If you’ve spent years endlessly searching for the perfect dashboard cleaner – you’re not the only one. Us drivers know how important a clean dash is. It’s literally in front of you, so you’re able to see every imperfection and every bit of dirt that sits there. Therefore, you’re right to look for the best when it comes to fascia cleaners.
Since I am a meticulous person myself, I’ve spent a lot of time looking for the best product for my instrument panel. So, I present you my list of best dashboard cleaners with all the information you’ll need in order to choose the right one.
The aesthetic appeal isn’t the only reason why it’s necessary to maintain your dashboard clean. Dirty instrument panels provide a perfect home for germs and bacteria. Therefore, it is not only important to keep your dash looking good but also to make sure that you spend time in a healthy environment.
TOP 3 DASHBOARD CLEANERS:
A Guide to Buying the Right Dashboard Cleaner
When you read companies’ descriptions of products, you can easily be overwhelmed and sometimes confused by all the information they give you. Manufacturers describe their products as if they’re robotic creatures that will clean and fix everything on their own; you just need to say a magic word. So, before you give up on your quest due to descriptions looking more like of a self-help book, I’ll help you with reducing the research by introducing you to the most important features to look in dashboard cleaners.
Efficient Cleaning
Efficient cleaning is a no-brainer. You need something that will quickly get rid of dirt and grease from your dashboard. So, before you decide to buy a product, you should check its reviews to see how effective it actually is.
Dust Repellency
Some cleaners contain anti-static ingredients. They reduce the number of electrostatic charges that attract dirt and dust. As a result, your instrument panel will be clean for a longer period of time.
Safe Ingredients
A lot of companies managed to come up with products that contain safe ingredients without sacrificing the level of effectiveness. Therefore, you can find great cleaners that won’t harm your car or your skin.
Multiuse
Even though you only need a good dash cleaner, it won’t hurt to have the ability to clean the steering wheel, door panels, seats, and other surfaces in your car with the same product. Besides, another upside to having a multipurpose cleaner is saving money on more cleaning solutions for various materials.
UV Protection
Protection from Ultraviolet rays isn’t necessary for dashboard cleaners, because you can buy a separate product for this purpose. However, there are several cleaning solutions that can protect the inside of your car from sun damage, and extend the life of your fascia.
Best Car Dashboard Cleaners on the Market (2022)
I know how difficult and time-consuming it is to find the perfect dashboard cleaners. You’ll need something that will efficiently clean grime and dirt from your instrument panel, while not leaving any greasy residue behind. So, I’ll try to spare you some time with a list of the best dash cleaners out there.
1. 303 Aerospace Protectant Spray
303 Aerospace Protectant Spray was originally created for aerospace and aviation industry in order to protect rubber and plastic materials from UV rays and ozone damage. This fact gives you a hint about the intense sun-protection power of the product.
The Ultraviolet protection properties of this product will help you to extend the life of your dashboard. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about your instrument panel cracking or losing its color. Furthermore, 303 Aerospace Protectant Spray will help you to revive the color of your old dash.
But, what about this product’s cleaning properties? Well, 303 Protectant Spray will clean your dashboard efficiently, and it won’t leave the oily residue. In addition, it provides a matte finish to the surfaces where it’s applied.
This cleaner is a product that works with various materials. You can use it on plastic, vinyl, PVC, and fiberglass. Don’t be afraid to use it on materials such as paint or leather, since this is a water-based product and it won’t damage your car.
The 303 product is free of silicone oils and petroleum distillates. It has non-toxic ingredients, so it is safe to use.
I recommend you to use a cloth to rub in this cleaning solution since the product can’t dry out on its own. In order to achieve the best dust repellency, you should buff your dash with a dry cloth after you use the Aerospace Spray. Buffing will ensure that more time passes before you need to clean your IP again.
To conclude, 303 Aerospace Protectant Spray provides excellent protection from UV rays. What’s more, this product will efficiently clean your car and help you preserve your dashboard’s color.
Main Features:
- UV protection
- Multipurpose
- Non-toxic
- Dust-repellent
- Matte finish
2. Meguiar’s Ultimate Interior Detailer
Meguiar’s Ultimate Interior Detailer is a product with deep cleaning abilities. It will help you successfully maintain the fresh look of your car.
With this Meguiar’s product, you can not only clean your dash but also protect it from UV rays. The formula contains sun blocking agents that will both protect your control panel from cracking and preserve its color.
The cleaner is another multipurpose product. It is safe for use on all interior surfaces such as steering wheel, gearstick, and door panels. You can even use it for cleaning navigation screens and LCDs.
You won’t have trouble learning how to use Ultimate Interior Detailer. But, before you do, make sure that you shake the bottle for a minute or two. You can spray the product directly on the dashboard, or you can apply it on a cloth and then rub it into the surface. If you haven’t cleaned your fascia for quite some time, you should use the cleaner multiple times to achieve a nice, polished look.
The product will give your panel smooth, satin finish. However, you can manage the amount of shine by choosing towels from different materials. For example, if you want the inside of your car to look as shiny as it can, you should use a cotton towel. On the other hand, those who don’t like the glossy finish should clean their vehicle with a cloth made of microfiber.
To summarize, Ultimate Interior Detailer by Meguiar’s is great for various surfaces. In addition, it provides protection from UV rays and prevents cracking and fading.
Main Features:
- UV protection
- Easy to use
- Satin finish
- Multipurpose
3. Chemical Guys InnerClean Interior Quick Detailer and Protectant
Chemical Guys InnerClean Interior Detailer and Protectant is a positively reviewed dashboard cleaner that will also protect your car’s interior. You should keep it inside of your vehicle at all times because this product is perfect for quick touch-ups.
InnerClean Interior Quick Detailer and Protectant has a unique formula that contains conditioner which will revive dry and neglected surfaces of your vehicle and give them a fresh look. You can use it to wipe away any dirt, oils, and dust from almost any interior material.
This Chemical Guys product is great for various surfaces. You can use it to clean your door panels, shift knobs, wheels, vinyl, leather and glass materials, and even navigation screens. So, by using it on diverse materials, you’ll save money on additional products.
What’s more, the product offers protection from UV rays. It is infused with sun blockers and UV rejectors which will both prevent your dashboard from bursting and keep its color from wearing off.
Like most dashboard cleaners, this product is very easy to use. You should spray some on a microfiber towel and wipe away the filth. The Chemical Guys cleaner has a no-residue formula and dust-repelling technology which will keep your car cleaner for longer and won’t leave the annoying greasy film after you use it.
So, Chemical Guys InnerClean Interior Quick Detailer and Protectant will meticulously wipe off any dirt, grime, and oils from your dashboard. In addition, it provides UV protection in order to prevent the contamination of your vehicle’s interior.
Main Features:
- UV protection
- Multipurpose
- Easy to use
- Contains conditioner
4. Armor All Multi-Purpose Cleaner
I couldn’t make a list of dashboard cleaners without mentioning Armor All Multi-Purpose Cleaner. This product is capable of thoroughly cleaning your fascia with only one wipe.
As you can guess by the name, this Armor All product can be used for many purposes. You can not only clean your dashboard with it but also other vinyl, carpet, plastic, and fabric surfaces.
Armor All has ensured that this cleaner can be used for various materials. So, they came up with a one-of-a-kind formula that won’t harm the interior surfaces on your car.
What’s more, you won’t be stuck trying to scrub off the dirt from your instrument panel for too long. This product is very efficient for removing dirt, dust, and grease from your vehicle.
In addition, consumers highly rate this product’s smell. Nobody likes an unpleasant, overpowering scent that will make you dizzy while you clean. Therefore, this Armor All cleaner will make your cleaning experience enjoyable.
The downside of the Multi-Purpose Cleaner is that it has to be diluted with water, especially for glass, painted surfaces, and clear plastic. So, you have to spend a little more time on getting this product ready for cleaning, but the effective results will make the Armor All cleaner worth it.
To summarize, you can’t go wrong with Armor All Multi-Purpose Cleaner. It’s a highly efficient, multipurpose product that will make your dashboard shine like it’s new.
Main Features:
- Multipurpose
- Has to be mixed with water
- Gentle
- Nice smell
5. Sonax Dashboard Cleaner
If you are looking for a product that is specifically made for dashboards, then Sonax Dashboard Cleaner is the best choice. Ingredients in this cleaning solution will help you keep your control panel free of dirt and dust.
What makes this cleaner special is the fact that it’s silicone and solvent-free. These properties are very important for dashboard cleaners since most instrument panels are made of plastic.
What’s more, you won’t have to deal with any greasy residue, because this Sonax product will leave your dashboard squeaky clean. You will also enjoy the cleaning because of this cleaner’s pleasant, fresh smell.
In addition, the Sonax Dashboard Cleaner prevents electrostatic charges that attract dust. Therefore, your dash will stay clean for a longer time.
Sonax Dashboard Cleaner is easy to use. You have to spray a larger amount of the product on a soft cloth. Then, rub the cloth on the surface and leave it to dry out. It is best to avoid using this cleaner on leather, windows, wheel, stereo or navigation.
This product won’t leave any oily residue on plastic parts of your car. If you aren’t a fan of glossy finishes, then the Sonax Dashboard Cleaner is perfect for you. This cleaning solution will give your dash a nice, matte look.
So, the Sonax Dashboard Cleaner is my recommendation for anyone who wants a product that is designed particularly for dashboards. This cleaning solution has everything you need in order to maintain the plastic components of your vehicle in great shape.
Main Features:
- Silicone and solvent-free
- No residue
- Matte finish
- Nice smell
6. Nextzett Cockpit Premium
Another great product that has to be mentioned on this list is Nextzett Cockpit Premium cleaner. This cleaner is a powerful solution that will help you get rid of the most stubborn stains on your instrument panel.
This Nextzett product has many uses. You can clean your dashboard, navigation, steering wheel, and any plastic or leather surfaces. What’s more, the cleaner is even capable of removing rubber scuff marks.
In addition, this product has an anti-static technology which will prevent the dust from piling up quickly. So, you won’t have to clean your car every couple of days.
The ingredients in the Nextzett product are non-toxic and biodegradable. Cockpit Premium is silicone-free, so it is completely safe for both your skin and your car. You know you’ve hit the jackpot when you find a cleaner that is doing the job well and doesn’t have harmful ingredients.
Those who want their cleaning solutions to smell good will be happy to know that this Nextzett product has a fresh citrus scent. If you’re not a fan of scented cleaners, don’t give up on this product, since the smell is mild and it dissolves quickly.
Furthermore, this product contains sun-blocking agents. They are very important for keeping your dashboard in the original condition.
To conclude, if you’re looking for an efficient dashboard cleaner, then you have to try Nextzett Cockpit Premium cleaning solution. Aside from its great cleaning abilities, it will also protect your dash from sun damage.
Main Features:
- Anti-static technology
- Fresh scent
- Non-toxic
- Biodegradable
- Sun-blocking agents
7. Trinova Interior Quick Detailer
Trinova Interior Quick Detailer provides everything you need for cleaning your dashboard. This product will help you to get rid of dirt, spills, residue, and remind you what your fascia looked like the day you bought your car.
An important property of this product is its ability to protect your IP from UV rays. Ultraviolet rays could cause serious damage to your car, so using this product will extend the duration of your dashboard.
In addition, this Trinova cleaner has an anti-static system. Anti-statics prevent the buildup of residue and dust, which is very important for keeping the dirt from gathering around your fascia quickly.
Another great trait about the dashboard cleaner is that you can use it on a lot of surfaces. The product is great for plastic, trim, finished leather, vinyl, and rubber, so you can clean almost anything in your car with it. Thus, this multi-purpose cleaning tool is another product that will save you some money on additional cleaners.
Furthermore, the smell of this Trinova cleaner is very pleasant. The refreshing scent will make your cleaning process delightful.
To sum up, every meticulous driver knows how useful it is to have a product like this one on hand. It has more than one purpose, protects the dash from UV rays and uses anti-static technology in order to make the time between two cleanings longer.
Main Features:
- UV protection
- Anti-static technology
- No Streaks
- Good scent
- Easy to use
8. CarGuys Super Cleaner
CarGuys Super Cleaner is a great product with very positive reviews. This cleaner has many properties that set it apart from other cleaners.
This cleaning solution is very easy to use. Firstly, you should shake the bottle. Then, spray a little bit of the product on a cleaning cloth and wipe your dash. You don’t need to rinse the IP with water, just dry it with the other side of the cloth and you’re done. I recommend you to clean smaller sections because the product can dry out before you have the chance to wipe it.
The CarGuys cleaner won’t leave a greasy residue after you wipe it off. But, you should wear gloves when you use it in order to protect your hands.
A great thing about this cleaner is that it works on different surfaces. Besides using it to clean your car’s instrument panel, you can also use it for the upholstery, leather, rubber, metals, wood trim, and any kind of fabric.
Furthermore, CarGuys Super Cleaner is made by the latest technology standards. The advanced nanotechnology singles it out because it gives this cleaner the ability to efficiently remove grime and dirt at the molecular level.
This cleaning solution consists of a polymer formula that is based on water. It is non-toxic and, therefore, very safe to use.
In addition, you won’t have to deal with a strong chemical smell with this CarGuys product. The scent is mild and evaporates quickly.
So, this CarGuys Super Cleaner is a great non-toxic, water-based product. It uses the latest cleaning technology, and you can apply it on various surfaces.
Main Features:
- Multi-purpose
- Mild scent
- Easy to use
- Non-toxic
- Nanotechnology
9. Turtle Wax Dash & Glass Foaming Cleaner
If you’ve spent years searching for the perfect dashboard cleaner, your search just might be over. Turtle Wax Dash & Glass Foaming Cleaner is a great one-step cleaning solution for your car’s fascia.
What makes this cleaner different from other products on this list is the fact that the dispenser is an aerosol spray and the product is in the form of foam. Foam is not the most common texture of dashboard cleaners since there is a preconception that it’s messy. But, Turtle Wax used the special technology that keeps the foam from moving from the place where you sprayed it.
In addition, this foaming cleaner’s spray will extract just the right amount of foam. So, you don’t have to worry about wasting the product.
What’s more, this cleaner is very easy to use. You should spray the foam on your dashboard and rub it with a cloth until it’s completely dry. This product won’t leave any streaks or greasy residue on your fascia.
This aerosol product can be used on different surfaces. Besides your dashboard, you can use it to clean windows and even tech screens.
To sum up, Turtle Wax Dash & Glass Foaming Cleaner is not only great for your dash, but also for other parts of your vehicle. It provides efficient and thorough cleaning and helps you keep your dash looking fresh and spotless.
Main Features:
- Easy to use
- Multipurpose
- Aerosol
- Foam texture
10. KevianClean Interior Defense Car Dashboard Cleaner
KevianClean Car Dashboard Cleaner is another amazing cleaning product. It’s safe to use and very effective.
The most important thing I should mention about this KevianClean product is that it’s specifically designed as a sun protector. In order to protect the car from sun damage, this cleaning solution contains Carnauba wax. This wax is a natural, organic substance that will provide protection from UV exposure, intense heat, and oxidation.
KevianClean Dashboard Cleaner will prevent drying, cracking and aging of your instrument panel. So, by using this product, you will extend the duration of your vehicle’s components.
What’s more, this is another multipurpose product. You can use it for cleaning rubber, vinyl and plastic surfaces, as well as synthetic leather.
In addition, this cleaning solution is safe for both your skin and your car. It contains natural, bio-based ingredients without any dangerous chemicals.
This cleaner will help you to achieve a nice, polished-looking interior. It won’t leave any greasy residue on the fascia or on your hands. Those who dislike gloss finish will be happy to know that this cleaner will give their dash a sleek, matt appearance.
However, this product smells like lavender, which could be unpleasant for some users. But, if you like the scent, then you won’t have problems with this cleaner.
To conclude, KevianClean Dashboard Cleaner is an effective cleaning solution that will help you thoroughly clean the inside of your car while providing high UV protection.
Main Features:
- UV protection
- Matte finish
- Non-toxic
- Multipurpose
11. Griot’s Garage 11104 Interior Cleaner
Griot’s Garage 11104 Interior Cleaner is an excellent choice for those of you looking for a nasties-free and multipurpose cleaning product.
The Interior Cleaner is both dye- and fragrance-free. That makes it great for people with allergies or sensitive to chemicals. The lack of nasty additives also means that the formula will not damage the treated surface or alter its color. In fact, you can safely use the Interior Cleaner on even the lightest of colors.
This product can help you get rid of stubborn stains, oil, dust, and dirt. What’s more, it leaves a clean, smooth finish with no greasy residue that would attract more dust.
Griot’s Garage 11104 Interior Cleaner is safe to use on most surfaces, including fabric and vinyl. You can use it on your car’s dashboard, headliner, seats, and floor mats, as well as just about anywhere around the house: from the floors, walls, carpets, and door panels to your shoes, bags, and purses!
The formula is safe for leather, too. Just bear in mind that while it won’t affect factory-dyed leather, it could alter aftermarket leather parts, such as seats and steering wheels. Therefore, always test the product on a small area before using it for the first time.
Main Features:
- Multipurpose cleaner
- Dye- and fragrance-free
- No residue
- Safe for fabric, vinyl, and leather
12. Adam’s Polishes Interior Detailer with Microban
Adam’s Polishes Interior Detailer with Microban is the ultimate all-in-one product. It combines a powerful cleaning and polishing action with UV protection and patented antimicrobial technology. The specially developed formula prevents bacteria growth long after application.
What’s more, this product can also help neutralize odors, freshen the air, and prevent static dust build-up. It can be used to clean and condition leather surfaces too.
The formula is safe to use on a wide array of surfaces, including leather, rubber, vinyl, plastic, canvas, cloth, and some types of upholstery and fabric. You can apply the product on your car’s dashboard as well as the steering wheel, headliner, shifter, door panels and handles, touch screens, electronics, cup holders, consoles, flooring, and more.
Adam’s Polishes Interior Detailer with Microban helps clean dirt, dust, grime, and body oils, leaving a shiny finish and a back-to-factory appearance. Simply spray the surface and then wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Main Features:
- Antimicrobial action
- UV protection
- Anti-static
- Neutralizes odors
- Air freshener
- Leather conditioner
- Back-to-factory finish
How to Use Your Dashboard Cleaner
Regardless of the product you choose, however, it won’t do you much good if you use it incorrectly. With this in mind, here are the steps to using a dashboard cleaner properly:
Step 1: Remove the Front Seats
This step is not mandatory but will make your life much easier. The more room you have to move around when cleaning, the better.
Step 2: Vacuum
Before reaching for your cleaning product, you should vacuum the dashboard first. That will help remove any debris and larger dust particles, leaving you with a smoother surface to work with.
Step 3: Wipe
Next, you should wipe the area thoroughly using your product of choice and a microfiber cloth. Make sure to pay special attention to the steering wheel, handbrake, and shift knob. These are usually the dirtiest parts of a car.
Remember: you should never spray or apply the product directly onto the dashboard. If you do that, it could reach places where it shouldn’t go, such as the insides of the electronics. And if you let the product dry, it could even stain the area. To ensure that doesn’t happen, apply a small amount on your cleaning cloth or rag and start gradually working your way through.
Step 4: Clean the Small Crevices
After you are done wiping the larger areas, move on to the smaller ones, such as the air vents, radio, and USB port. These can be especially tricky, as they often contain tiny crevices that may be difficult to reach.
To make your job easier, ditch the cloth and use a soft paintbrush, a toothbrush, or cotton swabs dipped in the cleaning solution instead. Alternatively, you can use compressed air.
Step 5: Shine and Polish
If you are not using a multipurpose product or simply want some extra shine, squirt a tiny amount of polish on a clean cloth and rub it over the dashboard and center console. Then, go over the polished areas with a dry cloth to get rid of any excess product.
However, you must never shine or polish the top of the dashboard. A shiny dashboard poses serious safety risks. The surface will reflect the sun when driving and could make it difficult or impossible for the driver to see where they are going.
PRO TIP: Always clean your interior in a shaded area. If the surface is too hot, the cleaning solution will dry out too quickly, which could leave stains.
Home-Made Alternatives
You don’t have to spend money on a cleaning solution. There is a big chance that you already have everything you need in your household to make your dashboard as good as new. I’ll show you how to make a great home-cleaner. You’ll need:
- A cloth
- A spray bottle
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Water
- Vinegar
I recommend you to wipe the inside of your car with a damp cloth before you apply a cleaning solution. In addition, try to use a microfiber cloth in order to prevent streaks.
The first method for cleaning a dash is by mixing lemon juice and olive oil in a bottle or a bowl. You should put a small amount of product on a cloth and rub the panel with it. If needed, use another cloth to remove any excess oils from your dashboard.
Another way to clean your fascia is by using vinegar with water. White vinegar is a cheap, non-toxic solution that can be used on various materials. You only need to mix water and vinegar in a spray bottle and apply it on the panel. You should leave it to soak for a couple of minutes before wiping it off with a cloth.
If you want to learn more about these methods, you can read my article about household items for cleaning a dashboard. You’ll also find other useful ways to clean your instrument panel there.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your dashboard clean is very important. Not only will a dirt-free dash give your car a fresh, clean look, but it will also protect you from germs.
Therefore, finding a great cleaning solution for your car’s fascia is a must. You can’t go wrong with any of the dash cleaners from my list. What’s more, you can opt for a homemade alternative to save some money.
So, now it’s time to give your dashboard a sleek, new look.
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