dashboard cleaner......and black wheels

Hi SW03ES,

My exact words were "Simple Green is an excellent, albeit slow, paint remover". Please note the italics.
I also stated "That's why you don't want to leave it on a surface too long, even diluted, as it can dull the finish (especially if sprayed on a hot wheel)"
Indicating that dulling was a greater concern to me than etching the aluminum.
My statements addressed the fact that the SG was not going to be touching the raw aluminum, therefore it couldn't etch the metal, as suggested by Mark57.
At no time did I recommend the use of Simple Green for the purpose.
That was Mark.
Please show me where my logic broke down, as I try very hard to be very clear in my posts.
FWIW, when I was in "the biz." Liquid Glass Corp advocated Simple Green diluted 30:1 used to strip dirt and wax from a car's paint before applying their signature product.
Again, all of this, as stated, was pertaining to the original formula from my past. The automotive version may well be even stronger and require even higher ratios of dilution.

 

I got you two mixed up, I apologize...

 

No apology needed...I just wanted to be sure that I hadn't accidently mislead somebody.
You're correct-the right tool for the right job is always best, but cautious experimentation can be rewarding, educational and fun.

Take Care,

 

But...using glass cleaner on vinyl is not cautious experimentation LOL.

 

I'm fond of 303 cleaner or Meguiar's Quick Interior Detailer for the inside surfaces. 303 is especially good where you have vinyl adjacent to cloth as it doesn't discolor if a little ends up on that good ol' Toyota mouse fur. At least not on my Bisque...

 

I think I have at least one bottle of each of the products mentioned in this thread. I, too, don't like the slightest shine on the dashboard. Particularly in sunny South Florida, but I can't stand fingerprints from small children on the dash vinyl (why do they touch all those places?).

I have found that a damp, cotton towel is more than good enough to remove everything I have found on my dashboard. I would not use the duster. The "stuff" that helps it remove dust can (and often does) cause very slight streaks on whatever surface it is used on.

As far as the black stuff for tires, as was said, the real key is making sure that all is clean before anything is used. After that my biggest concern is to make sure that whatever product I use does not get on the wheels because it will make whatever brake dust or rain or whatever stick to the wheels and make extra work for me. I bought a 17" shroud on line sometime ago for another car and I use it when I spray the tires. It has a handle in the middle so I can hold it over the silver part of the wheel to prevent overspray. I never do this immediately before I drive the car because I want to let it sit for a long while before I drive the car and take a chance on letting the stuff fly off and get on the fenders or lower body. Some shine products (and I have used high gloss, low gloss or no gloss), are better to apply with one of those curved sponge items sold for that purpose at most auto parts stores. With either method, you have to move the car at least 2 or 3 feet to allow the part that is squashed against the pavement to get done.

I do think that 303 makes fabulous products, but I don't see the need to use it for cleaning or "shining" the dash when water on a towel works just fine. I don't know what that grainy, recycled material is, but it gets mars and stains on it frequently that come right off with a damp towel. Might not look like it will come off easily, but it always has.

 

Agreed. I just use what's left of the car wash soap to wash the wheels and tires. No need to waste money and your time finding the "ideal" wheel and tire cleaner.

Same with cleaning the dash. No product necessary if you use the California mini duster (except for the occasional spot cleaning).

Zaino Z-16 Perfect Tire Gloss is silicone-free and can even be used on all exterior rubber, moldings, plastic trim, etc. I was surprised by how many detailers use Armor All on their tires, but I guess they're just trying to find a use for it. Overly glossy tires look artificial (just like overly made-up women), as if your car drove through semi-wet tar or you applied vaseline all over it. Z-16 gives a nice sheen without looking overly glossy.

Those spray applications are just too messy and difficult. You can just take an ordinary cellulose sponge, pour some Z-16 on one edge and apply to the tire. You don't have to worry about overspraying onto the wheels or body and the car can be driven immediately after application, as there's no chance of it getting on the fenders or lower body. The cellulose sponge is thin enough to get to the part squashed against the pavement so no need to move the car (there's no point to applying any product to the tread as it'd just burn off). You're also in control of how much shine you want by the number of application you give it.

 

The CA duster strands are treated with paraffin wax. As the instructions that come with them indicate, to avoid the streaking you refer to, prior to the first use you need to place the duster (strands down) on a paper grocery bag for 24 hours to absorb the excess wax. I do this step twice (second time with a new bag), and have never had any streaking issues.

I've been using CA dusters for longer than I care to admit and they are wonderful on interiors, particularly dark colors.