I use Meguiar’s Ultimate Protectant. Spray directly onto the dash. Wipe down with a microfiber cloth and the flip cloth to a dry side and wipe down again. Doesn’t give a high gloss shine, but make it look clean.

 

When I used to spray on Armour All on the dash, if I did not wipe it fast enough I could see spots on the surface later. Thereafter, I would spray on the cloth and wipe the surface with it.

 

I use 303 aerospace protectant in all surfaces. Keeps them clean and is probably the best uv protector to prevent damage from the sun.

 

This is what I use on my hot-tub cover. Good stuff

 

Anyone recommend how to clean the top of the dash - which has a soft rubbery textured feel to it? Just dust accumulation and such - but not an easy wipe.
ideas?

I use Optimum No Rinse (not wax) about a teaspoon to a gallon of DISTILLED water to clean everything in the interior. I use microfiber a lot but for windows I find it leaves micro-filaments that can be seen in bright incident light, so for those I use a barely damp soft cotton cloth (with the above distilled water mix) and while I'm there, I wipe down the dash with the same cloth. If I'm just cleaning the dash and not windows, I'd spray the mix onto a microfiber cloth and wipe the dash. I've cleaned the dash a couple times so far and haven't noticed the dash grabbing the damp cloth.

 

Mild soap and water on a dish towel... wring it out so it’s not soaking wet, and wipe the dash down. Really just water works too, which is what I’ll use to remove dust.

 

Micro fiber clothes and boarshair brushes work great to remove dust from textured surfaces.

 

Xpress Interior Cleaner, part of Double Black Renny Doyle Collection (P&S) Professional Detail Products works extremely well for this and can be used on all interior surfaces. Spray on, let stand for a few seconds, wipe off with a micro-fiber cloth turning to dry side for final wipe down. This product leaves a satin appearance and does not collect dust.

 

I use Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer Cleaner and then 303 for the UV protection. You don't want anything that makes your dash glossy because it will cause reflections on your windshield.

 

Are you looking for something to apply or are you looking for a means to dust it ?
I still prefer a California Car Duster for regular dusting.These things work amazing even after many years of use.

Amazon.com: California Car Duster 62447 Dash Duster: Automotive

Buy California Car Duster 62447 Dash Duster: Feather Dusters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

For treatment, 303 protectant. The stuff is god on everything rom kayak hulls to dashboards.

 

Here is someone who did a 3 year test on a trim piece. He treated half of it and left the other half untreated. Then he left the piece in the sun for 3 years.

My interesting three year experiment with 303 Aerospace Protectant - Pelican Parts Forums

I've used 303 Aerospace Protectant on the rubber and plastic trim (and tires) on my cars for years. I like it because it doesn't make things to shiny/g

forums.pelicanparts.com

results post:

My interesting three year experiment with 303 Aerospace Protectant - Pelican Parts Forums

I've used 303 Aerospace Protectant on the rubber and plastic trim (and tires) on my cars for years. I like it because it doesn't make things to shiny/g

forums.pelicanparts.com

 

For doing all of the dash and interior, I use a household vacuum with hose and soft brush attachment. Works well imo. Try it.

 

Wow thanks everyone for all the replies!

 

I prefer Meguiar's D101 All Purpose Cleaner from their professional line; since it does have moderate surface treatment ingredients included, I don’t put anything else on afterward - that would be just more stuff to outgas.

Might be that it’s sharing the same active ingredients that are in the Meguiar’s consumer line products that @gdbjr and @andrew25 recommended; that’s pretty typical.

 

I might have the simplest solution. I use a white dish cloth and hot water, thats it. Wring out the raw, wipe it down and let it air dry. No need for chemicals and solutions.

 

Anyone recommend how to clean the top of the dash - which has a soft rubbery textured feel to it? Just dust accumulation and such - but not an easy wipe.
ideas?

No one addressed the real issue. Subaru had a recall on the dashboards because they would get VERY STICKY from sun exposure. It ended on my 2009 Outback in 2016 so I'm told by the dealer. I used "purple power"cleaner, at full strength liberally, and a scrub brush. I had to repeat 5 times rinsing with a damp rag that got blackened each time. Then applied plastic conditioner once dry. It was still sticky in some spots but MUCH better.

 

No one addressed the real issue. Subaru had a recall on the dashboards because they would get VERY STICKY from sun exposure. It ended on my 2009 Outback in 2016 so I'm told by the dealer.

They had a recall on SOME of the dashboards caused by a bad run. Ours has never been sticky.

 

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017K69MA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I use this on the dash, windshield, infotainment, etc. Works well.

 

I use this on the dash, windshield, infotainment, etc. Works well.

Do you use with glass cleaner or something else? Windshields are the bane of my existence!

 

Nowadays windshields are more sloped so they are much harder to clean, and you have to do the limbo to get your hand backwards against the glass, sometimes easier with your arm behind you than in front of you.

A normal microfiber towel may leave tiny microfiber fibers that glint in the light, so I use either a waffle weave microfiber, or a soft cotton towel, dampened with distilled water sprayed on the towel.

Because of eyesight, you're not supposed to spray anything onto the dash or glass, because fine mist will make its way to the eyesight lenses - or you can cover the eyesight lenses before spraying anything. Better to spray on your towel outside of the car instead.

Then again many people seem to have no problem with eyesight even after driving in dusty conditions so maybe it's not as big a deal as it may seem, and, any plasticizer vapor that you're wiping off your glass interior is also depositing on things like your rear view mirror, and no doubt the eyesight lenses or lens covers.

 

Have found the best solution for inside of windshield is if it’s really dirty to clean it once with something like invisible glass and microfiber cloth ( spraying on cloth of course). Then I just keep a clean, dry microfiber cloth in the console. When it starts to get filmy or hazy again, I use fairly firm pressure in a circular motion with the dry cloth...removes the haze and no streaks. And I use a plain microfiber, not a “glass” one if that helps.

 

For windows, I’ve found that a solution of 1 part isopropyl alcohol, 1 part white vinegar and 1 part distilled water sprayed on to a clean microfiber towel works well. Buff dry with a 2nd microfiber towel. All other interior surfaces get wiped down with a clean microfiber towel that has been soaked in No-Rinse wash solution then buffed dry. The interior was treated by the detailer when they ceramic coated the paint, so I don’t use a protectant. Worth the investment, IMO.

 

Subaru recommends not using anything that results in a glossy finish. The reflections interfere with the Eyesight system. I have used 303 for 17 years on my boat finishes and it looks like new. However. The seats do look a little glossy. I would use it on the dash if it doesn’t’ gloss.