I was wondering if anyone knew what this white residue is on my door. The problem started after I stored the car for about two years. 1.5 years of that time it was garage-kept but the last 6 months were outside. It now sits in my garage and gets driven once or twice weekly.

I've tried a lot of different things on the doors. The toughest I tried was a light bleach mixture on small parts of the doors (assuming that it may be mold) and this didn't really help.

The black part of the doors seem to be the only place where this white residue is (noticing it on the gray part of the door is difficult but I don't see any now). The residue is also nowhere else on the car. Since I've noticed the problem and tried to treat it, it hasn't spread or gotten worse.

Is it mold or are the materials breaking down? It's an '89.

 

My CRX does that whenever I take it out. I don't know if the cold does something to whatever I used on the plastic or what. It seems to go away though.

 

It's sunscreen.

 

Is it fading from the sun?

 

No:

 

I have a CRX which has been covered for a number of years and gets a lot of moisture build up in the interior if I don't vent it. Same film occurs which I think is similar to mildew. I clean the door panel well and then use an aircraft-grade protectant and that seems to hold it off.

 

mine does this too

 

mine does the same after sitting in storage.

Had a SVX that did that too on the door panels.
I think my old 64 chevelle did the same, black vinyl.
Still not sure why, but it does have to do with it sitting with windows closed, moisture buildup?

 

Ever use armour-all on the doors? I am pretty sure that's what it is, as it dries out it leaves residue.

 

I think this is likely.

I just bought a 91 that had the same look. I used Tuff Stuff (aerosol foaming cleaner) and followed it with Meguires brand protectant. Let the foam sit for a few minutes to penetrate, then scrub. I use microfiber towels for scrubbing.

 

Could be a lot of different things.

It's plastic so, to add to the list, it could just be oxidation from being old.
Wash it off and put some peanut butter on it. Leave it for about 10 minutes and wipe it off.
If that fixed it, then likely it's oxidation.

 

if all else fails, a greasy old used car salesman trick is to use acetone to 'restore' plastics. the acetone slightly attacks the plastic and once it solidifies, the shine is back. practice on a scrap panel first though - don't overdo it and don't leave lint in the plastic. use this as a last resort once all other options have failed, including soapy water and toothbrush, contact lense cleaner (saline), peanut butter, soapy water & baking soda on a toothbrush, hydrogen peroxide (do not let peroxide sit too long, it acts as a bleech), rubbing alcohol, gasoline, WD40 or diesel and whatever else people recommend. Each of the things listed (BTW they are listed in order of least harshness to most harshness) acts effectively on different types of stain and should always be followed up with a good thorough soapy water wash to get rid of the residual chemicals.

 

stop hanging out with Lindsay Lohan :p

 

 

The EF I am purchasing this weekend seems to have this on its door panels as well. Once I get it, Ill be trying to figure out what it is and how to get rid of it as well. Its also garage kept and rarely driven FWIW.

 

That moment when you realise that what it is has already been answered twice.

 

I see a lot of "seems to be" and I "think its". But the posts in this thread are probably correct or pretty close, and some good remedies to try. Wasnt trying to be literal, just saying Ill be taking a bat at removing it from mine also.

 

It's residue from sunscreen, it's oil based and is difficult to remove from vinyl surfaces.

 

Sunscreen? That sounds a little odd to be on all these cars and on the entire black portion of the door panel(vs just where your legs would touch). If its oil based, wouldnt a little IPA wipe remove it?

 

Here are the door panels in the car Im picking up this weekend.