Hello,

I search thru the forms for dashboard cleaning, but whatever I find seems to be applying to vinyl surfaces... Doesn't a 2005 TL have leather surfaces on the dashboard?? It sure feels like leather...

Just to make it clear, when I say dashboard, I mean the flat black surface that runs across a windshield. There is some other kind of material right above the dials, which I am suspecting to be leather processed in a different way...

Am I totally off? I bought ArmorAll Leather surface cleaner to clean up the surfaces, but after reading the forum I'm kind of worried I'll mess it up...

Any suggestions? Thanks...

 

Unfortunately, the dashboard is not made out of leather but vinyl I believe. Whatever you use to clean it, DO NOT use any kind of armorall. The chemicals found in those products will make everything worse in the long run. If you do a search, you will find an enormous amount of threads relating to this topic.

 

I like the 303 protectorant...much improved over Armorall.

 

Why on earth does it feel to me like leather... I must have messed up feeling on my fingers...

 

yep..i use lexol and it works great!

 

I use a small california duster on my dash and don't put ANY liquid on it.

It works **GREAT**.

Remember, don't rub the duster onto the dash, just lightly wisk the dust away - haha..

 

Hmm just bought my TL, but I'll probably use one of those swifter things....at least those pick up dust, your california duster just blows it around in the air so it either comes right back or settles elsewhere in your car...

 

After reading several recommendations on 303 for the dash, I bought a bottle and used it in my last wash/cleaning. Looks good so far!

I think 303 is an overall good product that you can use on almost every material in your car.

 

For the dashboard top, I have been cleaning it with a microfiber towel dampened with water. Then apply a thin film of 303 protectant. Lasts for 6 to 8 months before you have to do it again.

 

From Acura Service News Dec 05

Dashboard Looks Faded or
Blotchy
Got an ’04–06 TL in your shop with a faded or
blotchy-looking dashboard? (It’s called the
instrument panel in the parts catalog.) What’s
probably causing this is the compatibilizer
material in the dashboard is migrating through the
cover. After the material ages, proper cleaning
and an application of vinyl protectant should
restore it to showroom condition. Keep in mind,
though, if you clean the dashboard before all that
material has migrated, you may need to clean it
again and reapply the protectant.
To clean the dashboard, first moisten a clean,
white towel with Acura Spray Cleaner/Polish
(P/N08C25-P011M), then rub the panel vigorously
until the discoloration goes away. Clean the
dashboard twice in different directions to get the
best results.
After you’re done cleaning, moisten another fresh
towel with Acura Vinyl/Leather Protectant
(P/N 08740-PC008), and liberally apply this
product to the dashboard. Do this twice in
different directions to make sure all areas get
covered.
Avoid spraying the cleaner or vinyl protectant
directly on the dashboard. These products are
tough to remove from glass, and glass cleaners
could stain or discolor the dashboard.

 

I use the swiffer and it does a great job simply in that it doesnt create smudging. what u guys using for the seats, I used mothers for my older car and it seemed ok, stunk like coconut for weeks though. also can I use the same things for car seats for a leather couch at home?

 

303 has my vote. Clean dash with lexol cleaner every month and apply new coat of 303.

 

There are a lot of recommendations for Lexol spray (not the wipes). I couldn't find any where I'm at, so I am using Meg's, which seems to work ok.

 

303 was nice, but all it did was delay the inevitable fade and made it harder to resolve. I ditrvhed the 04 TL and got a 06 TL, seems the dealers no use the Honda treatment on day 1 hoping to prevent it. So I picked up a can of it and just refreshed the dash after 2 months. We'll see if this prevents the fading.

 

havent done my 06 TL yet but When I detailed my 03 TL-s I used Armor All Detailer's Advantage. (spray not tire foam) Soaked a cheap sponge with it and spread it over the entire dash. two applications left a permenent shine on my dash board. once it dried light dusting once or twice a month and it stays perfect.

downside:: smells kinda strong untill it dries and its so shiny it can put a glare on the windshield when the sun hits it just right

 

Really should clean your dash with a liquid cleaner once a month. Many people make the mistake of wiping with a dry cloth and then applying another coat of conditioner over it.
All the horizontal surfaces of your car deserve to be cleaned at least monthly then conditioned. Besides the dirt, the sun still bakes all those contaminants into that black, heat absorbing dash. So unless they are removed by active cleaning they will bake and you will seal them in, not good. Be nice to your dash.

 

How does this kit look?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...nce&n=15684181

 

I use this >>> its a little more expensive but very good to work with i love it )

http://www.superiorcarcare.net/pinleatvincl.html

 

I use 303 areospace on every single part of my interior, it works GREAT.
Get on ebay and get yourself a bottle, you wont regret it.
Oh, and i use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the interior.

 

Meguiar's NXT Generation™ Tech Protect is the only way to go!!

 

I'm a convert to Lexol Leather Conditioner after using Mothers for over a year. I used the Mother's Leather Cleaner and the Mothers Leather Conditioner and the steering wheel always felt sticky after a clean and condition. The Lexol stuff does not do this.

For dusting I use a microfiber towel made by Vileda. The towel is pink and very dense material, durable and machine washable. More $ than cheap mf cloths but worth it in the long run. Good for glass, dash and CDs. You can find them at some grocery stores near the Swiffer section or Walleyworld.

 

I'm noticing white splotches on my dash as well; can I use the same Lexol conditioner/cleaner I use on the seats? I want to ensure I don't get glare on the windshield.

Thanks.

 

I use this too!

 

I highly recommend 303 Aerospace. No glossy residue. It gets rid of that white-ish chalky look from rubs etc. And it hides the rectangular airbag image on the passenger side. I got mine here....

http://www.properautocare.com

I used to get my stuff from them mail-order. Now they are 10 miles from my house.

 

i am using the meguires interior wipes...they work great, and dont leave the dash with any greasy look or feel...i use the wipe and then take a clean cloth and wipe again...looks just like new....

 

i did the same thing and the results are great. it makes the dash look like it should. its a nice subtle shine but without making it look like you coated everything in butter. this stuff made the passenger airbag outline totally disappear.

 

Guys look someones going to argue about this all day n night buuuttt...i have a shop that specializes in interiors.....I only use this because it keeps the dash shiny... clean and doesnt leave ANY oily residue or dry out after a few weeks....it actually lasts like 4-6 months at a time. so one application is all u really need.
https://detailworks.3dcartstores.com...ay_p_0-10.html

 

malco makes some of the best products for cleaning n maintaining interiors.

 

I'm soooooooooooooo glad I read this thread, I was planning on using that pro gel armall....

So where it the best (cheapest) place to pick up the 303?

 

http://www.prestostore.com/cgi-bin/s...etail&ct=64761

http://www.prestostore.com/cgi-bin/s...4761&pd=284052

 

Thank you!

 

+1

try 303products.com they have an excellent sample pack for only $5.00

 

fuck, just armoralled my whole interior this past weekend. gonna try something diff cuz 3/4 of my interior is shiny with faded spots and I got the whole interior good ......