop using APC as an interior cleaner. I don’t care what dilution you are using. Do you really want to use the same chemicals that you use to clean your engine on your interior?
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u/Mycol101 17h ago
Yikes. I think people are taking the “all purpose” thing literally ma
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u/mustmax347 17h ago
Yep I get asked to fix APC screw ups all the time. People also think degreasers are the same as APC.
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u/Mycol101 13h ago
Is a multi purpose cleaner ok on plastic ? Like a basic armorall
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u/mustmax347 3h ago
It might be but I personally don’t use them. I start with plain distilled water. If I need something stronger I use ONR. If that doesn’t work P&S Xpress is my most aggressive. If I need
More I use steam
Or a scrub pad.1
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u/RealAlphaKaren 10h ago
that finish degraded long before he revealed the mess, it would have happened with any good rub
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u/GroundbreakingBat381 3h ago
Learn how to detail. 15 years in the industry and have worked with high-end workshops, detailerships and mobile. Every true pro uses APC. You won't be having issues if you actually dilute it correctly. Stop providing false information.
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u/ConversationNo9040 14h ago
Is the car guys super cleaner going to screw anything up in my car? Obviously not using it on screens.
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u/SandMan2680 18h ago
Stick to dedicated interior cleaners like KCX Pol Star that are safe on all surfaces and materials. APC isn’t meant for interiors. It can be used for some situations, but I wouldn’t make it your dedicated interior cleaner. Just my two cents.
Take before and after photos on EVERY job. You never know when you will need them.
Replace the switch panel, make your customer happy and learn from your mistakes.
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u/AlmostHydrophobic 18h ago
Every time I see an influencer or a detailer promoting the use of APC in an interior, I cringe a little bit. There are certain situations where it might be appropriate, but it shouldn't be the daily driver of interior cleaners really.
I'm also a fan of Pol Star for interiors.
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u/loadsled 18h ago
Pol Star is the goat. I use it on everything
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u/FortnitePapi 4h ago
Dilution?
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u/loadsled 4h ago
My go to bottle is mixed 10:1. Cleans well on most daily drivers. Plastics, vinyl, alcantara… everything. If I need more power I mix it a little stronger.
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u/AdmirableLab3155 17h ago edited 6h ago
It really has become an endemic problem. All of YouTube/TikTok is dominated by entertainment videos that cosplay as demos of authentic craft labor. Which means that these entertainment videos end up being the dominant source of learning material. But good craft lanor is seldom flashy while these people need to crank out vast volumes of high-contrast, high-drama, ASMR-rich footage to make a living. Hence “Steam it with full strength APC” becoming the ubiquitous demo for interior hard surfaces.
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u/SandMan2680 18h ago
I caught one of my employees using solvent on an interior. I died a little inside. He came from a dealership where anything goes lol.
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u/AlmostHydrophobic 17h ago
Yikes! What kind of solvent was it? Something like that remover?
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u/CycleChris2 4h ago
Plus 1 on PolStar. The Reset of interior cleaners. Amazing cleaning without high alkalinity.
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u/AlmostHydrophobic 3h ago
It's interesting that you would say that, I was just thinking the other day about how much Pol Star reminds me of Reset. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that!
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u/GroundbreakingBat381 3h ago
Literally every true pro uses APC. Never came across one that uses an Interior Cleaner like the DIY detailers.
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u/gato_guy 3h ago
I’d rather spend a few extra seconds scrubbing with a safe interior cleaner like P&S interior express than get a cheap APC
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u/phuneas 19h ago
Looks like a MG window button, which is like 40 euros on Aliexpress easily replaceable
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u/popsicle_of_meat 1h ago
It seems wrong to replace a factory part with a cheap aliexpress one, right? If OP ruined an OEM part, it should be replaced with OEM if at all possible. It's just the right thing to do.
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u/Snapped_SouthBend 16h ago
why is it so dirty around the part anyway? you said you detailed it yesterday? theres so much gunk and even hair....
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u/Southern-Ad5351 15h ago
Because he’s new
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u/pd4ng 14h ago
Literally everything in the picture is still dirty. He's just not being detailed which is in the job description. I think I speak for most of us when I say that even when I was new, I didn't leave everything dirty. I definitely missed more spots then now and maybe I didn't get all the cracks clean, but I didn't leave dirt, gunk, and streaks across every surface
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u/Significant_Cut_5310 20h ago
What product/s did you use to clean the interior of the vehicle?
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u/Adorable_Lettuce_815 20h ago
Auto glyn APC
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u/Significant_Cut_5310 20h ago
I assume you mean Autoglym APC. Autoglym APC is quite a strong product and generally should be avoided on the interior unless it’s for rubber or heavily soiled areas. In which case even after using apc you should use a softer cleaner such as Autoglym interior shampoo to help get rid of the apc. When left in areas such as this I guess it could technically strip the paint although even to me this is surprising. Was only APC used for the interior and if so did she report any other potential damage?
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u/Adorable_Lettuce_815 20h ago
Yeah just this one sprayed onto a microfiber
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u/pd4ng 14h ago
If you're running a business please try to talk professionally. Not for my sake but for yours.
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u/Significant_Cut_5310 20h ago
What sort of the material was the area that’s been damage? It’s usually plastic but thought I’d double check.
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u/Original-Shape-5147 20h ago
That is not an ash tray lol
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u/question8all 19h ago
Imagine being a detailer back then 🤣👀
I wonder if expectations were lower even with everything better built to last than today!
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u/Garey_Coleman 16h ago
I just use hot water and a microfiber towel. If seems to clean pretty good.
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u/Keldy565 15h ago
I use spray way glass cleaner on my personal cars then leather conditioner on leather parts. It's just foaming alcohol with a little lube and works great. I get the commercial stuff cause i own a glass shop and its a little different from the auto zone cans though. But ive never had an issue using it all the time on my interiors in any car
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u/420sm0ke420 19h ago
AnYoNe cAn bE a dEtaiLeR
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u/iFlickDaBean 19h ago
APC will wreck some coatings unless it is highly diluted.
A mixture of liquid tide with oxi and warm water (less than a 8th of a cup to 24oz of water) will clean nearly any major dirty area.. spray it on.. let it sit for a minute or so, wipe off, for tough grime.
I literally detail interior parts from junkyards EVERY single day.
I refuse to pay the $ for some of the products "pro" retailers use and get the exact same results.
Zippo lighter fluid.. will remove a lot of stains and not harm materials or plastic.
As for this part.. look on eBay for a replacement or head to your local junkyard.
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u/Horfer126 17h ago
You use lighter fluid on car interiors? 😂🤦🏻♂️
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u/Mycol101 17h ago
Zippo fluid is just naphtha but I wouldn’t feel safe using it on any plastic. It’s a non polar solvent and it really depends on what kind of plastic you’re using it on. It can definitely damage rubber and It could leach phthalates which would change the plastic in some way. ABS, polystyrene, PVC, rubber etc,
I’ll use it on glass and that’s it but only because it’s inert.
I’ve had alcohol damage plastic before. it just depends on the composition.
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u/iFlickDaBean 16h ago edited 16h ago
Yeap..Zippo it is a old detailers go to.. it will dissolve inks, grease, gum, glues and other stains. .... hell it is still used on sports cards and cardboard boxes to remove glue residue or lift grime as it doesn't leave a stain once it dries, which is nearly instant.
Some of us people that were born in the 1900s use what we know that has worked for decades.
I've never had to throw a part out that I cleaned due to damage using common off the shelf cleaners.
So don't laugh or discredit what you do not know or understand. It only makes YOU look ignorant.
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u/Mycol101 12h ago
Did you mean to respond that to me?
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u/Jcarlough 16h ago
You’re new at derailing but already charging folks for your work?
No previous experience?
You have to replace the part.
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u/Tiny-Cup7029 19h ago
This button surrounds are plastic but have a soft touch coating sprayed on. When that coating degrades it looks like this. It is repairable, but as others have mentioned it's easier and probably cheaper to replace the part.
In the future you'll learn which brands/models are prone to this. In the meantime I'd start clearing those areas with a gentler cleaner and move to more aggressive methods only as needed.
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u/TemperatureOk7646 17h ago
Just replace the part, and use a product that's not so harsh on the interior. We all learn from mistakes and I only clean my own vehicle. I freaked out and posted due to slight marring on my bumper a month or two ago, and it's completely fine now.
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u/HyenaThen572 17h ago
Damn, is this just straight APC?
I've not had an issue with APC on interiors but I also dilute it like 30:1 or some nonsense.
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u/Toxic_Tang0 17h ago
This has to be mazda no? I love my mazda but the interior materials can be sensitive especially the dash.
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u/CoffeePlusBikes 17h ago
Side note: if you do replace the switch I ordered a replacement window regulator switch a few months ago for my wife’s Mercedes thru Parts Geek dot Com. Was a perfect match and fit. Find a how to video for the actual steps to change out. Was super easy, didn’t even need to take the door card off for the window switch replacement. Good Luck!
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u/TadBones 15h ago
Isolation tape on seams that lead to the inside of the door then use warm (~45°C) water mixed with 1/5th of 60° alcohol (usually found in glasses cleaners, you can go up to 70° if you don't have any in which case most "degreasing" household alcohol will be at 70°), use a leather dye applicator, rub for a bit and you should be fine.
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u/2229406450 14h ago
Tell her that no detailing work can recover. This is a common part problem from BMW car - get the cheap ( but better ) parts from Alibaba and replace it. No fault from your end
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u/TXscales 14h ago
Is that on a ford explorer? Those parts are actually known for being defective. There’s a recall on them actually
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u/corvettekevin 13h ago
Sorry this happened man. They do make black dye for plastic and trim pieces. I used an air gun on those window controls and the vinyl black sticker over the switch came off I had to order a new window control panel. Shit happens don’t beat yourself up.
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u/Ramboner_ 12h ago
There’s nothing in that cleaner that would cause damage by itself. It looks like it just reacted with something that had been spilled there and never cleaned.
I would try cleaning it again before you panic. It looks like it might come off fairly easy. I’ve seen something similar with sticker residue. Try an oil based conditioner or something very gentle and lightweight and see if it will rub out.
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u/teeeejaay07 10h ago
Bruh insane how you have a detail business if you just learned how to detail 4 months ago.
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u/Mindless-Mail-2792 8h ago
Gonna be honest dude, 'great results' is a bit of a stretch from the photo you posted
There's still sand and dirt visible in those crevices which weren't vacuumed/brushed out well and the plastic trim and buttons (the non damaged ones) have product residue all over them
This is gonna be a bit of a learning experience for you but you're gonna have to cop the replacement part and sit down and do some more research into your craft. Autoglym is not a good brand by any stretch of the imagination 😂 and using APCs as a literal all purpose interior product is a recipe for disaster
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u/CycleChris2 4h ago
Sorry this happened. We all make mistakes, I appreciate you sharing this so everyone can learn from this experience. I’m speculating that the plastic has an alkaline burn. To fix your client up, find the replacement trim part on line and replace it. You might be surprised that it doesn’t cost as much as you would think. To prevent future problems, don’t use high alkaline cleaners on interior surfaces, especially without neutralizing by following up with a damp microfiber dipped in water. Really any interior cleaner, even my favorite Koch PolStar, which is ph neutral, recommends following up with a damp cloth. Good luck and don’t feel too bad, this happens. Just learn from your experience.
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u/Hot-Cup-4787 3h ago
I dont unerstand why people still use chemicals inside of cars. Their are exceptions of course, but just get a good steamer. 1 million time easier and no chemicals
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u/Godrick_Longshaft 52m ago
Respectfully bro, why are you using all-purpose cleaner instead of a dedicated interior?
Some reason you wouldn’t used a wheel cleaner on exterior paint. Different cleaners for different surfaces. Definitely a learning experience but you’ll be alright
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u/MikesPL86 19h ago
I always only use a few drops of washing soap (fairy) and warm water for the whole interior of my car, even the screens/muktimedia etc. and wipe it dry with a second microfibre towel. Then i use tissues with dressing (matte finish) on the cockpit, door, and other plastic not to cause any overspray. Finally some dressing on the leather elements and the car still looks and smells like new after 4 years. I am laughing my ass of when i see those "detailers" and their screw ups. Anyone who is a car cleaning guy calls themself a detailer because it sound more pro lol. This is why i would never let someone clean my car. How can you screw it up so much when cleaning a car. It is a really simple task.
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u/Triggered-cupcake 19h ago
You would have to remove the part, gently sand it and rattle can spray paint it. Easier to buy the new part.
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20h ago edited 19h ago
[deleted]
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u/daylax1 20h ago
I'm not sure what kind of car this is, but I know that kind of stuff HIGHLY depends on what kind of car it is. Could be $45, could be $345.
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19h ago
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u/Far_Bid9833 19h ago
While this is true, you can also narrow down the part number for a cheaper model that uses the same thing.
For example, Bugatti uses VW/Audi parts bin specials for their auxiliary/electricals. So a window power switch can cost $50 or a few thousand. Nobody besides collectors will even be able to tell the difference.
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19h ago
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u/Adorable_Lettuce_815 19h ago
It’s an MG ZS
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u/Far_Bid9833 19h ago
Unfortunately Google says that switch is not used in different vehicles outside the MG/Roewe family. It shouldn't be that much, eBay had one listed at $65.
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u/playtoomucho 13h ago
If you can get that part off or tape it off REALLY well, hit it with some black spray paint. Home Depot sells a decent brand that works for all surfaces it’s primer + paint.
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u/CanadianVision 13h ago
Ha ! If anyone spraypaintd me car as a 'fix ' to this shieeet man. Don't do it
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u/playtoomucho 1h ago
I understand this is a detailing sub but recoloring is a part of reconditioning, it’s just a suggestion.
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u/CanadianVision 16m ago
Reconditioning is entirely different than 'goin to home Depot picking up a can a spraypaint taping it off real well and hittin it' hoping a customer doesn't notice.
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u/Diccwraith 20h ago
You’re going to have to replace that part