How to Clean a Wood Grain BMW
by Marc Gottlieb
The wood grain in most BMW automobiles is finished with a protective clear coat made from polyurethane that can scratch easily. Cleaning this type of wood requires a gentle approach and the right materials to ensure that the decorative trim of the interior always looks its best. There are a number of cleaning products on the market that are available for this type of maintenance, which takes little time but will help preserve the luster and life of your BMW's wood trim.
Step 1
Dust the wood grain with a microfiber cloth. This is the best way to get rid of simple fingerprint smudges and standard routine maintenance of the interior trim. Microfiber cloth will delicately wipe the wood grain and the knit construction of the cloth is designed to pick up dust and oils without leaving lint behind.
Step 2
Clean the wood grain using a simple solution of gentle laundry detergent and water. Use the microfiber cloth to swab the trim thoroughly. Follow this with a plastic polish-cleaner, preferably with some type of UV protection to protect the finish from the sun. This is especially helpful for convertibles.
Step 3
Repair any minor scratches in the wood grain finish with scratch removal polish. This will fill in any surface abrasions capable of quick repair. To test the depth of a scratch, gently run a fingernail over it. If the nail catches, the scratch is probably too deep to repair with a simple polish.
Step 4
Wax the wood grain with a spray wax or an oil soap. This will restore the sheen of the trim. Add a small amount with a microfiber cloth and wipe it on the trim. Then buff it off with another clean cloth; do not allow the compound to stay on very long or it will over-saturate the finish.
References
Warnings
- Be careful with a cracked finish on wood grain. Cleaners can penetrate these imperfections and damage the wood.
- It is important to use a plastic cleaner that does not streak after use. Always avoid harsh chemicals or strong solvents in any cleaner.
Writer Bio
Marc Gottlieb has been writing since 1997, when he was hired as a guest columnist for "Films in Review" magazine. He now serves as a full-time writer and contributor to several online publications. Gottlieb attended the School of Visual Arts in New York City.
