Ultimate Guide: How to Clean Your Car’s Dashboard

Your dashboard is one of the most important parts of your car’s interior. It contains your car’s control center and needs to be clean and well-maintained for safety and comfort reasons. Dust, dirt, and grime build-up on the dashboard can be a distraction while driving.

A clean dashboard can also prevent scratches and damage, which may lower the resale value of your car. Accumulated dirt and dust can cause air quality problems inside of your car, which can be harmful to your health. Today in this handy guide, we’ll lead you through the process of cleaning your car’s dashboard, including how to gather the right cleaning supplies, prepare your car for cleaning, and cleaning the dashboard step-by-step.

Why Cleaning Your Car’s Dashboard is Important

Keeping your car in pristine condition is not just about its exterior. The car interior is just as important, especially the dashboard. Your car’s dashboard is not just a surface to hold your belongings, but it is also a functional part of the car that needs to be maintained regularly. Here are some reasons why cleaning your car’s dashboard is important:

Preventing Dust Build-up

Dust is the most common problem when it comes to cleaning a car’s dashboard. It is important to clean your dashboard regularly to prevent dust build-up. Dust makes the dashboard look old and dingy. Moreover, it can be hard to remove if left to accumulate. If left uncleaned, dust can even become a safety hazard by clouding the driver’s visibility of the road ahead.

One way to prevent dust build-up is to use a clean cloth to wipe down the dashboard. Microfiber cloths are designed to trap dust and debris, making them more effective than regular cloths. A dashboard cleaner is specifically designed to remove dust and grime. These cleaners are easy to use and can help keep your dashboard and other hard surfaces looking new.

A relatively new tool on the market is Cleaning Gel. It is sometimes called “Goo” for obvious reasons. Think slime, but in a very positive and controlled way. Use cleaning gels to get dust trapped in the edges of vents, in cracks and crevices, and around your shifter. Not only do they work well, they are oddly satisfying to use!

Maintaining Your Car’s Value

The surface of your dashboard is one of the most visible interior parts of your car. Cleaning it regularly can maintain the car’s value at resale. A dirty dashboard can leave a bad impression on a potential buyer, leading them to believe that the car has not been well taken care of.

To maintain your car’s value, it’s important to clean the dashboard regularly. You can use dashboard protectants that are designed to keep the dashboard looking new. These protectants not only clean the dashboard but also protect it from UV rays and other environmental factors that can cause damage.

Improving Air Quality Inside the Car

The dashboard is a prime spot for the growth of bacteria and viruses. Dust and debris accumulate on dashboard surfaces over time, providing a place for these micro-organisms to grow. As the air vents on the dashboard distribute air throughout the car, these bacteria and viruses can contribute to poor air quality. It’s vital to clean your dashboard regularly to prevent these problems.

You can use an air purifier to improve the air quality inside your car. These purifiers are designed to remove bacteria, viruses, and other harmful particles from the air. You can also use a dashboard cleaner that is specifically designed to kill bacteria and viruses. These cleaners are easy to use and can help keep the air inside your car clean and healthy.

Cleaning your car’s dashboard is an important part of maintaining your car. It not only keeps the dashboard looking new but also prevents dust build-up, maintains the car’s value, and improves air quality inside the car. So, make sure to clean your dashboard regularly to keep your car in top condition.

Gathering the Right Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning your car’s dashboard is an essential part of maintaining the interior of your vehicle. Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on the dashboard’s surface, making it look dull and dirty. To keep your dashboard looking clean and shiny, you will need to first gather the right cleaning supplies.

Choosing the Right Dashboard Cleaner

Choosing the right cleaner is important when cleaning your car’s dashboard. There are many different types of cleaners available, but not all of them are suitable for use on plastic and vinyl surfaces. Using a harsh cleaner can damage the dashboard’s surface and cause discoloration or cracking.

When choosing a cleaner, look for a product that is specifically designed for use on car dashboards. Check the label to ensure that the cleaner is safe for use on plastic and vinyl surfaces. An all-purpose cleaner isn’t necessarily the best car dashboard cleaner. Always read the instructions carefully before use to ensure you are using the product correctly.

Microfiber Cloths and Brushes

Microfiber cloths and a soft bristle brush are essential tools for cleaning your car’s dashboard. They are highly absorbent and can pick up dust and dirt easily. Microfiber cloths are soft and gentle on the dashboard’s surface, reducing the risk of scratches.

When using microfiber cloths, it is important to use them correctly. For best results, fold the cloth into quarters and use a clean section of the cloth for each section of the dashboard. This will help you pick up dirt and dust particles, and prevent dirt and grime from spreading across the dashboard’s surface.

Brushes are particularly useful for cleaning small spaces and crevices on the dashboard, infotainment screen, cup holders, and the center console. Look for a soft-bristled brush that is gentle on the dashboard’s surface.

Vacuum Cleaner with Attachments

A vacuum cleaner is an essential tool for cleaning your car’s dashboard. It is the best way to remove dust and debris from hard-to-reach areas, such as air vents and under the dashboard. Attachments, such as crevice tools and dusting brushes, can make cleaning easier and more effective.

When using a vacuum cleaner, be sure to use the attachments correctly. Use the crevice tool to clean tight spaces, such as the area around the radio and air conditioning controls. Use the dusting brush to gently clean the dashboard’s surface.

By using the right cleaning supplies, you can keep your car’s dashboard looking clean and shiny. Regular cleaning will help prevent dirt and grime from building up on the dashboard’s surface, making it easier to maintain over time.

Preparing Your Car for Dashboard Cleaning

Parking in a Shaded Area

When cleaning your car’s dashboard, it’s best to park in a shaded area, where it’s not too hot. Heat can cause cleaning products to evaporate too quickly, making them less efficient. Moreover, it can make the cleaning process uncomfortable for you as well.

If you don’t have access to a shaded area, you can use a windshield sunshade to protect your dashboard from the sun’s heat. This will also help keep the interior of your car cooler, making it more comfortable for you when you get back in. The lucky car owner has a garage in which to work.

Removing Loose Items and Trash

Before you start cleaning, make sure you remove all loose items and trash from the car. This includes anything on the dashboard, seats, and floor. Cleaning around these items is difficult and makes the process less efficient.

Take this opportunity to declutter your car and get rid of any unnecessary items that are taking up space. This will make your car feel more spacious and organized, and it will also make cleaning easier in the future. Over time, excessive junk in your car can reduce fuel economy by needing to haul around junk you don’t need!

Adjusting Seats and Steering Wheel for Easy Access

Adjust your seats and steering wheel to make it easier to reach all parts of the dashboard. A good position for cleaning is one where you aren’t leaning over perilously and don’t have to strain your arms as you clean.

If you have a vacuum cleaner or other cleaning tools that require a power source, make sure you park your car close enough to an outlet or use an extension cord to avoid any unnecessary strain on your back or arms.

It’s also a good idea to wear comfortable clothing and shoes that won’t restrict your movement or cause discomfort during the cleaning process. Any detailer knows that it takes physical effort to do the job right – effort that often requires some flexibility.

Protecting Your Dashboard

Before you start cleaning your dashboard, it’s important to protect the surface from any potential damage. You can use a microfiber cloth or a soft-bristled brush to remove any loose dirt or dust without scratching the surface.

For tougher stains or grime, you can use a dashboard cleaner that’s specifically designed for your car’s material. Make sure you read the instructions carefully and test the product on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire dashboard.

Finally, avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage your dashboard. Stick to gentle interior cleaners and tools to ensure your dashboard stays in good condition for years to come.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Dashboard

Step 1: Vacuuming the Dashboard

Begin by vacuuming the dashboard to remove loose dust and debris. Use a crevice tool to vacuum around the edges of the dashboard and air vents. When vacuuming, ensure that you don’t scratch the surface and avoid using high suction power.

Step 2: Wiping Down the Dashboard with a Microfiber Cloth

Afterward, use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the dashboard. Spray the dashboard cleaner onto the cloth and use the cloth to gently wipe down the dashboard. Make sure to clean from the top of the dashboard to the bottom and start from the left and clean towards the right. Use gentle circular movements and avoid pushing down too hard.

Step 3: Applying Dashboard Cleaner

If necessary, apply dashboard cleaner directly to the surface after wiping the dashboard down with a microfiber cloth. Use a clean microfiber cloth to apply the cleaner and follow the instructions on the bottle. Make sure not to apply too much cleaner as this can lead to greasy, smudgy surfaces. A spray bottle is best since it is easy to control just how much of the cleaning product reaches the towel.

Step 4: Cleaning Vents and Other Small Spaces

Use a small brush or a Q-tip to clean the air vents and other small spaces on the dashboard. Spray some cleaner onto the brush and gently scrub the vents. Use Q-tips for cleaning tight spaces and small corners.

Another method is to use the soft brush attachment on your shop vac. Using this “dash brush” can be an easy way to get deep into the small crevices around vents and door handles as long as the dust buildup is no significant. If it is, a soft cloth with a lightly soapy water can cut through. Use clean water on clean microfiber material to finish up.

Step 5: Buffing and Polishing the Dashboard

The last step is to buff and polish the dashboard. Use a dry, soft microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface gently. Buff the dashboard to a high sheen, inspecting for leftover stains and spots.

Dash on Out and Get Started!

Cleaning your vehicle’s dashboard is an essential part of car maintenance. It’s important to keep the dashboard clean to prevent dust build-up, maintain the car’s value and improve air quality inside the car. Choose the right cleaning supplies, prepare your car for cleaning, and follow the steps outlined in this guide to ensure an efficiently clean car dashboard.