dirty buddy

maribell · Post by **maribell** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 11:51 pm

I just got my beautify pink buddy two weeks ago from someone that kept it outside. there are stains all over the soft inside plastic. do y'all have any tips on how to clean it? i have already tried standard household cleaner and elbow grease.

Lagerhead · Post by **Lagerhead** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 3:31 am

Magic Eraser.

lojical1 · Post by **lojical1** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 6:58 am

What kinds of stains are they and where exactly is it located ?

On a side note, welcome to the boards, maribell. I was just wondering if there were any Austin folx on here, and as soon as I saw the word "ya'll" in your question I knew without a doubt!

Aside from the cosmetics, how are you liking the ride ?

Valgal20 · Post by **Valgal20** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 4:16 pm

Well, plastic stains are fairly hard to get out, depending on what type of plastic they are on, and what type of stains they are. If they are plastic rot or sun stains, then you are just going to have to get some Krylon Fusion Plastic paint and paint the whole thing (or get some nifty stickers and place them strategicly on your scooter) If they are just stains from outdoor things then try these:
>For Sap stains, anyone with a pine/Mesquite/ sappy sort of tree- Get GOO GONE (which you can try on any sticky bit o' scum-including gum) but make sure to was it with regular soap afterward so you dont slip.

>For Natural kinds of stains (ie- food, animal droppings) you can use dish washer detergent or laundry Stain detergent (spray&wash/ shout).

>If you want to go All Natural- Vinigar(white) works excelent on smells, animal urine, and natural grime. Also you can try using baking soda as a scrubbing agent (you can mix it with lemon/lime juice for extra potency-and a fresh citrusy smell).

>I have even heard of using brewers/baking yeast (eats natural stains)

Hope that helped- Good Luck

jetboy · Post by **jetboy** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 4:25 pm

Lagerhead wrote:Magic Eraser.

Yet another potential application for this great product! Dang, I wouldn't have thought of it for this but - yeah. Go get a box of these little white wonders and try it out on an unobtrusive spot before attacking the offending stains.

This is a Mr. Clean product right? I think there may also be some more generic manufacturer out there as well. I use 'em all the time at home.

- jetboy

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 4:27 pm

If you're talking about the soft plastic mats on the floorboards, I'd just order new replacements in the color of your choice. If you're talking about the harder, matte finished plastic (like the glove box area), you might have some success with cleaning.

If you're really intent on cleaning the soft mats, Ace Hardware sells a water-activated stain remover that works pretty well. I can't remember what it's called. If nobody else chimes in I'll check the bottle when I get home and post again later. It requires LOTS of elbow grease. I'd probably stay away from stuff like Goof Off because it's probably a bit to intense for that soft plastic.

Lagerhead · Post by **Lagerhead** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 4:28 pm

jetboy wrote:
Lagerhead wrote:Magic Eraser.
Yet another potential application for this great product! Dang, I wouldn't have thought of it for this but - yeah. Go get a box of these little white wonders and try it out on an unobtrusive spot before attacking the offending stains.

This is a Mr. Clean product right? I think there may also be some more generic manufacturer out there as well. I use 'em all the time at home.

- jetboy

Yep, we use the Mr. Clean ones. The generic ones work the same but they don't seem to last as long

shark · Post by **shark** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 12:32 am

Welcome to the forum.. I'm not too far from you...

maribell · Post by **maribell** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 10:43 pm

they are on the matte plastic. Thanks for the suggestion I am going to have to try it! I am not sure what the stains are from..they almost look like water spots, with a drip from the gas tank thrown in the mix.

As far as the ride is concerned: I love my Buddy to death. I ride around town and to/from school/work which is about 25 miles minimum during the week.
When I am in downtown, I get lots of stares, honks, and people waving. I am still learning the lessons of a beginner--such as always driving with your mouth closed and do not leave your cell phone in your back pocket.

I do have one more question. If the driver of a scooter or motorcycle traveling the opposite way on the same road as you sticks their arm out makes a downward "v", what does that mean? and what is the accurate response?

toddrw2251 · Post by **toddrw2251** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:22 pm

I have the same marks on my orange buddy. I've never spilt gas so I have no idea what it is. I haven't attempted to remove them yet.

nissanman · Post by **nissanman** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 1:41 am

Two fingers down, it's like Jeep people waving at each other. Like when Neon owners used to beep at each other. Just a I'm on two wheels so are you hello. Just throw down two fingers of your own back at em... like hey, another non-cager!

maribell · Post by **maribell** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 1:42 am

i normally either nod, or do it back...i didn't know if it was meant to be offensive or not.

lojical1 · Post by **lojical1** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 6:15 am

Yeah, its just a peace sign that allows you to keep your balance (as opposed to raising your arm and having it blow all over the place).

polianarchy · Post by **polianarchy** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 2:41 pm

From what I've heard, the two fingers pointed downwards are a kind of nonverbal "keep the rubber side down" blessing. Two wheels = two fingers!

Keys · Post by **Keys** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 3:51 pm

Polianarchy is right...it means "two wheels down".

--Keys