How To Make Your Grimy Car Dashboard Clean And Shiny Again

If you've ever sat in your car and noticed that your dashboard looks like it's been through a dust storm and a fryer basket, you're not alone. Most dashboards don't just degrade overnight. They lose their crisp look slowly, thanks to UV rays, grime, body oils, and negligence. The good news is that basic cleaning tips can work to remove this nasty car mess when you follow them properly.

Start simple. Use a dry microfiber cloth or a vacuum to remove loose dust without creating micro scratches. Once the dust is gone, spray a mild cleaning liquid, like a DIY vinegar solution, warm water with gentle soap, or a dedicated interior cleaner, on a new cloth and wipe the dash – don't spray the cleaner directly onto the dashboard. Remember to avoid using glass cleaners with ammonia on your car's dash. Wipe the surface, and then dry it immediately to avoid water marks.

Now comes the fun part — restoring the shine. There are various interior cleaners and dashboard protectants that can restore a fresh and satin finish (or a matte finish if you prefer). However, if you've been on the weird side of car care, you may have seen the DIY oil method. Some enthusiasts claim that a tiny 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 wipe of soapy warm water, and then use a dry microfiber cloth to avoid leaving a greasy residue. It works briefly, so treat it as a short-term solution.

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

There are a lot of dash cleaning products available on the market that are designed to stop dust from clinging to your car's dashboard. Hybrid dash and glass cleaners can reduce the amount of time and money you spend cleaning. Electronics cleaning wipes for digital screens and the instrument cluster are available, too. Just steer away from products with alcohol and ammonia, as they can strip coatings and cause dryness and cracking. 

For leather dashboards, use specialized leather cleaners and conditioners. For a suede dash, use suede cleaners and special brushes. Modern plastic restorers are essentially skin serums for cars and are one of the products that can restore your sticky dashboard.

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

Once you've done all this work, preventative care is a must. A non-greasy UV protectant product can keep fading at bay. Pair that with a reflective sunshade, parking out of the direct sunlight, and a quick weekly or bi-monthly wipe-down. Your dashboard won't return to its sad, nasty phase anytime soon.