Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

06-00-89-029R
May, 2020

INFORMATION
Subject:

Interior Cleaning – Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet,
Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer — Product Availability

Models:

2006-2020 GM Passenger Cars and Trucks (including Medium Duty)
(EXCLUDES Cadillac DTS Platinum and Escalade Platinum with RPO R9N – Tehama
Leather)

Attention: This bulletin also applies to any of the above models that may be Export vehicles.
This bulletin has been revised to update the first Important statement regarding cleaning
procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please discard Corporate Bulletin
Number 06-00-89-029Q.

Important: GM has updated and enhanced its
cleaning procedures in response to the COVID-19
pandemic. Based on U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) and Health Canada
recommendations, certain types of disinfecting wipes
can be used to help clean vehicles and mitigate against
COVID-19, such as Clorox disinfecting wipes
(non-scented, no bleach). These wipes have been
shown in testing to be low impact on interior surfaces
and coatings. For GM vehicles, it is important NOT to
use scented wipes or wipes containing bleach. Remove
excess liquid before wiping surfaces, especially
electrical and touch screen components. When using
these wipes or other cleansers, it is important and
necessary to read the label of the product and to follow
the instructions provided, including application method,
before using the product. Wipes that are scented or
contain bleach can cause chemical attack on interior
surfaces and should not be used. Do not use any wipes
or cleaners that show color transfer to the wipe or a
change in appearance of interior surfaces when tested
in an inconspicuous location, as those are indicators of
chemical attack. CDC and Health Canada have
identified other disinfectant products to help mitigate
against COVID-19, but at this time, GM has not tested
or approved other products for use on vehicle interior
surfaces and coatings. Use of products other than
those recommended in this bulletin are at Dealer’s
own risk.
Note: General Motors recommends cleaning as
directed in the Owner’s Manual with mild soap and
water, for most all interior surfaces.
To keep the vehicle interior looking the best, it should
be cleaned often. It is important to keep the upholstery
from becoming heavily soiled. The vehicle's interior can
experience extreme heat, which can cause stains to set
Copyright 2020 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

quickly. Lighter color interiors may require more
frequent cleaning. Care should be taken because
newspapers and garments may transfer color to the
vehicle's interior.
Many of today's interiors are made with new low gloss
materials. Permanent damage may result from using
cleaners on ANY surfaces (interior trim, instrument
panel, carpet, leather, vinyl and fabric) for which they
are not intended. Using non-approved products can
actually set the stain to the point that nothing can
remove it.
Important:
• Do not use silicone or wax-based products or
those containing organic solvents (such as
naptha, alcohol, etc.) to clean your vehicle's
interior because they can alter the appearance by
increasing the gloss in a non-uniform manner. The
increase in gloss may cause annoying reflections
in the windshield and even make it difficult to see
through the windshield under certain conditions.
• Never use a STIFF brush or a brush that has been
previously used with a harsh chemical. This can
cause damage to the vehicle's interior surfaces.
• Use only mild, Neutral-pH cleaners. Avoid laundry
detergents or dishwashing soaps with degreasers.
Using too much soap will leave residue that leaves
streaks and attracts dirt.
Because it is critical to use only mild, neutral-pH
cleaners, General Motors has approved the use of the
cleaners and conditioners listed in this bulletin for the
cleaning of interiors. These products are in the
neutral-pH range and will maintain the best vehicle
interior appearance. These products are water-based,
biodegradable, and do not contain bleach, solvents or
harsh chemicals.

Page 2

May, 2020

Interior trim pieces on new vehicles, as well as service
components, arrive with a protective film. When
removing the protective film, adhesive residue may be
left on the trim panels/components. The cleaner (for
leather, vinyl, plastic and interior paint) is an effective
cleaner in removing adhesive residue without causing
damage to the component.
Important:
• Before any cleaning product is used, vacuum to
remove all loose dirt.
• If soapy, alkaline cleaning solutions are used on
fabrics, and not thoroughly rinsed out, the residual
left in the fabric will attract dirt. Because the
recommended cleaners/conditioners are in the pH
neutral range, they won't leave behind soapy
residue.
• On heavily stained or difficult to clean fabric/
carpet, it is recommended that the entire surface
be treated and cleaned vs. spot cleaning. Refer to
Extractor Machine and Concentrate section of this
bulletin for more information.
Effective cleaning steps for hard and/or plastic
surfaces:
1. Using a clean towel, apply/spray cleaner —
leather, vinyl, plastic, interior paint, directly onto the
towel.
2. Wipe the surface with the towel/cleaner.
3. If necessary, use a soft bristle brush to work
cleaner into the crevasses of the area being
cleaned.
4. Wipe off any excess cleaner from the surface.
5. Using a clean towel, apply/spray the conditioner
(leather, vinyl restorer) directly onto the towel.
6. Wipe the conditioner onto the previously cleaned
area to restore the material to its original luster.
Important: Today's interiors are developed and
intended to have a low-gloss appearance. It is
important to use only products which provide a
low-gloss finish in order to maintain the interior's
integrity, customer appeal and satisfaction.
Effective cleaning steps for fabric:
1. Remove any residue by lightly rubbing the surface
with a clean towel.
2. Choose the appropriate stain remover based on
the stain type.
3. Spray and lightly brush the area with a clean, soft
bristle brush.
4. Gently blot up the stain.
5. On upholstery/carpet, the use of a fabric protector
can help to reduce or eliminate future staining.
Upholstery and Carpet Stains
When cleaning upholstery and carpet stains ONLY, the
following cleaning chart will help you determine which
cleaner/formula works best on a particular stain. The
chart lists many of the common stains. Some complex
stains may require the application of both stain
removers, one after the other, to remove both
food-based oils and synthetic oils.

Bulletin No.: 06-00-89-029R

A soft bristle brush (P/N 88861425) should be used to
safely work the cleaner into the leather grain or
material. This enables the dirt/stain to be completely
removed from the material.

Type of Stain

Gold Formula
(P/N 88861403)
(in Canada,
88861411)

Beer

X

Blood

X

Butter/Margarine

X

Catsup

X

Chocolate

X

Coffee

X

Cola

X

Red Formula
(P/N 88861404)
(in Canada,
88861412)

X

Cosmetics

X

Crayon

X

Grass

X

Grease (motor)

X

Gum

X

Ink

X

Iodine

X

Jelly

X

Juices

X

Lipstick

X

Mayonnaise

X

Mildew

X

Milk

X

Mustard

X

X

X

Nail Polish

X

Oil

X

Paint (latex)

X

Red drinks

X

Rust

X

Shoe Polish

X

Sun block

X

Tar

X

Tea

X

Urine

X

Vegetable oil

X

Vomit

X

Wine

X

X

Leather Conditioner/Restorer
A Leather Conditioner/Restorer is also available. The
restorer is safe for all vinyl and leather. It is a
water-based product and contains essential emollients
to restore suppleness, conditions and adds luster
without adding gloss. The restorer will also provide
protection against re-staining.

Bulletin No.: 06-00-89-029R

May, 2020

Suede/Micro-Fiber Suede
Suede used on GMNA seats includes a fabric soil
repellent already applied at the mill. There is no need
for adding an aftermarket fabric protector of any type,
and GM Materials Engineering does not recommend
doing so. The best way to clean the suede is with
water, or water plus a mild soap. Fabric cleaners,
GM P/Ns 88861404 and 88861403, are available at
dealerships and are also recommended for cleaning
suede.
Dye Transfer: Dye transfer will happen any time a
natural fiber like cotton, silk, wool, or suede comes into
contact with leather. The lighter the leather color, the
more quickly the dye transfer will appear. Leather
should be cleaned on a regular basis so that the dirt
and grime do not adversely affect the top coat of the
leather. After cleaning the leather, it is important to treat
the surface with the restorer.
Extractor Machine and Concentrate
For difficult to clean materials or when cleaning a large
area, the best results will be achieved when using an
extractor machine and concentrate. General Motors
offers the Ruby Extractor (P/N 627–CC-3000AU)
through GM Tools and Equipment 1-800-GM-TOOLS,
and has released a concentrate for use with the
extractor machine.
Whichever extractor machine is used, it should meet
the minimum specifications of the Ruby Extractor:

Page 3

Ruby Extractor Specifications:
• Pump PSI: 55
• Water Lift: 85”
• Hose Length: 10 ft
Important: The Ruby Extractor also comes with a
6 year Outer Body and 3 year Parts warranty.
Extractor: The Ruby Extractor machine was designed
for automotive use and works effectively in the vehicle's
interior. The narrow design of the vacuum head allows
detail work in tight areas. The water pressure pump is
reduced so the fabric surface is not wet more than is
necessary. The dry time is greatly reduced due to less
water on the fabric surface, the vacuum head making
better contact with the surface and the significant water
lift capability of the machine.
Concentrate: The concentrated extraction cleaner is
engineered with lower pH levels to help remove
alkaline buildup on fabrics. The concentrate should be
mixed according to the instructions listed on the
container. The available concentrate helps to break the
stain down and then the stain is easily removed with
less water. The concentrate used in the Ruby Extractor
is slightly acidic to remove soap and alkalinity from the
fabric surfaces left behind by using improper, soapy
solutions. Dirt, grease and grime are more easily
removed when the proper solution is used during the
extraction process.

Parts Information
Products are available in two sizes; 8 oz / 240 ML and
32 oz / 946 ML bottles.

Cleaner and Stain Remover:
U.S.

Canada

DESCRIPTION

8 oz.

32 oz.

240 ML

946 ML

Cleaner – Leather,
Vinyl, Plastic, Interior
Paint

88861405

88861401

88861413

88861409

Conditioner – Leather,
Vinyl, Restorer

88861406

88861402

88861414

88861410

Cleaner – Stain
Remover – Food,
Beverage

88861407

88861403

88861415

88861411

Cleaner – Stain
Remover – Ink, Grease

88861408

88861404

88861416

88861412

Page 4

May, 2020

Bulletin No.: 06-00-89-029R

Soft Bristle Brush:
Part Number

Description

88861425

Brush – Vinyl

Concentrate:
Description

U.S.

Canada

Cleaner –
Concentrate
Cloth/Carpet

88861420
(67.6 oz)

88861421 (2 L)

Available Equipment
Equipment is available by contacting
1-800-GMTOOLS.
Description

Equipment #

Ruby Upholstery Extractor

627-CC-3000AU

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.

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