Do you have a car with a plastic interior? If so, you know that it can be challenging to keep looking new for very long.
Not only are scratches and scuffs easily noticeable on plastic surfaces, but they’re also not always the easiest to fix.
In this post, we’ll show you how to remove scratches from your car’s interior using a few simple methods. Read on to learn more!
Contents
What Causes Scratches in the Car’s Plastic Interior?
Let’s discuss some of the most common causes of scratches in your car’s interior, so you can avoid the problem from happening again.
Improper Cleaning
One of the most common causes of scratches in car plastic interiors is improper cleaning. When you clean your car, you should always use a soft microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the surfaces.
In addition, avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on your car’s interior, as they can also cause damage.
Spills and Stains
Clean up immediately if you spill something on your car’s interior. If you leave a spill to sit, it can damage the surface and lead to scratches. Make sure to clean them with a microfiber towel to avoid further damage.
Pets
Pets can often scratch surfaces when they jump in and out of the vehicle. To avoid this, you can try to keep your pets away from the car or use a pet barrier to keep them from scratching the surfaces.
Normal Wear and Tear
Over time, your car’s plastic interior will show signs of wear and tear. Loading and unloading cargo, kids, and even opening and closing doors can all cause scratches.
While you can’t avoid this altogether, you can try carefully handling your car’s interior to help prevent scratches.
You can help to reduce the appearance of blemishes by being as careful as possible and regularly cleaning and polishing your car’s interior.
Keys and Keychains
If you keep your keys on a keychain, make sure that the keychain doesn’t have any sharp edges that can scratch the surfaces. In addition, try to avoid leaving your keys on the surfaces of your car’s interior, as they can also cause scratches.
Can You Remove Scratches From Plastic Car Interior?
Yes. You can remove scratches from a plastic car interior. However, the method used to remove the scratch will depend on the severity of the groove.
There are a few different ways to remove scratches from plastic car interiors, and we will explore a few of those methods below.
How To Remove Light Scratches From Plastic Car Interiors?
If the scratch is not too deep, we suggest a few techniques for quick and straightforward repairs. These do not require professional tools or help and can be efficiently completed at home.
Use Toothpaste
Toothpaste is a common household item that You can also use to remove light scratches from plastic. All you need is a few common household supplies.
Equipment Needed
- Non-gel toothpaste
- A soft cloth
- Water
Procedure
- Step 1: Clean the area around the scratch.
- Step 2: Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the cloth.
- Step 3: Rub the cloth in circles over the scratch.
- Step 4: Wipe off the toothpaste with a clean, wet cloth.
- Step 5: Dry the area with a clean, dry cloth.
Use Baking Soda
Another common household item that you can use to remove light scratches is baking soda. Baking soda is a mild abrasive used by car owners to buff out light scratches.
Equipment Needed
- One tablespoon of baking soda
- A bowl of water
- A soft cloth
Procedure
- Step 1: Mix the baking soda and water to form a paste.
- Step 2: Apply the paste to the scratch with the soft cloth.
- Step 3: Rub the cloth in circles over the scratch.
- Step 4: Rinse the area with water.
- Step 5: Dry the area with a clean, dry cloth.
Plastic Scratch Remover Polish
You can purchase a plastic scratch remover polish if the above methods do not work. These polishes are designed to remove light and sometimes deep scratches from plastic surfaces.
Equipment Needed
- Plastic scratch remover polish
- A soft cloth
Procedure
- Step 1: Read the instructions on the polish to see if it needs to be applied to a wet or dry surface.
- Step 2: Apply the polish to the scratch with the soft cloth.
- Step 3: Rub the cloth in circles over the scratch.
- Step 4: Wipe off the polish with a clean, wet cloth.
- Step 5: Dry the area with a clean, dry cloth.
How To Remove Deep Scratches From Plastic Car Interiors?
Removing deep scratches from a plastic car interior may require a little more effort than removing light scratches. However, there are still a few methods that you can use to remove deep scratches.
Use Sandpaper
One way to remove deep scratches is by using sandpaper. You can use sandpaper to buff out deeper scratches that won’t budge with previously listed methods. Start with lower grit sandpaper and then move to higher grit sandpaper if needed.
Equipment Needed
- Sandpaper
- Water
- A soft cloth
Procedure
- Step 1: Wet the area around the scratch with water.
- Step 2: Rub the sandpaper over the scratch in a circular motion.
- Step 3: Continue rubbing the scratch until it begins to disappear.
- Step 4: Wipe off the area with a wet cloth.
- Step 5: Dry the area with a dry cloth.
Use a Plastic Scratch Repair Kit
Another way to remove deep scratches is by using a plastic repair kit. You can find these kits at most auto stores, superstores, or online at Amazon. They usually come with everything you need to remove the scratches.
Equipment Needed
- Plastic repair kit
Procedure
- Step 1: Follow the instructions that come with the kit.
- Step 2: Apply the repair compound to the scratch.
- Step 3: Use the included tool to buff out the scratch.
- Step 4: Wipe off the area with a wet cloth.
- Step 5: Dry the area with a dry cloth.
Hire a professional
We recommend hiring a professional to get rid of stubborn or deep scratches. They will have the experience and tools to remove the scratch without damaging your plastic car interior even further.
Equipment Needed
- None
Procedure
- Step 1: Find a reputable professional detailer in your area.
- Step 2: Schedule an appointment.
- Step 3: Drop off your car.
- Step 4: Pick up your car.
What Is the Best Plastic Scratch Remover?
There are many different plastic scratch removers available on the market. However, we recommend using a plastic repair polish or kit. These methods are usually the most effective at removing deep or stubborn scratches.
Here is what we recommend:
Turtle Wax 50935 Scratch Repair & Renew
Car owners can use this polish to remove light and deep scratches from their plastic car interior. You can also use it to repair water spots, swirls, paint transfers, and more. It is a multipurpose product that can be used on your car and other plastic surfaces.
Torque Detail Plastic & Trim Restorer Spray
This scratch remover is another great option for removing light and deep scratches from your plastic car interior. You can also use the scratch remover on other plastic surfaces, such as your headlights, taillights, and more.
