How to clean old plastic reservoir from a vintage benz

Clean Old Plastic Reservoir From a Vintage Benz

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Here's the original plastic VDO washer reservoir from a 1963 Mercedes 230SL.  50 years of dirt and grease shows.

Here's the original plastic VDO washer reservoir from a 1963 Mercedes 230SL. 50 years of dirt and grease shows.

I used the Comet with Bleach no scratch formula.  You want to clean the part but not to scratch it much.

I used the Comet with Bleach no scratch formula. You want to clean the part but not to scratch it much.

I did this in our kitchen sink.  I got the part wet and sprinkled the cleaner on it.  Since there's bleach in it you can let it sit for 5-10 minutes before you start.  Make sure the cleaner is wet.

I did this in our kitchen sink. I got the part wet and sprinkled the cleaner on it. Since there's bleach in it you can let it sit for 5-10 minutes before you start. Make sure the cleaner is wet.

After the first cleaning it's looking better already. Repeat each side a couple times. Don't scrub too hard or get too aggressive with the scotch scrubbing pad.

Finally, use a few teaspoons of vinegar and some water and let it soak on the inside. It will clean out the old scale that's built up.

  • Scotch scrubbing pad
  • Comet with Bleach no scratch formula
  • White vinegar