Dashboard cleaner: how to clean interior plastics

You clean a dashboard in two steps: dust it first with a soft brush and a dry microfibre cloth, then wipe it with a dashboard cleaner sprayed onto the cloth, not onto the dash itself. If you want to clean the plastic interior and protect it too, finish with a thin coat of dressing with UV protection. A matte or satin finish suits most cars best, because it looks the way the factory intended.

Cleaning a dashboard: dust first, cleaner on the cloth

Fine dust on a dashboard can scratch if you rub it dry and with pressure. Start with a soft detailing brush for vents, seams and buttons, and wipe the flat areas with a dry microfibre cloth. Only then bring in the cleaner. Spray it onto the cloth so no liquid runs into gaps, around switches or onto the radio screen. For light dirt, a slightly damp cloth is often enough.

For stubborn dirt, such as greasy fingerprints on the centre console or a sticky steering column shroud, look in our interior cleaners category. For how to dilute an all-purpose cleaner safely, read the guide to using and diluting APC. The full approach for seats, carpets and glass is in the guide to cleaning your interior.

Cockpit spray or dressing: choosing matte or gloss

Factory plastic is almost always matte to satin. A glossy cockpit spray throws reflections onto the windscreen in low sun and makes every speck of dust stand out. Go matte and the dashboard stays calm and natural. If you would rather set the gloss yourself, use a dilutable dressing. You will find every option in the plastics and dashboard category.

Sunlight fades and dries out plastic, and a dressing with UV protection slows that down. A thin coat with the excess buffed off gives a more even result than a thick one, which attracts dust afterwards.

How to do it

1. Remove the dust. Brush the vents, seams and buttons and wipe the flat surfaces with a dry microfibre cloth. Pitfall: rubbing dry dust with heavy pressure leaves fine marks in glossy plastic.

2. Lay out your cloths. Use two clean microfibre cloths, one to clean and one to dry. Tip: keep a third cloth just for screens and glossy trim, so you never drag dressing across them.

3. Clean with the cloth. Spray the cleaner onto the cloth and work panel by panel in light circles. Pitfall: too much liquid runs into the seams and leaves white edges.

4. Dry it off. Go over each panel with the dry cloth and let everything dry completely before you apply a dressing. Tip: work in the shade, so it does not dry too fast and leave streaks.

5. Apply the dressing. Put on a thin coat with an applicator or cloth and spread it evenly. Pitfall: a thick coat turns patchy and attracts dust.

6. Buff and skip the controls. After a short dwell time, wipe off the excess with a clean cloth. Tip: keep dressing off the steering wheel and pedals, which need to stay grippy.

Products for dashboard and plastics

Koch Chemie HPC Hydro Plast Care is a dilutable, solvent-free plastic and rubber conditioner. Neat or 1:1 gives high gloss, 1:2 medium gloss, 1:3 satin and 1:4 a natural look. Handy when you want to choose how glossy the dashboard gets, inside and out.

Koch Chemie Top Star is a care product for interior plastic and rubber such as the console, trim and seals. It gives a natural semi-gloss sheen and protects against fresh dirt and UV radiation. You spray it onto a soft sponge and spread it evenly. A good fit if you want a calm, not-too-shiny interior.

Chemical Guys HydroInterior Ceramic Interior Coating is a ceramic spray with a matte finish that helps dust settle less. You spray it onto a cloth and work the panel evenly. For anyone after a matte factory finish.

Shiny Garage Interior Plastic Protectant Matt 500 ml is a water-based dressing that gives dark, textured plastic a deep matte look. You can build the coat for a little more depth and wipe it dry after about a minute. For a calm, cared-for dashboard without reflections.

D-CON Interior Matt Clean & Protect cleans and protects in one step and restores a matte finish. The formula is antistatic, so the dashboard stays dust-free for longer. For anyone who wants the fewest possible steps.

Which one suits you