What products does anyone recommend to clean the dashboard and the other non-leather surfaces in the Acura. My husband was getting ready to spray Armorall all over it but I told him that probably wasn't the best thing. It seems to make the surfaces too shiny. Any suggestions before he decides to get trigger happy again!

 

People may not think about this, but I clean my dash due to dust. I don't have anything else on my dash but that. The best thing I have found that doesn't leave a glossy wet nasty look is those swiffer dust clothe things. They pick up dust great. No spray! Clean your radio controls, instrumentation. You name it. I keep one in the car just incase it needs a little dusting. Hope this helps.
Jeremy

 

My recommendation for 98% of the time is a damp, clean, lint-free cotton cloth. If you do it regularly, which it sounds like you (or your husband) do, you shouldn't need anything but a little water. On those occasions where you feel you must use some sort of "product" on it, I'd find something other than Armorall. Personally, I never liked the results or the "film" it left behind, and quit using it (or anything but water) many years ago. Never had a problem. People still make comments about how nice my 11 year old interior looks. Nothing but water and a vacuum. (no leather btw, but that's another story)

<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by 8ball on May 13, 2001 @ ]</font>

 

Hey 8ball,

Check out the MEETS folder for a KC / Omaha get together. Hope you can make it.

------------------
'00 Zainoed Firepepper Red TL
20% Tint
Removed 3.2TL

 

I have had my 2000 TL well over a year now & only cleaned the dash once with Armorall like stuff. I have the Ebony int in my car & the dash only needs to be cleaned with Plege or Swifter wipes. The car sits out in the sun I do use Sunshade & Carcover. The dash just gets dusty & the wipes do a good job. The other non leather parts like seat backs & door panels can be treated with leather conditioner as well. You can use some Armorall down aroud the kick panels.

<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by FTM-1 on May 13, 2001 @ ]</font>

 

There's a bunch of info at the below link, but I've used Vinylex and consider it to be a good product. Please read the "Vinyl" article, however. It has really good information for whatever you choose.
http://carcareonline.com/howto_articles.html

 

Cleaning and conditioning are separate.

I agree that a little water is all that is neded to clean.

Let the dash dry and condition occasionally - the plasticizers in vinyl do deteriorate over time, and UV can damage the material.

I do not like or recommend the silicone type treatments (such as Armorall). I like 303 Protectant, and Meguiar's, which uses sesame oil among other ingredients.

I find these leave a nice matte finish, not oily.

 

Try using 303 Aerospace Protectant, I tried it after reading the review and really like it. http://www.properautocare.com/303-16.html

 

I use Meguiar's on the dash, kickpanels, doors, and tires. I know there's wetter looking stuff for tires, but I don't want it flinging disolved rubber all over my car!!

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John

2002 WDP TL-S (non-nav)

 

I use 303 when I can find it.

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Feliz

98 Acura CL, primrose
2002 TL-S, silver

 

there's an armor all 'low shine' version and also a meguiars 'natural shine' version too.
I have used the armor all and I can say for sure it doesn't overshine and glare into the glass. I'll try the meguiars next.

<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by miwa on May 19, 2001 @ ]</font>

 

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I bought a box of the Swiffers and they work great. Also bought some of the Meguiars. Thanks again!!

 

California Dash Duster. Takes about 2 minutes for the entire dash, door trims, console, and seats right before vacuuming. I'm not a big fan of fluid cleaners or "protectants" on any of these surfaces (except conditioner for the leather and pleather). YMMV.

 

If you want cheap -- get the Swifties (I keep them around)

If you are in to "new" things -- try the new Microfiber towels. The dash realy shouldn't have any thing put on it. You can get the microfiber towels at:

Pep Boys
Classic Motoring Accesories

They even make a microfiber dust mitt that you can find on the Griot's site.

If you are going to put any stuff on the vinyl stick to the 303 protectant or Vinylex. Stay away from Armor-All and other silicone products.

BTW -- If you put some Armor-all or some other shiny garbage on your dash, you will drive yourself nuts with all of the reflections off the dash into the windshield. The acute angle of the dash and windshield warrant careful and preventative cleaning. (Microfiber or Swifties for dust, and a lint free towl [microfiber or take-your-pick] with a little distilled water to remove dirt.) If you really get some kind of horrible mess going, go to Griot's -- they have a interior cleaner product that is very nice.