How to Make Your Dirty Car Dashboard Clean and Shiny Again – Jalopnik

If you’ve ever been in your car and noticed that your dashboard looks like it’s been through a dust storm and a fryer, you’re not alone. Most dashboards don’t just break overnight. They lose their fresh appearance slowly, thanks to UV rays, dirt, body oils and negligence. The good news is that basic cleaning tips can help get rid of these pesky car messes if you follow them properly.

Start simple. Use a dry microfiber cloth or vacuum cleaner to remove loose dust without causing micro-scratches. Once the dust is gone, spray a mild cleaning fluid, such as a DIY vinegar solution, warm water with mild soap, or a specialty interior cleaner, onto a new cloth and wipe the dashboard clean. Do not spray the cleaner directly onto the dashboard. Remember not to use glass cleaners containing ammonia on your car’s dashboard. Wipe the surface and dry it immediately to avoid water stains.

Now comes the fun part: restoring the shine. There are several interior cleaners and dashboard protectors that can restore a fresh and satin shine (or a matte finish if you prefer). However, if you’ve dabbled in the strange side of car maintenance, you may have seen the DIY oil method. Some enthusiasts claim that a small amount of clean cooking oil or baby oil mixed with dish soap can instantly revive faded plastic. If you try this method, finish with a warm, soapy cloth, then use a dry microfiber cloth to avoid leaving any greasy residue. It works for a short time, so consider it a short-term solution.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you may realize that your dashboard still looks tired and not dirty. That’s where the advanced stuff comes in.

There are many dashboard cleaning products on the market that are designed to prevent dust from adhering to your car’s dashboard. Hybrid dashboard and glass cleaners can reduce the amount of time and money you spend cleaning. Electronic cleaning wipes for digital screens and instrument cluster are also available. Just stay away from products containing alcohol and ammonia, as these can strip coatings and cause drying and cracking.

For leather dashboards, use special leather cleaners and conditioners. For a suede stripe, use suede cleaners and special brushes. Modern plastic restorers are essentially car skin serums and are among the products that can fix your sticky dashboard.

Then there is the heat gun method. When plastic oxidizes, it can lose its natural oils and become discolored. Applying controlled heat can bring back the original finish. But let’s be clear: controlled heat is essential. Too much heat can warp the dashboard into a Salvador Dalí painting.

After you’ve done all this work, preventative care is a must. A non-greasy UV protective product can keep fading at bay. Combine that with a reflective sunshade, parking away from direct sunlight and a quick weekly or bimonthly cleaning. Your dashboard won’t return to its sad, annoying phase anytime soon.