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Proper way to clean gauge cluster plastic?
Hi All,
I would consider myself an "enthusiast" level home detailer . I an work a DA pretty well, and generally do a good job keeping my surfaces in great shape . The one surface i cant seem to do this with is plastic gauge clusters.
One of my cars i bought new in 17. I have always just wiped the cluster plastic down with my microfiber and interior cleaner as part of my interior cleaning. The other day the sun caught it just right and I noticed a fair amount of swirling on the plastic.
With all that said, what is the proper method for cleaning them?
Of note, i typically use Griots interior cleaner, i did use Blackfire for a while but found it had a tendency to make dye run in my older cars.
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Super Member
Re: Proper way to clean gauge cluster plastic?
Buy some Rolite Plastic polish, fine grade and simply do it by hand. Will turn out fine.
Going forward just use care when wiping it.
2019 Pearl White Accord 2.0T Touring (mine)
2023 Snowflake Pearl White CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus(wife)
2010 Urban Platinum Metallic CRV EX-L & 2014 Mica Black Metallic Toyota Corolla S (kids)
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Re: Proper way to clean gauge cluster plastic?
I searched for cleaning screens previously and came across Eldorado2K suggesting Mother’s Revision Glass & Surface cleaner so I bought it and that’s now what I use to clean my nav screen and gauge cluster. I just spray it on a soft microfiber towel and wipe. I just started using it so don’t have much to say other than it seems to work well so far.
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Super Member
Re: Proper way to clean gauge cluster plastic?
For maintenance, I typically VERY gently wipe screens/clusters first with a deep pile microfiber to collect the dust/big stuff, then follow it with an Interior Detailer (I use the Griot's one) sprayed onto a suede microfiber like you get with glasses or phone screen protectors.
Works great for getting to the very edges and finishes with no streaks. Haven't had any issues with scratches.
Personally, I leave interior cleaners for deeper cleaning of stains and such vs just maintenance cleaning.
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Super Member
Re: Proper way to clean gauge cluster plastic?
Ultima Screen Cleaner & Protector Bundle
Perfect for screens and gauge clusters. Been using it on the truck since new.
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Super Member
Re: Proper way to clean gauge cluster plastic?
Another suggestion from Eldorado2k is using Mother’s Mag and Aluminum Polish for clear plastics.
He’s had before and after pics of both headlights and a gauge cluster. Gave awesome results for an inexpensive product being used off label. Cleaned up hazy headlights and removed the swirls from the cluster.
I’ve yet to try it myself though.
Alumni Autogeek's first ever Roadshow Detailing Class Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
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Regular Member
Re: Proper way to clean gauge cluster plastic?
Originally Posted by
pro 4x
Agreed! Does an excellent job.
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Super Member
Re: Proper way to clean gauge cluster plastic?
I really hate doing my interior even though I keep it clean and protected.
One thing I have done over the years is to carry a small "Swiffer" in the truck.
Every 2-3 days I will "Swiff" all over the dash, vents, and gauge cluster plastic. It keeps them clean, saves the work of cleaning them after they get too dirty, and only takes seconds to do.
When I'm done, it gets put into a little cloth bag I found somewhere along the way and gets stored behind the seat.
It is no coincidence that man's best friend cannot talk.
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Super Member
Re: Proper way to clean gauge cluster plastic?
I use a Swiffer on a handle on my engine compartment and I never have to do anything else to it other than dress it
Treat it like it's the only one in the world.
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Super Member
Re: Proper way to clean gauge cluster plastic?
I use microfiber towel from Rag Co---Creature. This is a thick pile towel. (Any thick pile will work fine).
Spray Invisible Glass cleaner on Creature towel---clean. Done.
It's safe and gentle on interior cluster and Nav screen.
Never, never use anything else on dash cluster or nav screen! Not even interior cleaners.
Tom
Mr Tommy's
Wash, Buff, Wax
Website: mrtommyshine.com
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