Washing seatbelts, how to keep them in place?

I am planning on pulling the seatbelts out of my truck to clean them so that I can use a hose and whatnot, I tried a sponge and a brush and they don't seem to do anything to remove the embedded dirt.

Bonus question: how can I keep the seat belt locked in the fully extended position? I realize it's made to retract, but it's making cleaning it almost impossible. I tried using vise grips and a small hand clamp but they don't work.

 

If you pull them out and wash make sure they’re dry before letting them retract as to not get moisture inside the mechanism.

 

Thanks, I honestly didn't even think about that.

 

Definitely keep the mechanism clean and dry if you can like the gotoman said.

Also, not sure what you're using but I've had fantastic results with Folex and/or Nextzett Cockpit Premium. I know the later is more for plastics but it does a REALLY good job with things like hand lotion residue, natural oil from your skin...etc and have used it on fabrics/leather without issue.

 

Seems it would be a pain to remove them and re-install them.

 

Actually wasn't too bad hardest part was keeping them from retracting.

 

I used that spray carpet cleaner blot dry with microfiber, or can prob use bissel steam cleaner. Use the hand held wand.

 

I actually tried the Bissell carpet cleaner, It has the removable brush attachment but it didn't work too well. I ended up just pulling them out, and using the hose and dish soap. Still didn't get it completely clean but good enough for now.