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How To Clean Your Instrument Panel Without Scratching

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by Scott W, Feb 24, 2020.

  1. Feb 24, 2020 at 11:16 AM
    #1
    Scott W

    Scott W [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Gotta new tip for how to clean your Cluster/Instrument Panel Lense without scratching it all up. For minor dust, film and finger prints simply use Microfiber Lense Wipes made for glasses. They are inexpensive and can be found at any drug or department store. Won't scratch

    450.jpg
     
    Marek71 and ChiefTRDSport like this.
  2. Mar 5, 2020 at 4:49 PM
    #2
    clenkeit

    clenkeit Well-Known Member

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    In most instances it'll be more about the dirt thats on there doing the scratching rather than the thing you're using to do the wiping. Sure, those wipes don't scratch when cleaning classes that just have finger grease on them. But, get the glasses covered in dirt and you'd still risk scratching them. Dirt/debris will turn pretty much any material into a fine form of sand paper.

    The best solution would be to use any clean cloth that you'd use for cleaning your paint or other delicate surfaces. Then use a good quality liquid cleaner that has lubricants in it. Good lubrication will help prevent scratches. Then, use a polishing compound periodically to remove fine scratches and swirl marks - because you'll never avoid them entirely.
     
    gorram and Stormtrooper457 like this.
  3. Mar 5, 2020 at 4:56 PM
    #3
    Vann

    Vann Well-Known Member

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    Lemon pledge and a soft cloth. Been using it for years on motorcycle windshields and face shields.
    Spray on a light coating and buff out with the cloth.
     
  4. Mar 6, 2020 at 2:25 AM
    #4
    Stormtrooper457

    Stormtrooper457 Well-Known Member

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    This.

    Also I'm pretty sure the plastic scratches just from looking at it.
     
  5. Mar 6, 2020 at 2:59 AM
    #5
    deadpocketss

    deadpocketss Dingus

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    That's why they had to stop making eyeglass lenses out of plastic.

    :rimshot:
     
  6. Mar 9, 2020 at 12:07 PM
    #6
    RapidRoy

    RapidRoy Well-Known Member

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    I always blow the car out first. On plastic that will scratch I then use a fine paintbrush that scoots the particles off before finally using a microfiber cloth with cleaner. It only takes a few extra minutes and pretty much guarantees no abrasive particles are sitting on the shiny plastic prior to using a cloth that can capture the abrasive and scratch. Also, use the clean cloth on the shiny stuff first, before the other parts of the interior.
     
  7. Mar 9, 2020 at 3:05 PM
    #7
    clenkeit

    clenkeit Well-Known Member

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    Forgot about that lil tip. I haven't been using brushes much anymore but do have a couple small paintbrushes I'll use when doing a deeper interior detail. They're great for getting dust out of air vents, out of the seams and gaps in panels and between materials. I had forgotten that I'll also use it on the cluster plastic as well. :thumbsup:
     

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