Sponsored

Beware of Air Fresheners

MechanicalBob

Active Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2024
Threads
5
Messages
31
Reaction score
73
Location
Nevada
Vehicle(s)
2022 Tremor
I went through a WOW carwash about a month or two ago and got an air freshener as part of the wash. I removed it from the package and slung it over the gear shift lever because I don't like things dangling from the mirror. Yesterday I went to throw out the air freshener because it was pretty well used up, and it was stuck to the trim in front of the gear shifter. At first I thought there must have been something sticky on the air freshener, as it looked like gum stuck to both my truck's plastic and the air freshener. I tried rubbing it off but wasn't getting anywhere. Turns out those things are VERY hard on some plastics when in direct contact. Now I've got a ruined piece of trim that is pretty easy to see.

Moral of the story: read the warnings on EVERYTHING. I didn't even think air fresheners had warnings, other than maybe "don't eat". If you're going to use one of the hangy-type air fresheners, either hang it from the mirror or put it on the floorboard or under the seat.

On a related note, if anyone knows of a source for a wrap or something like that to cover the plastic from the cupholders forward, I'd appreciate it!
Sponsored

 

AzScorpion

Moderator
First Name
Dave
Joined
Jul 25, 2019
Threads
340
Messages
26,755
Reaction score
135,101
Location
Back Home In AZ!
Vehicle(s)
2023 Ford Ranger Tremor
Occupation
Retired...Full Time Slacker
You could try some 303 Aerospace protectant on the area. First try some Isopropyl alcohol to loosen up the stickiness. Then take the Aerospace protectant and spray some on, let it sit for 5-10 minutes and see if it starts to dissolves the stickiness. This is also one of the best UV protectants for your interior (and exterior) plastic and leather seats.

https://www.amazon.com/303-Dust-Lint-Staining-Repellant/dp/B00JG3OIFU/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?crid=3GIPHFYRECJDT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.BPI4zHWcsETnCuzqELbJOAe-gfUTN3FeKSYoc4-_0Nv_vgLrXnwty_cF4Im0Cau8KVDJw0HTko9Fn00U0FS1bmAATTv7KnJQKV583sdT9FmynoWGrTH0_nWZytZ0CjiZjCYj4bDQKtB_gjVrPz-3is2LllfVvJ8oOsqsSY2Akn3eWd8Z5b1HCBlrtqHK9Sucz7FTWbakdIfCcSJOrpMkod7wsS2_n3Pcq6Rf8ROl0rGYrsVjj2YfvPqY7BkXNsD0tWhH41VbHNYL1-Pq9d3xnbiYDUFWeEGQ1MNzDUZ9PDc.CIS7dC77k4Adnulgwp8DJtTlUVpZB0a3Xe9y7prhC6I&dib_tag=se&keywords=303+aerospace+protectant&qid=1737997407&sprefix=303+,aps,163&sr=8-4-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

  • ULTIMATE PROTECTION: Shield your outdoor products from harmful UV rays, dust, dirt, salt water, & staining with this 303 protectant. Prevents fading & cracking for long-term care.
  • NON-GREASY: This 303 protectant also offers a non-greasy formula that dries to a smooth matte finish for a like-new appearance for both the exterior & interior.
  • VERSATILE: Effectively rejuvenates a wide range of surfaces, including vinyl, plastic, synthetic and natural rubber, PVC, metal, gel coat, fiberglass, and stainless steel.
 

Grumpaw

Well-Known Member
First Name
Steve
Joined
Jul 1, 2021
Threads
84
Messages
5,909
Reaction score
29,450
Location
Fishersville, Va.
Vehicle(s)
Previous 2021 Ranger, Now 2019 Ford Expedition
Occupation
Navy Vet., Retired Police Sgt., Grumpy Old Senior Citizen
Try farting in your Ranger....it's natural, and doesn't leave any sticky residue !!! ?
Also keeps rodents and unwonted passengers away.
 

DukeCanBuildit

Well-Known Member
First Name
Duke
Joined
Jul 27, 2020
Threads
67
Messages
9,846
Reaction score
47,071
Location
Kitchener, Ontario
Vehicle(s)
2019 XLT SuperCab - FTW!
Occupation
Retired (P/T) Caregiver (F/T)
Vehicle Showcase
1
Try farting in your Ranger....it's natural, and doesn't leave any sticky residue !!! ?
Also keeps rodents and unwonted passengers away.
I’ve tried it - several times - doesn’t work.

It will probably work for @Doc .
 


WOADKIL

Well-Known Member
First Name
Wil
Joined
Mar 25, 2021
Threads
46
Messages
583
Reaction score
1,723
Location
Cyber Orange County, CA
Vehicle(s)
2021 Ranger XLT Supercrew Cab FX4
Occupation
RETIRED ENGINEER
Try farting in your Ranger....it's natural, and doesn't leave any sticky residue !!! ?
Also keeps rodents and unwonted passengers away.
I can smell it from here!!!!!


?☠?
 

veedubtuner

Well-Known Member
First Name
Morgan
Joined
Sep 8, 2021
Threads
82
Messages
1,324
Reaction score
5,777
Location
Tulsa, OK
Vehicle(s)
2004 VW R32/2023 CG XLT Scab FX4 Ranger
Occupation
VW Parts
Vehicle Showcase
1
Try farting in your Ranger....it's natural, and doesn't leave any sticky residue !!! ?
Also keeps rodents and unwonted passengers away.
Unless you shart by accident ?

"Here I sit
All broken hearted.
Tried to sh*t
but only farted.
Then one day
I took a chance
Tried to fart
and sh*t my pants"
 

airline tech

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2022
Threads
28
Messages
4,499
Reaction score
8,592
Location
Midwest - KS
Vehicle(s)
2022 Ranger Lariat-Super Crew, Cactus Gray
Occupation
Aircraft Tech
I do not think 303 or Goo Gone is going to help for this - as the plastic is melted and deformed from the chemical reaction from the air freshener (oils) touching the plastic.
Same reaction as the worm lures and attractant sprays in your tackle box trays if you let them sit for extended periods.
I would suggest Ebay for a replacement trim piece.
 

Dereku

Well-Known Member
First Name
Derek
Joined
May 18, 2022
Threads
32
Messages
2,836
Reaction score
6,968
Location
Chicagoland Area
Vehicle(s)
2021 Ford Ranger
Occupation
Project Manager
I have a spot in that very front tray by the shifter. Same thing.

I keep stuff in the tray. Try not to look at it.
 
Last edited:

subquark

Well-Known Member
First Name
David
Joined
Jan 28, 2022
Threads
11
Messages
4,554
Reaction score
23,153
Location
Portsmouth, NH
Website
subQuark.com
Vehicle(s)
Soupie! Race Red '22 XL 101A Scab 4X2 w/steelies
Occupation
game publisher
 








Top