I realize that the 2007 ES350 has this issue with the film on the steering wheel buttons peeling and getting sticky. Mine is doing this. But my question is, can the peeling film be completely removed in some way so it's not sticky anymore?

The controls on mine are the same color underneath the film (dark gray), so if I could just remove the rest of the top film and the glue, it would be fine. Anyone recommend a product for this that won't destroy whatever the material is?

This is an old issue mentioned several times in the forums.

Here's a link to one of them:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...es-popped.html

It is a known issue and there is a bulletin out for it.
Under warranty, it's covered.
However, out of warranty probably not unless your dealer is willing to do you a favor.

^^^^I think the OP knew that. He appears to be out of warranty and I think he's asking a different question. He's asking if anyone has removed the rubber covers and kept the buttons underneath them and what they did to remove the sticky residue that affixes the rubber to the buttons.

Lou

Thank you, yes. As I said, I'm AWARE of the issue, but my car is way out of warranty (I bought it used) and I'm simply asking if there is a known method of cleaning off the sticky top film so that only the bare buttons underneath remain.

Ok..guess the replacement "in warranty" is out of the question.

I suppose you could try some sort of "citrus based" cleaner. They are generally pretty good at removing adhesives and their residue. Don't think it would damage the plastic.

I would not use anything too aggressive as it would most likely discolor the plastic.

Try going from mild to stronger cleaning agent.
first soap solution, then Iso-propyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), then acetone (nail polish remover), then hydrogen peroxide.

As always use your own judgement - this advise is worth what you paid for it.

I've had the same problem since I've owned my Lexus 3 years ago...much worse in the Summer time but I recently stumbled upon a solution accidently....I was cleaning my panels inside the car with Plasitix and a microfiber towel and rubbed a few applications on and voila, it's not sticky anymore...give it a try.

Hey thanks, I will give that a try!

Don't have any Plasitix yet, but I did have some moderate success with a product we have at work called Red Thunder. It's basically a degreaser/bug remover. I followed it with some Murphy's Oil Soap to clean up any degreaser residue. I think another more intensive application will take care of the sticky stuff for good.

thats good you found something else that works...so far the Plastix has been working for me...so glad i stumbled upon it