Dash Cleaning?

[ellsworb]

+1 for armor all. I dilute it 1:2 or 1:3 sometimes depending on the look i'm going for. . it really cuts down on the "shinyness". Go over entire dash with damp microfiber. Then on 2nd clean microfiber, load with the armor all solution and apply an even layer. I really like the looks of it.

 

[4RunnerRon]

I usually use a damp towel to get the dust off, but recently bought some Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer to give that a try. I've always been happy with Meguiar's products and it appears that it won't leave residue or make everything shiny like other products. You may want to give it a try.

Update: I loaned this out to my sister and never got a chance to use it until tonight. It works great for cleaning the dash and I found it was safe for use on the stereo display and on the gauges (which usually scratch with other cleaners). I just sprayed it on and spread it with a microfiber towel. Cleaned great and smells good, too.

 

[NC4Runner]

The Meguiar's Quick Mist mentioned above. Fantastic product - spray radio display, gauges, etc., with no problems. No greasy ArmorAll residue.

 

[outoftown7]

Ok call me crazy ...but I just use pledge and it works great.

My father started me on this with my first car and I have used nothing but since and never had a problem.

Gets the grime off and leaves a nice shine without the gloss.

 

[Cliff s]

I have a 4th generation with the soft dash and over the last couple of years it has
several slight scuff marks. Seems if you even touch the dash you get a slight
scuff.

I really don't want to use silicon like ArmourAll or similar products as I hate the
shiney look. My wife car was detailed and the dash is shiny and I hate it. Would
really like to remove the so called protectant.

Has anyone had any luck with any cleaning product that will smooth out
the scuffs. 4th generation owners will know exactly what I am talking about.

Cliff s

 

[NC4Runner]

Meguiar's Quick Mist. I can't stand the Armor All shine on the matte 4R interior, and this stuff seems to work great without making it slick and shiny.

 

[tomhaney1]

I did a search and found some people are using Simple Green to clean their dash. What are some other products out there? I am not really that excited about using Simple Green because I have seen it strip wax off of floors.

Can someone please explain to me what the hell you all are doing in your Runners to get the dash dirty enough to warrant using Simple Green on it!!?? Keep the lovin in the bedroom!!

 

[icantsee]

I use a swiffer or grab-it...same thing.

It has an electrostatic charge to attract dust.

Microfiber is the same.

After using that, I use disinfective whips. I got the Costco brand.

I use these 2 methods, because I want to retain the stock appearance. Don't like the shiny Armor-All shit.

 

[jharris2]

I use a swiffer or grab-it...same thing.

It has an electrostatic charge to attract dust.

Microfiber is the same.

After using that, I use disinfective whips. I got the Costco brand.

I use these 2 methods, because I want to retain the stock appearance. Don't like the shiny Armor-All.

Just be sure that the wipes don't dry out the vinyl and plastic. Otherwise, it will crack.

 

[Bobbyg123]

Limit the chemicals

I've taken a couple of detailing courses and the advice that was given to me was to use a California mini-duster for most of your cleanings. Try to only apply a chemical dash cleaner a few times per year. Chemical residue accumulates quickly in a closed cockpit, and unless you smoke or drive in excessively dusty areas, you shouldn't need to "clean" your dash too often. A duster will do the trick just fine.

 

[Kenn]

swifter and 303 protectant

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Re: Limit the chemicals

I've taken a couple of detailing courses and the advice that was given to me was to use a California mini-duster for most of your cleanings. Try to only apply a chemical dash cleaner a few times per year. Chemical residue accumulates quickly in a closed cockpit, and unless you smoke or drive in excessively dusty areas, you shouldn't need to "clean" your dash too often. A duster will do the trick just fine.

I agree totally and use my duster for most of it's cleanings and a little of the Meguires interior stuff that isn't filled with silicones and crap. If I have actual grime to be removed I use a a 10:1 diluted spray of Simple Green.

Armor all will never touch my dash along with any of those other chemical infused brands.

 

[Jacobzky]

Meg quick interior detailer.

 

[Iron Clad Lou]

well, I just detailed the interior and followed some of the suggestions in this thread...I used a swiffer duster (fantastic!!) and Meguiars Quick Mist w/microfibre (uber fantastic!!!). what a great way to clean the interior! I love it! no greasy armourall and that quick mist really cleans it up nice.

 

[AgeOfEmpires]

Another vote for the Meguiar's Quick Mist. I used it today for the first time and it works great.

 

[airbur]

I have a 4th generation with the soft dash and over the last couple of years it has
several slight scuff marks. Seems if you even touch the dash you get a slight
scuff.

I really don't want to use silicon like ArmourAll or similar products as I hate the
shiney look. My wife car was detailed and the dash is shiny and I hate it. Would
really like to remove the so called protectant.

Has anyone had any luck with any cleaning product that will smooth out
the scuffs. 4th generation owners will know exactly what I am talking about.

Cliff s

Hey Cliff s, I had the exact same problem with a nice scuff from a box top a while ago. I'm also paranoid about screwing up the dash with shiny protectorants. I finally decided to try Zaino Bros' Leather in a Bottle. This product is fantastic. Not only did it remove the scuff marks but it smells great. I get lots of comments from friends that my '04 still smells like new. It's the only product I will use. Try it out, you won't be disappointed.

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2...ode=Z-10&Category_Code=Zaino&Product_Count=13

 

[blkexp98]

Would any of you be interested in posting a picture of the dash with a said protectant? Ive been cleaning mine off with just a damp cloth but its looking kind of dry. Id like to find a protectant that wont make it shiny or dry it out. Ive heard that armorall products will actually draw out the oils and cause more harm than good in the long run. It seems like the Meguires or the Vinylex is what i should look into to keep the flat finish but make it dark again.


Thanks,

Major

 

[airbur]

blkexp98.....I just bought my 3rd bottle of Leather in a Bottle. It does not make the dash shiny at all and it looks like it's brand new. I would personally stay away from anything that Meguires or Vinylex offers but that's just me.

I am so paranoid about the dash in the 4Runner, I wouldn't put anything on it that would jeapordize it's finish etc.

 

[tomhaney1]

I use 303 Products Aeorspace Protectant. Use a damp cotton cloth, spray the product on the damp cloth, apply the product with said damp cloth, allow to set in, do a final wipe with a dry cotton cloth. Very little shine and good protection. Vinylex also works great. You won't find better products than these two.

 

[tomhaney1]

blkexp98.....I just bought my 3rd bottle of Leather in a Bottle. It does not make the dash shiny at all and it looks like it's brand new. I would personally stay away from anything that Meguires or Vinylex offers but that's just me.

I am so paranoid about the dash in the 4Runner, I wouldn't put anything on it that would jeapordize it's finish etc.

Why do you not like Vinylex?? Just curious. It is rated among the top protectants...