suggestions please...

[sedwar05]

Hi all! Since the weather is warming up and I've got the time, I'm gonna try to do a deep cleaning of Flutterbug. My ??? for you all is what is a "good" interior cleaner for the dash/front console? She has a lot of sand and dirt (Arizona, pffft) in the nooks and corners as well as vents that I want to get to. I've got the q-tips and toothbrush ready, but can't decide on a cleaner that would be worth the $$$ and do a good job. Also, there is some funky build-up on the metal seat frames on the floor...

Suggestions on what you like to use that won't strip the interior would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks,

-Stacey

[noR]

WATER.

Seriously, try not to use any cleaning product on the dash. And it scratches easily.

Alot of people have good luck w/swiffer wipes for long-term dash maintenance.


If you can't help yourself, I've had real good luck with Vinylex. I tried a small squirt bottle first; and was impressed enough to buy a 3L jug of the stuff once it ran dry.

[sedwar05]

Thank you for the info...

I was considering some dish soap and water mix to cut the grease/dirt/grime, but don't know if it would leave a "milky" residue since it's a black dash?

[Cameron_Talley]

I've used a California Dash duster for years, and nothing else. They work great. Try Target, I just got a new one on clearance for a little over $5.

The dash scratches VERY easily, so avoid scrubbing with ANY kind of brush! Dash duster or microfiber towels ONLY.
You can also use the duster on the door sills, the center console, and just about any hard surface that collects dust.

[Volkswoman]

All the ideas I've read here are good ones. I'm an auto detaler for 20 years, and I have never seen a dash scratch like these. What I recommend is MILD cleaner for the dash if you need more than the dash duster. Another item I use with great results is air in a can. I buy them at office depot but any one will do. They will remove alot of the dust and crud in the cracks and crevices, vents, etc. Once you do that, any remaining dirt can be cleaned with a spray. I also use Vinylex, in addition to Mcguiars Natural Shine for conditioning. Other parts of the car, seat frames, greasy areas that aren't vinyl that will scratch, respond well to some good old SImple Green - cuts grease, is biodegradable, smells clean.

[sedwar05]

Thank you guys so much! I'm going to tackle it today when the temp goes up a few more degrees this morning, I'll try to take some before/after pics for comparison...

[SixChuter]

I would agree with noR. Try a very lightly dampened (water) microfiber cloth first and follow up with a Swiffer or a mini California Duster. And Volkswoman's suggestion about canned air is a good one. Great for cleaning out those cracks and crevices. Meguiar's also sells a great little brush that works very well.

[rubyredbug06]

I learned alot about detailing on the internet, Autogeek has "how to" lessons. There is a "how to" on cleaning the interior. Then I purchased DP interior cleaner and protectant. I use a microfiber cloth for the cleaner, it works great, no fuzz or lint on the dash, and then repeat with a clean microfiber cloth to apply the protectant. I use it per instructions for the interior, all vinyl/leather/plastic surfaces, and am pleased with the results.