Despite proper maintenance and regular cleaning, you may become frustrated by the rate at which your car’s interior, and especially the dashboard, becomes dustier than it should be. From the main horizontal surface of the dashboard to the areas around the gauge boxes, the air vents, controls and upholstery stitching, you’re likely to encounter a new layer of dust every day.
Although dust particles do not occur by chance, several factors such as static electricity, general wear and tear, outdoor parking and road conditions often lead to dust entering your cabin. For most drivers, constant cleaning with wipes is sufficient to remove dusty surfaces. Unfortunately, the friction process creates an electrical imbalance, causing the materials to transfer electrons and leave the dashboard negatively charged. As a result, the electrical imbalances act as a magnet for particles in the air, leading to a dusty surface.
But on the plus side, there are many car cleaning tricks to maintain a shiny, dust-repellent dashboard. Products that reduce static electricity buildup are especially effective because they minimize the charge that attracts dust. It’s a simple cleaning hack that will make your dashboard look newer and preserve the materials over time.
Use antistatic products
Because your car’s dashboard is one of the most visible and frequently touched surfaces, it can be a prime target for dust and static electricity. During the day, especially when parked outside, the dashboard is exposed to sunlight, which can cause the material to dry out and fade or crack over time. Using anti-static surface treatment products, such as anti-static sprays, can preserve the life and value of your car.
The sprays have powerful cleaning properties that form a protective layer that prevents dust from settling. However, when applying sprays, use just enough of the products to avoid over-saturating the surface and fabric. While other anti-static products such as dryer sheets are often used around the home, they can also be a bonus when cleaning the interior of your car. Dryer sheets contain fabric softener and lubricants that neutralize statically charged dust attracted to the dashboard.
Another way to reduce the amount of dust deposited on your dashboard is to keep a clean cabin air filter. This filter traps particles such as road dust, pollen and dirt before they reach the dashboard, but over time the fibers clog and allow more pollutants to pass through. To maintain its functionality, have it inspected during regular maintenance and replaced approximately every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or more often if you drive in dusty or urban conditions. You can replace the cabin air filter yourself by following the owner’s manual. Most filters are located behind the glove box, under the dashboard or near the bottom of the windshield and can be replaced in a few minutes.
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