Clean Your Dashboard Naturally With These 5 Simple Hacks
How to Clean The Dashboard
How to clean the dashboard naturally - Your car's dashboard takes a beating. It's constantly exposed to the sun's UV rays, which can cause discoloration and cracking over time. Not to mention it's a magnet for dust, dirt, spills, and sticky messes. You touch your dashboard every day, so it's important to keep it clean for both aesthetics and health reasons.
A dirty dashboard filled with grime not only looks bad but can also become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Those germs get transferred to your hands whenever you touch areas like air vents and buttons. Cleaning your dashboard regularly removes those germs to help keep you healthy.
Beyond germs, there are many other benefits to keeping your dashboard clean. Removing dirt, dust, and debris can prevent permanent staining. It also helps maintain your vehicle's value by keeping the interior looking its best. You'll notice less glare on sunny days when the dashboard is free of grime buildup. Overall, taking the time to properly clean your dashboard helps extend its lifespan and keeps your car looking great.
Naturally cleaning your dashboard is an affordable and effective method. In this article, we will cover an easy step-by-step process to clean your dashboard thoroughly using ingredients you likely already have at home. With just a bit of time and elbow grease, you can safely deep clean and refresh your dashboard without harmful chemicals.
Assess the Current Condition
Take some time to examine the current state of your dashboard before cleaning. Look closely at the type of dust, dirt, or grime that has built up. Is it mostly light dust that wipes away easily? Or is there sticky residue, oily deposits, or mud splatter caked on? Check for any staining or discoloration of the dashboard material itself. The level of soiling and staining will determine the type of cleaning methods and solutions needed.
Gently run your fingers over the surface, feeling for texture. Dust will feel gritty but come away easily. Sticky spots will be smoother but adhered to the dashboard. Pay attention to the material composition as well- some surfaces absorb liquids readily while others repel water. Plastic components will require different care than leather accents or wood finishes. Inspect any crevices, curves, or speaker grilles for built-up grime. Identify trouble spots so you can pay special attention to them. This initial assessment will allow you to gauge the extent of cleaning required so you can gather the appropriate supplies and techniques.
Gather Supplies
Before getting started, assemble the supplies you'll need to naturally clean your car's dashboard. This helps make the process quicker and more efficient. The main items you'll want to have on hand include:
- Microfiber cloths - Microfiber cloths are soft, absorbent, and ideal for cleaning delicate surfaces like a car dashboard. They trap and lift away dirt without scratching. Have a few clean microfiber cloths ready to use.
- Soft brush - A soft-bristle brush is great for gently brushing away loose dirt and debris that accumulates on dashboards. Look for a brush with natural bristles. You can find these at automotive stores or department stores.
- Wooden toothpicks - Toothpicks help clean tight crevices and air vents. The wood material won't scratch the dashboard.
- Baking soda - Baking soda can be used as a gentle abrasive cleaner to lift away grime on the dashboard. It also helps neutralize odors.
- Essential oils - Adding a few drops of essential oils like lemon, lavender, or peppermint to the cleaning solution provides a natural fragrance.
Make sure you have enough clean clothes and supplies to thoroughly clean the entire dashboard surface. Avoid using paper towels or rough scrub brushes that could scuff the dashboard material. With the right supplies gathered, you'll be ready to tackle the dashboard cleaning process using safe, natural ingredients.
Dust the Surface
Before applying any type of cleaning solution, you'll want to remove any loose dust or dirt from your dashboard. This prevents rubbing that debris around and potentially scratching the surface when wiping it down.
Use a microfiber cloth, soft brush attachment on a vacuum, or handheld vac to lightly dust the entire dashboard surface. Make sure to get into crevices, air vents, and other hard-to-reach areas. Go slowly and methodically to lift away as much dust and dirt as possible before wiping the area with a cleaner.
Pay extra attention to the indentations on the dashboard display as dust loves to gather there. You may need to use a smaller brush or cotton swab to gently dislodge built-up grime in small spaces. Just take care not to press too hard or you could scratch the plastic. The goal is to remove any dust or debris that is sitting loosely on top of the dashboard before cleansing the area.
Spot Clean Sticky Areas
One of the most stubborn areas to clean on your dashboard is sticky spots and built-up grime. You'll want to tackle these areas first before doing an overall clean.
Start by using wooden toothpicks to gently scrape off any chunks of dirt or debris that are stuck on. Toothpicks are ideal for getting into small cracks and crevices. Scrape in different directions to dislodge the grime. Be careful not to gouge or scratch your dashboard with the toothpick.
For stickier messes like gum or sap, you may need a plastic scraper or an old credit card to slowly peel it away. Take your time and gradually work at the sticky spot until it releases. Harsh scrubbing can actually push the gum further into the dashboard grain.
If there are any oily residues left over after scraping, use a small amount of baking soda on a damp cloth to help dissolve the oil. Gently rub the area until it feels smooth and clean. Wipe away any baking soda when finished.
Following these tips will prepare your dashboard for an overall clean by getting rid of any built-up sticky spots first. Be patient, take your time, and use items like toothpicks, scrapers, and baking soda to successfully remove grime.
Mix a Natural Cleaning Solution
One of the best ways to naturally clean your car's dashboard is by mixing your own solution using common household ingredients like baking soda, essential oils, and water. The baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to lift dirt while also being a deodorizer. Essential oils add a fresh, clean scent while also having antimicrobial properties. Water activates the baking soda into a paste.
Here is how to mix up this simple but highly effective dashboard cleaning solution:
- Take 1/4 cup of baking soda and place it into a small bowl or jar. Make sure it is a container with a lid.
- Add 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil. Lemon, lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oil work very well but you can experiment with your favorite scents.
- Slowly drizzle in water while mixing until a paste forms. You want it to be thick but still able to be spread on the dashboard surface.
- Put the lid on the container and give it a final shake or stir to fully incorporate.
This natural paste is now ready to be used on your vehicle's dashboard. The baking soda will lift and absorb dirt and oils while the essential oil cuts through grime and leaves behind a clean, fresh fragrance.
Apply the Cleaning Solution
Now that you've mixed up your natural cleaning solution, it's time to put it to work on the dashboard. This is where the magic happens!
Gather a few soft, clean cloths or microfiber towels. Avoid any that are rough or abrasive, as that could potentially scratch the dashboard surface.
Dip one of the cloths into your homemade cleaner, or pour some directly onto the dashboard. You don't need to saturate the area, just evenly coat the section you are cleaning.
Use a light, circular motion to work the natural cleaning solution into the dashboard. Apply a bit of elbow grease to trouble spots, but overall be gentle.
Let the natural cleaner sit for 2-3 minutes. This gives the ingredients time to lift and dissolve the dirt, dust, and grime. Don't let it sit for too long though or it could leave a film.
The natural cleaners will help break down the particulates while the cloth provides the mechanical action for removing stains. Work in small sections for best results.
After a few minutes, grab a fresh dry cloth and wipe away the grime and excess moisture. Buff the dashboard until it looks shiny and renewed.
Repeat this process over any remaining dirty patches. The natural cleaners should lift away the debris without leaving any chemical residue behind.
Wipe Away the Grime
After allowing the natural cleaning solution to sit for a few minutes, it's time to wipe away all of the lifted dirt and grime. This step is important for fully removing any grease, dust, or debris that has been clinging to the dashboard.
Take a new, clean microfiber cloth and gently wipe across the dashboard surface. Apply light pressure as you wipe in circular motions. The microfiber will lift up and capture all of the cleaning solution along with the dissolved grime.
Slowly work your way across the entire dashboard, frequently folding the microfiber cloth to reveal a clean side. The goal is to fully eliminate any dirt or oily residue until the dashboard appears shiny and clean.
Check for any remaining sticky spots or glossy areas that still need attention. Reapply a small amount of cleaning solution and wipe again if needed.
Continue wiping with microfiber cloths until the dashboard is completely clean and left with a like-new appearance. No dirt or greasy film should remain on the surface when you are done.
Remove Excess Cleanser
Once you've thoroughly cleaned the entire dashboard surface, it's important to make sure no cleaning paste residue remains. Any leftover cleaner can leave streaks or a film on the dashboard, diminishing its shiny, clean appearance.
Go over the entire surface with a clean, dry microfiber towel. Apply light pressure as you buff away any haze or residue from the natural cleaning solution. Focus extra attention on any cracks or crevices where paste may have collected.
You want the dashboard to be completely free of any cleaning product remains. Give areas like the air vents and speaker covers an extra buffing to remove any lingering paste.
Check closely for any shiny or slippery patches that indicate excess cleaner. Keep wiping with a dry cloth until the dashboard has a uniform matte finish.
Properly removing all traces of the cleaning paste will help the dashboard maintain its refreshed look much longer. And you won't have to worry about any chemical residue being left behind from commercial cleaners. With a little extra buffing, your dashboard will look immaculately clean and free of any cleaning product film.
Conclusion
After following the steps outlined in this article, your car's dashboard should look refreshed and renewed. The natural cleaning solutions are designed to thoroughly clean the dashboard while being gentle on its materials.
Take a step back and admire your handiwork once you've completed the cleaning process. A clean dashboard can make the entire interior of your car feel cleaner and fresher. It also protects your dashboard by removing dirt, dust, and grime that could otherwise build up and cause damage over time.
With some basic supplies and a little bit of elbow grease, you can keep your dashboard looking like new. Natural cleaning helps avoid harsh chemical fumes inside your car. This article provides an effective approach to deep-clean and revitalize your dashboard using common household ingredients.