5 Best Home Remedies for Cleaning Car Dashboards

A clean car dashboard is visually appealing and significantly enhances the driving experience. It reflects the driver’s attention to detail and care for their vehicle.

More so, a well-maintained dashboard can increase the longevity of your car’s interior, making your rides comfortable and pleasing.

Home remedies offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to maintaining the cleanliness of your dashboard.

They are tailored to handle different types of dirt and stains that conventional cleaning chemicals may fail to tackle effectively. Moreover, these remedies are often made from household items, making them readily available.

In this guide, I will take a closer look at the five best home remedies for cleaning your car’s dashboard. These solutions range from tackling stubborn stains to managing light dirt and everyday grime, offering a comprehensive cleanup strategy for your car’s interior.

1. Olive Oil and Lemon Juice Polish (Dust and Fingerprints)

Olive oil and lemon juice are excellent kitchen ingredients and make for an effective dashboard cleaning solution. 

Aimed at dust and fingerprints, this home remedy doubles as a polish, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your dashboard. 

Olive Oil to Restore a Natural Shine

Olive oil is renowned for its ability to restore shine and luster to surfaces, making it perfect for your dashboard. 

The oil doesn’t just clean but also leaves a thin, protective sheen that wards off dust and grime, keeping your dashboard cleaner for longer.

Lemon juice, on the other hand, is a natural cleansing agent. It effectively tackles fingerprints and light dirt, cutting through the grime with its citric acid content. As a bonus, lemon leaves a fresh, clean aroma in your car.

How to Create and Apply the Olive Oil and Lemon Juice Polish

Creating and applying this polish is a simple process. 

1. Mix two olive oil parts with one lemon juice in a bowl.
2. Stir the mixture until well combined.
3. Apply a small amount of the mixture to a soft cloth. 
4. Wipe the dashboard gently, focusing on areas with fingerprints and dust. 
5. Once done, wipe the dashboard with a dry cloth to remove any excess polish. 

This remedy is effective, safe for your hands, and environmentally friendly. Apply it regularly for a gleaming, clean dashboard.

2. Vinegar and Water Solution (Greasy Residues)

Vinegar, particularly white vinegar, is a household staple known for its degreasing properties. It can effectively cut through stubborn, greasy residues often found on car dashboards. 

White Vinegar: The Natural Degreaser

White vinegar contains acetic acid, a potent compound that can break down even the most stubborn grease and grime. 

Being a natural product, it is safe to use and does not contain any harsh chemicals that might damage your dashboard or impact your health. 

Not only does vinegar clean, but it also disinfects, leaving your car looking better and more hygienic.

Preparing and Using the Vinegar and Water Solution

Creating and applying the vinegar and water solution is straightforward. 

1. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Shake the solution until it is well combined.
3. Spray the solution onto a soft cloth. Avoid spraying directly onto the dashboard to prevent over-saturation.
4. Wipe the dashboard, paying special attention to any sections with greasy build-up.
5. Once the grease has been removed, wipe the dashboard with a dry cloth to absorb any remaining solution.

Tips for Tackling Tough Grease and Grime

For stubborn stains, allow the vinegar and water solution to sit for a few minutes before wiping it off. This gives the vinegar time to work its magic and break down the grease. 

If the greasy residues are stubborn, you might need to repeat the process a few times. Always finish by drying the dashboard to prevent any water stains. 

This home remedy is cost-effective, safe, and environmentally friendly, making it an excellent choice for maintaining a clean, grease-free dashboard.

3. Baking Soda Paste for Stubborn Stains

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is renowned for its abrasive properties and ability to tackle tough stains. 

It acts as a natural exfoliator for your car’s dashboard, effectively loosening stubborn grime and grease that vinegar may not completely eliminate. 

Creating a Baking Soda Paste for Targeted Cleaning

Creating a baking soda paste is a simple process:

1. In a bowl, combine three parts baking soda with one part water. This will form a paste that can be easily applied to targeted areas.
2. Use a clean cloth to apply the paste onto the stained area of your dashboard. 
3. Gently rub the paste in a circular motion. 
4. This will allow the abrasive particles in the baking soda to work into the stain.
5. Let the paste sit for a few minutes to allow the baking soda to penetrate deeply into the stain.
6. Rinely wipe off the paste with a damp cloth, then dry the dashboard with a clean cloth.

Using Baking Soda on Different Dashboard Materials

While baking soda is a powerful cleaning agent, it’s important to remember that its abrasive nature can potentially harm certain dashboard materials, particularly if used excessively. 

Always test a small, inconspicuous area first. Avoid applying the paste to areas with a high-gloss finish or any surfaces that are easily scratched. 

Lastly, never leave the baking soda paste on your dashboard for an extended period, which may cause discoloration. Use this home remedy wisely to maintain a clean, stain-free dashboard.

4. DIY All-Purpose Cleaner (for General Dirt and Grime) 

As we strive for a greener planet, eco-friendly cleaning solutions have gained popularity, and rightfully so. 

A homemade all-purpose cleaner is an excellent, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cleaning products, offering effective results for your car dashboard.

Ingredients for DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

To create this all-purpose cleaner, you’ll need the following items: 

• 1 cup of distilled water
• 1 cup of white vinegar
• 10 drops of essential oil (optional for fragrance)

Applying Your DIY All-Purpose Cleaner 

Here are the step-by-step instructions for using your DIY cleaner to maintain a clean dashboard:

1. In a spray bottle, combine the distilled water, white vinegar, and essential oil (if using). 
2. Secure the lid and give it a good shake to mix the ingredients well. 
3. Spray the solution lightly on the dashboard, avoiding any electronic controls.
4. Wipe the dashboard with a clean, damp cloth. 
5. Use a second cloth to dry the dashboard thoroughly to avoid water spots. 

Remember, for the best results, always test a small area first to ensure the cleaner won’t cause discoloration or damage. 

Using this DIY all-purpose cleaner will give you a clean, grime-free dashboard and make a small yet significant contribution towards a cleaner, greener planet.

5. Dish Soap and Water (for Mild Dirt and Spills) 

Sometimes, a simple dish soap and water solution can be highly effective for cleaning your car’s dashboard. Dish soap has mild cleaning properties, making it safe and ideal for light dirt and spills.

Ingredients for Dish Soap and Water Solution

Creating a dish soap and water solution is straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A few drops of mild dish soap
• 1 cup of warm water

Preparing and Applying Your Dish Soap and Water Solution

Here’s how to create and use the dish soap and water solution:

1. Combine the warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bowl. Stir until the solution is well mixed.
2. Dampen a clean, soft cloth with soapy water.
3. Wipe the dashboard gently, working on one area at a time, to prevent the solution from drying out on the surface.
4. Use a second, dry cloth to wipe off the soap and dry the surface thoroughly, as leaving the surface wet can lead to water spots or damage.

The key to using dish soap as a cleaning agent for your dashboard lies in its proper application. 

Avoid applying the soap directly onto the dashboard, especially electronic controls. Its mild properties are enough to clean without causing any damage. 

However, it’s still wise to first test a small, discreet area to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage. You can maintain a clean dashboard effectively and economically using dish soap and water.

General Dashboard Cleaning Tips 

Maintaining a clean and spotless dashboard is more than just a cosmetic enhancement; it’s about preserving your vehicle’s interior and guaranteeing the longevity of its components. Here are some practical tips for dashboard cleaning.

Dos and Don’ts for Maintaining a Spotless Dashboard 

While cleaning your dashboard, there are certain practices you should adhere to and some you should avoid.

Do:

• Always test your chosen cleaning solution on a small, hidden part of the dashboard first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
• Use a microfiber cloth for wiping; it’s soft, absorbent, and effective in trapping dirt.
• Clean your dashboard regularly to prevent dirt buildup and ensure a fresh and clean interior

Don’t:

• Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners that can cause damage to the dashboard’s material.
• Never leave your dashboard wet after cleaning; always dry it thoroughly to prevent water spots or damage.