View Full Version : What can I use on my dash?


EvilA4
09-05-2004, 07:11 PM
I used to have a 1994 B3 Passat a year or two ago. I used to use Armor All to clean and shine the dash but i noticed it left a greasy finish. Now I have my B5 Audi and Im left wondering if I should use this stuff because some parts are a little scuffed.

How should I go about cleaning and shining it up a little? Is there any other product that will do this?

Why is Armor All bad?

david9999
09-05-2004, 08:09 PM
I'm not sure that amorall is bad, just don't get it on anything leather, or an any plexiglass.

fourringer
09-05-2004, 08:30 PM
Well, you can use like 1/4 diluted "Simple Green" and if you like to Armor All, do that over it...

EvilA4
09-05-2004, 08:38 PM
Ok.... people tell me to not use armor all and I didnt know why. Thanks for the replys! :D

fourringer
09-06-2004, 03:11 AM
Well Armor All and all those protectants work well.
There are a few complaints. One is that some people think it looks/feels "greasy" and it leaves marks on your windshield/plastic if you overspray, and it annoying to get off, cause it smears. Also, if you use it often and stop using it, your vinyl dash (or whatever they're made out of) can crack over time
But...as long as you continue to keep your vinyl "shined" up, it prevents UV rays from fading it, and keeps it clean. I use "Turtle Wax's Formula 2001" all the time, and highly recommend it. Tire wet is basically the same thing, and on a further note, tires will look nice if you continue to use those protectants. The tires on my 5.0 look brand new, even though they are a year old.

Jestnomen
09-06-2004, 10:54 AM
I found by using those pruducts, my dash accumulated more lint. I just wet a towel and remove the fuzz and thats it.

brrman
09-06-2004, 04:55 PM
Stop using armor all. It contains a type of silicone that basically rots out the leather or vinyl of your dash. You may not notice it immediately, but compare a car using armor all for 10 years compared to one simply wiped over with water... There are many much better products out there now for your interior.

I only use a damp microfiber cloth to clean my interior - warm soapy water if the interior is really dirty. And maybe twice during the summer I will use Meguiars Endurance or Lexol Vinylex on my interior. 303 Protectant is also a good one.

EvilA4
09-06-2004, 06:04 PM
that sounds like what someone told me.

My dash is clean but I was just curious, I bought some cleaning wipes and it removed the scuffs. Thanks for the info! :)

ImolaS4
09-07-2004, 03:55 PM
brrman is correct - Armorall is terrible! It's amazing that it continues to be used (and promoted) when it actually helps to deteriorate the plastic, vinyl, and rubber in automobiles.

shon
09-07-2004, 06:13 PM
wow, i used armoral wipes

i guess i wont anymore. thanks fellas

PandaXpress
09-12-2004, 07:53 AM
i usually just dust off my dash wit the amazing california duster or just use a lightly damped towel and wipe over everything becasue how dirty can your dash get and its mainly dust on your dash most of the time anyways

ImolaS4
09-12-2004, 05:07 PM
ORIGINAL: PandaXpress

i usually just dust off my dash wit the amazing california duster or just use a lightly damped towel and wipe over everything becasue how dirty can your dash get and its mainly dust on your dash most of the time anyways

Ditto.

Very good points PandaXpress.

SamJamaica
03-28-2005, 11:24 PM
i guess i won't be using armor all anymore!!! granted i've only used it once, so far.

i hope the previous owner of my car didn't use it!

audiboy
07-05-2005, 07:26 PM
Armor All has improved thier formulas over the years now. Yes, they used to have terrible products, but now they are a lot better and have a lot more protectants in them. Armor All will not rot your dash, but over time, water will. Water contains no protectants whatsoever and will do more harm than help. I use Poorboy's Natural Look interior cleaner and protectant for mine. It will clean very well, protect, and leave a matte finish. But for someone who doesn't want to carry a proffesional line of detailing products, Armor All is a good product to use.

Cameron
07-05-2005, 07:35 PM
I stick to using a damp microfiber cloth, as someone else said. I'm not dumping buckets of water on my dash, so I doubt it will rot. I've been meaning to pick up one of those California Dusters sometime, I always smear my windshield when I wipe close to the corners because my knuckles rub on the glass.

audiboy
07-05-2005, 11:12 PM
That's why it's best to clean and protect your dash, then clean your glass. As a professional detailer, I would strongly suggest against the damp microfiber/rag/towel method. Water will do nothing to protect against UV rays. With the improvements that Armor All has made, I'm still suprised to hear all of the bad rumors going around.

blue2.7turbo
07-20-2005, 03:23 PM
i've heard plenty of bad stuff ppl say bout armor all but i think its bologny my past car was a 91' S Class Mercedes and i've shined all the plastic and such with armor all and it protects, cleans, and shines the interior great and i've been using it on my Audi also. I've never had a problem with it. Not even a single crack on my dash and the benz was over 15 years old!

GTMA4
07-20-2005, 03:32 PM
3M makes a great conditioner that is good for both vinyl and leather.

Karl
07-23-2005, 01:48 AM
soap and warm water..

SilvRA4
10-25-2005, 06:29 AM
so yeah, ive got the Armorall leather wipes for the seats and whatnot. never had a problem, but when it comes to the dash i always use the turtle wax forumla 2001, works amazing with less of an oily residue

vilkus
10-29-2005, 04:28 AM
I think lexol products are best. Each one specialized for either leather or plastic.
Klasse is great for the same stuff but I think Vinalex lexol stuff is better.

Micro fiber cloths really help on wipe down.

I am bmw guy 325 1990 528 1979 but beemer forum sucks and I was just cleaning up the 325 which is new.

I would buy the gallon versions of the lexol stuff.

r