Clean a car dashboard by starting with a vacuum and then wiping it down with a microfiber cloth. The vacuum will pick up any large particles, and microfiber cloths are great for gentle, easy cleaning. The dashboard can be overlooked when cleaning your car.
Typically, we think about the outside of the car and the floors, as they can get pretty messy, but the dashboard is likely the first thing a passenger sees when they climb in. If you’re looking to impress or simply want to keep your car’s interior in good shape, here’s how to clean the dashboard properly.
Tips for Cleaning a Car Dashboard
If you’re visiting a Rochester car wash, many offer free or inexpensive vacuums. You can also use a handheld vacuum or a shop vac from home. Make sure to get into all the corners and cracks throughout the dashboard to grab the dirt and dust that can so easily get lodged in small places. It’s important to have the surface free of debris before wiping it down with a cloth or cleaner. If you try to wipe without picking up the big pieces first, you could scratch the hard surface.
Once you’re sure the dash is free of debris, grab a microfiber cloth, a rag, or some paper towels and wipe it down with a cleaning solution or soap and water. There are differing opinions about which is the best solution for cleaning the dash, but regardless of what you use, a good wipe down is necessary. Different surfaces require different solutions, so make sure you know what your dash is made of and always do a spot check before wiping the entire dash with a new product.
Don’t miss the small, hard-to-reach surfaces like air vents while you’re cleaning. Use a small paintbrush or new toothbrush to get into these spaces and give them a gentle scrub. A toothbrush with soft bristles is also good for scrubbing around any knobs or buttons you might have. Dust, oil, and dirt can get stuck around and under buttons, rendering them useless if they aren’t cleaned often.
What’s the Best Cleaner for a Car Dashboard?
Typically, the best cleaner for a car dashboard is a simple oil soap and water solution. You can use Castile soap, which is an amazing oil soap with many uses. This type of soap is tough enough to provide a thorough cleaning but gentle enough for materials like leather. If you have a plastic, vinyl, or rubber dashboard, you can also make a solution with vinegar, detergent, water, and oil-based soap to get at really stubborn stains.
For car owners who would rather use a commercial product than make their own cleaner, there are tons of options out there. Car Guys and Chemical Guys both make great cleaners for your car. Car Guys makes a multi-purpose cleaner that’s perfect for all interior surfaces and doesn’t use harsh chemicals that will stink up your vehicle. Chemical Guys has a total interior cleaner and protectant that you can even use on the windows and touch screen.
If you’ve got leather surfaces throughout the cabin, consider a leather-specific cleaner that will protect the material from sun damage and restore its shine. Nextzett offers a Blitz all-purpose cleaner that can be used with cold water and won’t leave any residue behind.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Microfiber Cloth?
Microfiber cloths trap dirt and dust better than any other cleaning cloth. They can be used dry or wet. These are ideal for cleaning the interior of a car because they won’t scratch your upholstery or hard surfaces. You can wash microfiber cloths in between uses to cut back on the waste of using paper towels or disposable wipes. Some microfiber cloths also have bacteria-fighting capabilities.
How Do You Clean the Dashboard Screen?
Clean your dashboard screen by turning it off and wiping it gently with a dry microfiber cloth. Use small circular motions, making sure to press lightly to avoid damaging the screen. If you have some stubborn smudges on the screen, you might need to add a little cleaning solution to the cloth. The best option is a screen cleaning solution made for touch screens like phones and tablets. You can use other gentle cleaning products, but make sure to avoid any products containing alcohol or ammonia.
Any other delicate surfaces or screens throughout the vehicle like wireless charging pads, rear entertainment system screens, or instrument cluster screens should be cleaned the same way. You can use the same cloth and cleaner you would use for eyeglasses on these screens as well.
Why Should You Clean Your Interior Dashboard?
Even if you are typically the only person in your vehicle, it’s a good idea to keep the interior clean, especially if you ever plan to sell or trade in the car. Cars with clean interiors free of stains, scratches, and lasting odors hold higher trade-in values and personal sale values. Regularly cleaning the car’s dashboard will help avoid permanent damage and hard-to-clean stains in the future. The more frequently you clean, the easier it is to clean.
A clean cabin provides you with a fresh-smelling interior and better air quality than one that hasn’t been cleaned in awhile. So, do yourself a favor by keeping up with your vehicle’s interior cleaning needs. Experts say you should try to clean the inside of your vehicle once a month. Some drivers only clean it once a year, so shoot for once a month, but don’t worry if you get a little behind since you’re probably doing better than the average person. Keep the dash looking good between cleans by picking up dust with a quick wipe using a dryer sheet.
Routine maintenance and tune-ups are another important aspect of car ownership. Oil changes, brake checks, alignments, filter replacements, and more will keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly. Contact Tom Kadlec Kia for your service needs or come by and check out our selection of new vehicles to get a fresh start.
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