Cleaning Dash and other interior parts

Don't use Amorall Protectant anymore. It has a tendency to deteriorate plastic surfaces over time, paticularly the stubble type surface on the forward part of the dash nearest the windshield. One of the other posters on this sight recommended 303 Protectant. I tried it. I'm very happy with the results on the dash and doorsills. Requires more rubbing than the Amorall, but the results are much better. Forget 303 for exterior uses. Good luck!

 

For simple cleaning, I use a Swiffer.
http://www.homemadesimple.com/swiffer/usen...s/dusters.shtml

 

I vacuum, then wipe down with a damp rag (water).

Thanks,
Shawn

 

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Me too, works great

 

I tried a few things with decent results, but I found that I REALLY like Mothers Back to Black.

 

Tried the Armorall wipes, both cleaning and protectorant and hated both. Have passed them on to my nephew along with my old car.

I have samples of the 303 wipes but have not tried them yet. At any rate will only need them for the door panels. If I don't like that I may go back to the Kensington Screen Cleaner I use for my laptop.

I bought Robin's leather covers for the glovebox and she made me a cover for the dash behind the steering wheel to match, so no more trying to clean that. I have a dash designs mat on the rest of the dash. I also have Robin's monitor shade, center console cover and armrest covers. I like them so much I think eventually I will have just the center console and armrests recovered in leather permanently. But not the seats. Too expensive plus too hot in the summer. I have GT covers over the regular seats. I've got exactmats on all of the floors and cargo area. I scotchguarded both the carpets, mats and upholstery before doing anything. Mostly I just have to maintain the outside now. You can read more about that on the Zaino thread.

 

I've had excellent long-term use with TurtleWax "2001 Super Protectant". It works well on vinyl, plastic and rubber. It has a slight silicon feel to it, but the label says it is a "urethane enriched formula." I do not use it on cloth surfaces. So it works well on the large dash, center of steering wheel, and upper portions of the doors (below the window, but above the cloth on the arm rest).

Not for use on floor mats, cycle tires or clear plastic or where a smooth slick surface is not desirable. Excessive use on tires may result may spin product onto body panels.

I used this for 14 years on a Toyota 4Runner. When I sold the 4Runner in November 2004, the vehicle remained "as new" even with 180k mi. Most noticeable are rubber gaskets on doors - this stuff keeps them in "as new" condition for a very long time. It keeps tires from oxidizing such that even after many years of rollling, the new tire "nibs" remain on the side walls.

 

I use a small dashboard California Duster which keeps the day to day dust accumulations down (the exterior CD is also great for the outside.) Then a damp cloth. Windex wipes keep the clear surfaces clear of fingerprints.

Might not be the best approach, but it works well for me.

 

Microfiber cleaning cloths seem to be doing a good job on the interior plastic surfaces for me, especially on the rough-surface dash area. Found them at Sam's Wholesale Club and keep a couple in our Prius. They're also handy around the house.

 

I've started using 303 Aerospace Protectant and am happy with the results. I had read, and agree, that it tends to repel dust. It also is supposed to greatly reduce deterioration due to UV exposure, so I have treated every conceivable plastic/rubber surface including rubber door gaskets, and headlights. Supposedly this stuff was developed for the aircraft industry, and in this punishing Florida weather I figure I can use all the help I can get. Also, I just found on their website that you can get a bunch of free samples to try. Just Google 303 Products for their website.

By the way I am not associated with this product.

 

I'll second Karen's statements about 303. It takes a little technique to put it on the first time and not have it end up with streaks. Don't be discouraged. But, this stuff is so much better than Amorall and other low end products. I've given away all of these, they're so bad.

When I find some time, I'll look around for other high quality stuff as my only concern is that it brings out the magenta color in the black plastic pieces a tad.

FWIW, I tried the Meguiar's products and wasn't happy with the results. Only slightly better than Amorall...

In between applications, swifters take care of the dust....