Xpditor

I'm still trying to search but our search function is whacked right now. We're trying to fix it.

Maybe, if anyone knows, you can direct me to a thread where this has been discussed.

I was detailing a friend's new Honda Civic and ran into a problem. I had given him one of those gel (sticky) pads you put on the dash to hold your radar detector or cell phone. With typical negligence, he or his GF had let it cook in the Florida sun. Now, there is a shiny patch on the dash that has resisted all my efforts to remove it. I suspect it is silicone contamination... or whatever keeps the pad sticky... that has migrated into the the dash vinyl.

I have tried my usual weak Woolite solution I use for a general interior cleaner. And I have tried 303 (which is probably like closing the barn door after the horse has gone).

Any ideas?

exceldetail

Isopropyl Alcohol?

Xpditor

I hesitate to try strong liquids for fear of messing up the dash even more. This is right smack on top in front of the driver.

Have you used alcohol on a Honda/Acura dash before without damage?

(I suppose I can try a hidden spot to test it.)

exceldetail

Now thats a common sense approach!! I would do the same, and "no", I havent tried this technique....Im assuming that material is durable enough to withstand an evaporating product though.

Isopropyl alcohol is cheaply available. Like acetone, it dissolves a wide range of nonpolar compounds. It is also relatively nontoxic and dries quickly. Thus it is used widely as a solvent and as a cleaning fluid (by dissolving lipophilic contaminants such as oil). Examples of this use include cleaning electronic devices such as contact pins (like those on ROMcartridges), magnetic tape deck and floppy disk drive heads, the lenses of lasers in optical disc drives (e.g. CD, DVD) and removing thermal paste from CPUs. It is also used to clean LCD and glass computer monitor screens (at some risk to the anti-reflection coating of the screen), and used by many music shops to give second-hand or worn records newer-looking sheens. It cleans white boards and other unwanted ink related marks very well (at the risk of damaging the non-stick surface of the white board). Isopropyl alcohol also works well at removing smudges, dirt, and fingerprints from cell phones and PDAs. It is effective at removing residual glue from sticky labels. It can also be used to remove stains from most fabrics, wood, cotton, etc.

Xpditor

I once made the mistake of trying some ammonia on a dash.

DON'T DO IT.

As they say: "Once bitten, twice shy."

____________________________________
"Vee get too soon oldt und too late schmart!"
........................Old German Proverb

csmeance

I'll check with the TL in a spot if pristine clean from leatherique is good for the dash, maybe that should clean it up since it does wonders on plastics, vinyl and leather for getting rid of shine...

Jesstzn

Acetone and ammonia are different animals than IPA .. try the IPA in a non conspicuous spot first.

Xpditor

Will do if and when I can get the Civic back over here. My buddy is on the road a lot.

And I'm not going to experiment with my TL or my Accord since I have the good sense to not leave the sticky pad on the dash in the Florida sun.

Xpditor

csmeance

sorry XP, i've been up for about 2 days straight now, I'll check tomorrow to see if it affects color.

Xpditor

No hurry. No problem.