Question for those with GM High-Clearance Assist Steps

[JV23]

Hey, all! I have acquired a take-off set of GM high-clearance assist steps. They're virtually new as they were taken off a 2026 ZR2 2500 with just a few thousand mile on it. However, they were on long enough to get a bit dirty. So now my question ... how are you guys cleaning these? I love their rugged texture, as it seems they'll be extremely durable. However, rags and sponges don't stand a chance against their rough surface. I tried a small bristle brush and it had little to no effect. I haven't tried a power washer yet, but that's about all I can think of at this point. Anyone have any method that's worked for them on these specific steps? Thanks for any ideas!

 

[Geddyflea]

Try spraying a cheap brand of tire foaming cleaner / treatment on them. Just let it run off by itself. Its worked for me.

 

[JPI]

I just used a pressure washer.
Even a run through my local car wash didn't get them completely clean.

 

[Geddyflea]

The foam will loosen the dirt over a bit of time. It also will hide what dirt doesn't come loose because it will make the boards look darker black. Its an old car lot / detailers trick. Id just try it in an inconspicuous small area to make sure it gives you the results you are looking for. I've used several brands but the Armour All tire foam is relatively cheap and works pretty good.

 

[Keller]

Yeah, these things love to stay dirty. That grippy texture grabs and holds the dirt like crazy.

I live on a dirt road, so I've given up the dream of ever having a clean truck.

 

[theUSAchevy]

I ran those steps for a while before i got my Amp steps but I agree they were a pain to keep clean and most times i just hit it with the pressure washer to get them clean enough but if you have a firm bristle scrubbing brush i find that worked pretty good

 

[JV23]

Try spraying a cheap brand of tire foaming cleaner / treatment on them. Just let it run off by itself. Its worked for me.

I just used a pressure washer.
Even a run through my local car wash didn't get them completely clean.

Thanks for the insight! I actually used a hybrid of what you guys suggested. Went and grabbed a can of Meguiars wheel and tire foam cleaner and went to a carwash with pressure washer bays. I throughly foamed up the steps (and wheels and tires since I had the product handy ). I let the foam sit about a minute, then I then hit the steps with the brush in the wash bay and pressure washed the foam off. Now, they literally look good as new! Every nook and cranny is completely free of dirt. The texture even sparkles a bit in the sun now! I'll now have a strategy for when they get dirty again. I appreciate the ideas and experiences. Thanks!

 

[Bowtiefreak]

Thanks for the insight! I actually used a hybrid of what you guys suggested. Went and grabbed a can of Meguiars wheel and tire foam cleaner and went to a carwash with pressure washer bays. I throughly foamed up the steps (and wheels and tires since I had the product handy ). I let the foam sit about a minute, then I then hit the steps with the brush in the wash bay and pressure washed the foam off. Now, they literally look good as new! Every nook and cranny is completely free of dirt. The texture even sparkles a bit in the sun now! I'll now have a strategy for when they get dirty again. I appreciate the ideas and experiences. Thanks!

I was going to tell you to use your favorite APC degreaser ,let it sit a minute and then spray off but you figured it out. Watch out for any overspray that may have got on your paint. That tire cleaner is powerful stuff and can mess up your paint job.

 

[Geddyflea]

Good deal! I'm glad it worked for you.

You can also use it for wheel well liners and, if you're trying to sell an old car and want the engine to look new, under the hood