Which solvent/cleaner is safe to use on the clear plastic that covers the gauge cluster? Mines is dusty with smudges from previous owner.
"solvent/cleaner" sounds a little ominous. Best bet, maybe something designed for cleaning eye glasses? And: spray it on a cloth, not directly on the display. I get these small spray bottles of solution from my optometrist. Fine for coated plastic lens, and I use it on camera lens filters and the like. Google: Alcohol-free Anti-Reflective eyeglass cleaner Something like windex is probably fine too. Again: spray onto cloth, not directly.
I use exclusively dihydrogen monoxide in combination with a clean microfiber cloth. Dihydrogen monoxide is a strong solvent, but completely safe for all plastics. Edit: No, this is not a joke.
I'd most likely start with a soft cloth, soaked in warm water with a shot of dish wash liquid, then well rung out.
when I come off the oil drilling rig after a long hard 12 hr shift, I jump right in my prius and smear greasy sludge all over the interior. and I just leave it there. It no longer looks like a sissy car.
I use Pledge Mulit-Surface on the dash and gauge cover. Applied using a microfiber towel. Honestly you're not going to hurt it unless you use an orbital sander or a paint stripper. Worst case scenario you're cleaner streaks, Windex, vinegar and water solution, etc. will be good options too.
No solvent or cleaner is good for clear plastic. Gently blowing off the dust with compressed air and following with a damp microfiber cloth is the best. The more you rub, the more the clear plastic gets scratched and hazy.