Honda Element Cleaning and Care

david_wayne

I own a 2007 LX AWD. (Purchased it in October of ’06) So far, I love the thing, but I do have a few questions about cleaning and maintenance.
First off, the LX has the composite body panels. I have a fear they will fade over time so I was wondering how you cleaned and protected them?
I also have heard of others hosing out the inside floor, since that is a composite as well. This sounds risky to me. Has anyone done it yet? What was the result?
And let me throw in one last item: has any one unzipped the seats in order to clean them? I have two large dogs that love mud, and I run a painting business and the Honda is one of my vehicles I use for that.
Thank you

snoboy09

far as cleaning wise i believe they told me use wet cloth and soap. don't hose it because you will damage the wiring under it.As far as unzipping the seats i haven't really done that before. i think just use the same method as the floor.hope that helps

david_wayne

I didn't think hosing the inside was wise. I just wanted to hear if any one had tried it.

What about the outside though? I see some that are faded. What is recommended to keep that clean and protected? Armorall?

ragets

I am interested in the '07 Element EX 4wd. And I was wondering if the Element was truly as easy as Honda says it is to clean up?
The seats unzip? How do they do that?
I think hosing out the Element would ruin the inside of it. Has anyone tried this?
My car will get dirty fast, on the inside and out so I need to know if this car would be a good one for me. I'm 16 and ready to start having fun: biking and taking my dogs to go to the lake and come back slopping wet with water and mud. So I need info fast.
Thanks

david_wayne

My girlfriend just bought ArmorAll Tire Foam for her tires, and they look great! I was wondering if any one had any input on using this on the plastic body panels on my E.

gmward

Haven't used this myself, but Honda offers a panel coating:

http://www.handa-accessories.com/elementmaint.html

Plastic Panel Coating
Genuine Honda plastic panel coating.
For exterior plastic panels only.
Covers minor scuffs and scratches. Quick drying transparent coating.

I've found initial cleanings not to be too easy. Black floor/interior panels show everything. However, w/no carpet, not too bad too vacuum/wash w/soap/water.

stever

Some folks have had good luck with creamy peanut butter on some car's black exterior panels. :shades:

The Paint and Body Maintenance & Repair discussion may also be of interest.

bigfur

Do NOT ever "hose out" the interior. There is far too much wiring running just under the floor and in the door jambs to do that. You will corrode the wiring and have all sorts of electrical gremlins. Take a sponge and a wet cloth to clean it out.

david_wayne

Thanks for the link to the Honda cleaner. I thought that there must be something out there, although I imagine some of the brand name cleaners would do as good of a job. I will try it just for comparison reasons.

Thanks

Chasboy

tho' I don't like it anymore for regular waxing, Icewax does a good job on the dull panels and seems to last for awhile.

armymom3

I have a short haired dog that has shed all over the seats. I'm having a really hard time getting the fur off, especially off the bottom of the seats where the fabric is fuzzy. Any ideas?

bigfur

There is a product out by Scotch called the Fur Fighter that lifts dog and cat hair up pretty easily.

stever

Gets that big fur right up eh?

bigfur

Some where off in the distance, i hear a rim shot being played!