While most people prefer using commercial cleaners, there are some who’d rather rely on the products they already have at home. One popular example is olive oil. Olive oil can clean your silverware and condition your leather couch, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that it can clean your dashboard too.
You can use cooking oil to clean your dashboard similar to how you would use most commercial cleaners. Here are helpful tips on how to clean the dashboard of your car:
You’ll save yourself a lot of time later on by preparing everything you need first. Aside from olive oil, you’ll need clean microfiber cloths and a small brush. You can also use a vacuum if you have one.
If it’s been a while since you cleaned your dashboard, then there’s likely a layer of dust that needs to go first. You can wipe it off with a cloth, but using a vacuum with a brush attachment can make the whole process easier. Either way, just be sure to dust off the air vents and crevices.
You can use a special brush specifically designed for vents and dashboards, but an old toothbrush can also work. Use it to dust off the buttons, knobs, and radio on your dashboard. Gently but thoroughly brush over those hard-to-reach crevices that your cloth or vacuum can’t reach.
You can also invest in a special air gun designed for detailing. It’s good to have to get dust and dirt out of any tiny crevices.
To clean your dashboard with oil, you have to apply it to a clean microfiber cloth first. Applying the oil directly to your dashboard can create stains that can be hard to remove.
Just apply a small amount on a clean cloth and use it to wipe your dashboard. Use a gentle hand, and avoid scrubbing the surface to prevent any scratches.
If you aren’t pressed for time, consider testing the oil on a small area first. Choose a part of the dashboard that isn’t noticeable, and apply the oil using a microfiber towel. Wait for a few minutes, and check for any stains. If the area looks good, then you can go ahead and wipe your entire dashboard.
You can also use olive oil or baby oil to polish your dashboard. After cleaning your dashboard with a commercial cleaner or homemade product, place a small amount of olive oil on a clean towel. Then, rub it all over your dashboard. This will leave your dashboard looking polished and any leather components looking refreshed.
Most commercial cleaners are made of harsh chemicals that can damage your dashboard over time. In contrast, olive oil is a natural product that can also double as a strong cleaning agent. It can get rid of paint, crayon marks, and other hard-to-remove stains. It can also revive wood, refresh leather surfaces, and make stainless steel shine.
Plus, olive oil is a product most people already have in their houses. By using olive oil, you’d have one less bottle taking up space in your drawers.
Like any product, however, there are some downsides to using olive oil. Because it’s a type of oil, olive oil can leave a greasy residue that can attract dust and dirt. It can also stain your seats and dashboard if applied incorrectly.
Olive oil might not work for everybody, but it’s a great option to consider if you want to avoid using commercial cleaners.
The best cleaner for your car dashboard is the one that best fits your preferences. If that happens to be a commercial cleaner, then just make sure to invest in a high-quality one. High-quality dashboard cleaners can cost anywhere from $10 to $130. You can also get dashboard polish waxes for around $10 to $60.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.