1998 Ford Explorer Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 195

Maintenance and care Check the safety belt system periodically to make sure there are no nicks, wear or cuts. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident, refer to the Safety belt maintenance section in theSeating and safety restraints chapter. Cleaning the built-in child seat (if equipped) Clean with mild soap and water. Do not use household cleaning products because they may weaken the safety belt webbing or damage the vinyl parts of the seat. The child seat liner is removable and may be machine-washed and air dried. Underbody Flush the complete underside of vehicle frequently. Keep body drain holes unplugged. Inspect for road damage. Cleaning leather seats (if equipped) For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. For more thorough cleaning, wipe the surface with a mild soap. If the leather cannot be completely cleaned using a mild soap and water solution, the leather may be cleaned using a commercially available cleaning product ''Tanners Preserve Leather Cleaner'' and a 3M ''Type T'' scrubbing pad by using the following steps; The type of scrubbing pad is very critical because the common 3M ''Scotch Brite'' green pad is too aggressive and will damage the leather surface • Spray a small amount of the leather cleaner on the pad and rub the area to be cleaned with the pad using a circular motion. Only clean 1/4 of the area at a time. For heavily soiled areas, spray the cleaner directly onto the leather (two squirts should be adequate) and rub with the pad. Repeat if necessary. • Use a soft, damp cloth to remove the loosened dirt and foam. • Dry with a soft cloth. Do not use household cleaners, glass cleaner, alcohol solutions or cleaner intended for vinyl, rubber or plastics. These products can damage the leather. In some instances, color or dye transfer can occur when wet clothing (wool, denim, leathers or other non-colorfast garments) 195