How to Clean the Dashboard and Console in Your Vehicle

The dashboard and console are two of the most-seen parts of your vehicle, so it makes since that you would want to keep them clean. Many people don't know the correct way to clean their dashboard and console-they just wipe them with a paper towel. But there are specific ways of cleaning and protecting your dashboard and console so that they'll stay in good condition and look great all the way down the road.

Things You'll Need

  • Towel
  • Liquid car cleaner
  • Mircofiber towel
  • Warm water
  • Cloth
  • Toothbrush
  • Vinyl protectant spray

Dashboard

  • Wet a towel with warm water and wipe down your dashboard to prepare it for cleaning. Now spray your dashboard with a liquid car cleaner, which can be found at any major automotive store. Use a soft cloth to work the cleaner into the dashboard. Continue over the whole dashboard. Let the area dry before moving on to the next step.

  • Spray a vinyl protectant spray on a clean cloth, and wipe down the dashboard. Continue spraying and wiping until you've covered the whole dashboard. Spraying the cloth allows you to clean your dashboard without getting any spray on your windshield or other areas. Allow the protectant spray to sit for five to eight minutes.

  • Now use a microfiber towel to wipe the dashboard. The towel will remove any leftover dust and particles and give the dashboard a smooth finish.

Console

  • To clean the console, you'll need a toothbrush and an all-purpose cleaning spray. Lightly spray the area of the console you would like to clean first. Take the toothbrush and scrub the areas that a washcloth cannot reach. Continue spraying those areas and scrubbing with the toothbrush until you have removed as much dirt as you can.

  • After cleaning with the toothbrush, take a small damp cloth and wipe the console with the cloth. Use paper towels to remove any dust or particles that you have picked up with the cloth. Continue wiping the console until you have wiped up all the remaining dirt and grime.

  • When cleaning areas with the towel, be sure to spray the towel and not the console, so you don't use too much spray (which can get everywhere). Wipe the console with the towel until it comes up clean.

  • Allow the area to air dry. You may spray the console with a vinyl protectant spray to keep the finish on the material. Be sure that the vehicle is completely dry before spraying.