What do you use to clean the MFD, smoked plastic, etc.?

I've searched through the various forum topics, and I found general info about interior detailing, and even a couple of mentions of cleaning the MFD. Unfortunately, I haven't found the answers I'm seeking.

I'm wondering what cleaners work best for which materials inside the car.

In a prior car, I used a glass cleaner on a clear plastic cover over the radio, and it seemed to leave streaks. I couldn't ever get these off.

The Prius has several different surfaces. For instance: The MFD -- Is that an LCD screen? If so, then I'd likely use the same cleaner I use for my eye glasses (and notebook screen). How about the "smoked glass" looking material -- Is it glass or plastic? Or how about the other (plastic?) on the dash that covers the area below the MFD? Or the shiny retractable cup holders? Which ones are glass and which are plastic?

What cleaners are safe? Which ones are eco-friendly?

Oh, the humanity!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(fastrnu @ Sep 4 2007, 08:11 PM) [snapback]507030[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for the suggestion. I've not heard of this product before, so I checked on the Casabella web site for the cloth. It shows a two-pack for sale at $12.99. Where do you get it for just $4.99?


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rae Vynn @ Sep 4 2007, 08:02 PM) [snapback]507026[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for the tip (and thanks to Bill, too). I've found this is available at our local Ace Hardware store!


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Sep 4 2007, 08:43 PM) [snapback]507051[/snapback]</div>

Thanks, Godiva. I'd like to take a look at the PlastX constituents. This seems to be more of a rehab and polishing cleaner, as opposed to a basic cleaner. I've used several other Meguiars products for cleaning the outside of the car (as well as some leather cleaner for the interior), and they've worked well for me.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(richard schumacher @ Sep 5 2007, 09:39 AM) [snapback]507286[/snapback]</div>

I believe regular rubbing alcohol is a preferred cleaner for LCD displays. "Regular" rubbing alcohol is simply watered down ethanol, though some rubbing alcohols contain methanol (don't drink it!). Isopropyl rubbing alcohol likewise is just watered-down isopropanol. Again, don't drink this! I think either one would do the job on the MFD, but I don't really want my car to smell like rubbing alcohol!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(fastrnu @ Sep 5 2007, 07:36 PM) [snapback]507635[/snapback]</div>

Thank you. Who knows but I may find plenty of other valuable things to buy!?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(richard schumacher @ Sep 6 2007, 08:19 PM) [snapback]508253[/snapback]</div>

Mmm, no. "Rubbing alcohol" is not an isopropanol mixture. Things may vary country to country, but the basic old rubbing alcohol is ethanol plus water and, sometimes, some oil or glycerin for a softening effect. Without most of the additives it can be a good basic cleaner. Isopropyl rubbing alcohol substitutes isopropanol for ethanol. Both kinds are sold as "rubbing alcohol" -- you just need to look to see the main constituents. There also are often denatured rubbing alcohols where methanol is added. I suppose it was added just to keep people from using it for cocktails. If you get either ethanol or isopropanol at your chemist's you'll get it in a diluted form (watered down). Before using it to clean, you should make certain it doesn't have other additives that could allow residue and streaking.

Sorry -- Don't mean to be so corrective. :mellow: I just wanted to make certain people understood that "rubbing alcohol" is not synonymous with isopropanol (unless it says it is isopropyl rubbing alcohol). And again -- regardless of whether it is denatured or isopropyl rubbing alcohol, you must keep it away from children and not allow anyone to drink it!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Drifty'sDad @ Sep 8 2007, 07:37 PM) [snapback]509273[/snapback]</div>

Thanks, Drifty's. I've had that problem before (streaking or marking black plastic), and I didn't know a product that would bring it back. I'd heard of Back to Black, but I thought it was for tires! Oops.