Door handle discoloration

[Merlin820]

I noticed some discoloration on my (black, XLT) door handles some time ago (I don't remember how long now, multiple months at least, if not over a year), and I'm finally getting around to asking about it.

Anybody have any ideas what this could be, or suggestions on cleaning it (besides remove/replace)? My best guess is just skin oil, but it's not really located where I grip the handle; maybe just thumb-oil specifically? Same general pattern is present on all four handles, even the ones I use least/rarely: away from the hinge, towards the rear of the vehicle.

Purchased new in July 2021, in Colorado for 13 months, then in Southern California. Stored outdoors always. Fairly certain it didn't start in Colorado.

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[Grumpaw]

Common especially on vehicles that stay outside. Occurs a lot on that type of unfinished matt surface. Not a defect...just a combination of heat/sun/dirt.
Just give it a good scrubbing next time you wash and get a bottle of Mothers Back To Black. Give it a good treatment and just re-apply once a month or so.
If you use 303 you can also use it but it needs to be reapplied more often

 

[seasprite]

This might have promise

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Mother’s Back to Black and regular use of a UV blocker such as 303 Protectant.

Even better, try Duke’s 404 - it’s 101 times better - you can’t argue with math.

 

[AzScorpion]

Mother’s Back to Black and regular use of a UV blocker such as 303 Protectant.

Even better, try Duke’s 404 - it’s 101 times better - you can’t argue with math.

Stop with the imitations! There's only one original!?

Stick to what you're known for.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Stop with the imitations! There's only one original!?

Stick to what you're known for.

Since 1917 - clearly a knock-off. I’m WAY older than that. Well, at least I feel way older.

Now, where‘d I put my walker and my rheumatism medicine? ?

 

[AzScorpion]

1917 - clearly a knock-off. I’m WAY older than that. Well, at least I feel way older.

Now, where‘d I put my walker and my rheumatism medicine? ?

You lost your walker and have hobbling around with this lately.

 

[NotBudule2]

Stop with the imitations! There's only one original!?

Stick to what you're known for.

Thanks for ruining mayonnaise for me forever...

 

[LB'sTremor]

 

[WheelMon]

I noticed some discoloration on my (black, XLT) door handles some time ago (I don't remember how long now, multiple months at least, if not over a year), and I'm finally getting around to asking about it.

Anybody have any ideas what this could be, or suggestions on cleaning it (besides remove/replace)? My best guess is just skin oil, but it's not really located where I grip the handle; maybe just thumb-oil specifically? Same general pattern is present on all four handles, even the ones I use least/rarely: away from the hinge, towards the rear of the vehicle.

Purchased new in July 2021, in Colorado for 13 months, then in Southern California. Stored outdoors always. Fairly certain it didn't start in Colorado.

Clean them and then use 303 on all your black plastics & rubber trim.

 

[Cabose-1]

Door handles, all black rubber trim and my mirrors are all changing color on me.
No big deal, just cheap plastic parts. Dont feel bad, my brother in laws 100k cheepy 2500 truck jas the plastic doing rhe same.
The plastic on my rear bumper is discoloring and getting scratched up too.
Just the nature of cheap plastics. I wouldnt worry about it.
But if you do, the members here have plenty of products that will fix it right up!

 

[AzScorpion]

Door handles, all black rubber trim and my mirrors are all changing color on me.
No big deal, just cheap plastic parts. Dont feel bad, my brother in laws 100k cheepy 2500 truck jas the plastic doing rhe same.
The plastic on my rear bumper is discoloring and getting scratched up too.
Just the nature of cheap plastics. I wouldnt worry about it.
But if you do, the members here have plenty of products that will fix it right up!

The 303 Aerospace Protectant is the best for UV protection for all plastic exterior and interior including leather. It will restore some faded black plastic but if it's to far gone the Mothers Back to Black works much better.

 

[Motorpsychology]

Mother’s Back to Black and regular use of a UV blocker such as 303 Protectant.

Even better, try Duke’s 404 - it’s 101 times better - you can’t argue with math.

No, that's 404 Canadian which converts to 303 US.

The 303 Aerospace Protectant is the best for UV protection for all plastic exterior and interior including leather. It will restore some faded black plastic but if it's to far gone the Mothers Back to Black works much better.

It works pretty well, but you need to keep reapplying it. I use it on the black matte trim.

 

[AzScorpion]

It works pretty well, but you need to keep reapplying it. I use it on the black matte trim.

When I was living in AZ it would last a good 3-4 months which is amazing in that heat. I'd hit my dash and leather seats around the same time and all looked just a good as new after 4 years.

Now I use the 303 Graphene Nano spray on all my exterior. It has the same high UV protection as the Aerospace Protectant and you can do all the body, rubber, plastic and glass in one shot. That makes it so much easier and saves time too.

 

[wickkid]

I noticed some discoloration on my (black, XLT) door handles some time ago (I don't remember how long now, multiple months at least, if not over a year), and I'm finally getting around to asking about it.

Anybody have any ideas what this could be, or suggestions on cleaning it (besides remove/replace)? My best guess is just skin oil, but it's not really located where I grip the handle; maybe just thumb-oil specifically? Same general pattern is present on all four handles, even the ones I use least/rarely: away from the hinge, towards the rear of the vehicle.

Purchased new in July 2021, in Colorado for 13 months, then in Southern California. Stored outdoors always. Fairly certain it didn't start in Colorado.

Mine were doing this and I used Meguiar's Ultimate Black plastic restorer. Worked wonders!

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