I wish to clean the headliner on my 1990 745 as it has several dirty marks on it, presumably caused by big items that have been carried in the load area. Apart from the dirt, the actual material is in really good condition.

I have heard and seen all sorts of horror stories about sagging and torn headliners on 740s (Sometimes caused by cleaning them), and although I would like a clean headliner, I also would like an intact one!!! As I am British, I don't have the luxury of IPD, etc. to fall back on for a replacement if the original does get damaged :(

Can any of you good folk give me a defintive answer to how to make 740 headliners clean with the least possible damage and grief? Would dry cleaning fluid or something like STP 'Tuff Stuff' foam work?

Thanks for your time!
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Volvo For Life. And then some...

I use Woolite fabric cleaner, diluted in warm water. Sponge it on, LIGHTLY scrub as necessary, rinse with cool clean water.

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don hodgdon '89 744ti, '81 242t, '71 D-35

I hope this works for you guys as I had to replace the headliner in a 1986 760 and now I will have to have in done in my 1989 740. I have resigned to accept this work any time I get a Volvo. But the quality of the car and other attributes helps me get over the hurdle

I have a 1990 745 with 345,000 km on it. Headliner is perfect except it is dirty like yours. Not even a hint of sag. I have held off on trying to clean it until I can be SURE of the solution. Sure I can replace it easily in a wagon but it is even easier if I don't! I vote for caution.

Bill
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Volvo Info Site 1990 745GLE 16valve

I think that you would be way ahead if you relined your headliner now. It is only a matter of time before it comes loose. Wagons are relatively easy to do.

I suggest that you post these questions - Has your headliner fallen? What year is your brick?

I think that you will find many people that have had to replace their headliners.
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96 855R, 95 855,854, 90 744 Ti - 340,000 Volvo miles put on 7 bricks

My 745 is a 1990 model and the headliner hasn't (yet) fallen.

I think I shall just give it a vacuum clean and leave it until the summer when I may try some aerosol foam cleaner very sparingly. This has worked well on fabric headliners on 'lesser' makes of car that I have owned.

I really don't know why Volvo didn't use vinyl for the 740's headliner like other manufacters of 'quality' cars. My father owns a 1993 VW Golf with a vinyl healdiner which looks classy and is easy to keep clean.

I suppose that a dirty headliner won't detract from the overall 740 ownership experience. A ripped/sagged one would though :(
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Volvo For Life. And then some...

I have an '86 740 Wagon. With a sun roof I have had repeated water stains and
other light soil. A foaming bathroom cleaner has worked best for removing both.
Spray on lightly and then follow up with a dry, clean towel or cloth. For grease
or oily spots try GOO GONE, which has a citrus base. Follow-up with a light
spray of the bathroom cleaner and rub lightly as suggested before. Do not use
a 409 type cleaner which has darker color already in the compound. My headliner
has a soft material with a light loose type covering. I have not noticed any
sagging or wrinkles thus far. Good luck. Feel free to contact me further if
necessary. A brick head with 200K on the old dog. Still runs good. Petie.