How to clean spots off instrument gauge consolel plastic cover?

C

corvetteman

New member
How to clean spots off instrument gauge console plastic cover?



This is the instrumentation console where all my gauges are like rpm, mph, oil, etc. The plastic has around 5-10 spots. Its not the haze I have seen from things like armor all residue in the past. It looks like hard water spots on glasses when they come out of a dishwasher. I tried a few products but no success yet. Any suggestions. Many people wouldnt notice them but they bother me.
 
Try a quick wipe with vinegar water. This often does the trick. Use a MF towel or preferably a glass-specific MF towel like the ones you clean glasses with.
 
Brad B. said:
Try a quick wipe with vinegar water. This often does the trick. Use a MF towel or preferably a glass-specific MF towel like the ones you clean glasses with.
Click to expand...



I tried rubbing alcohol, dawn, diluted rubbing compound but no luck. A new piece of clear plastic is around $30. I will try the water vinegar you suggested. Is that a special kind of vinegar sold in stores or just vinegar diluted with water?
 
Yep, just vinegar. It's acidic so it cuts through many salt or alkaline based stains. A lot of times these dash stains come from sweat beads hitting it.



I am suprised that you saw no effect from all you did, though. :(
 
I was surprised as well. I tried to be a little gentle not wanting to make it worse. Do you think the vinegar can hurt the clear plastic that I see my instrument gauges through?
 
As with everything, do a test, but I have never had an issue. The cars I have done have been mostly German, if that means anything.



The fact that you used an abrasive and got no results is curious. I would think that would have done the most. Do you have a plastic/glass cleaner like GlassX, Zaino or Plexus? They are really fine and you can rub pretty strongly without fear of scratching. I even use these on soft convertible top windows. I am leaning toward this now.
 
Brad B. said:
As with everything, do a test, but I have never had an issue. The cars I have done have been mostly German, if that means anything.



The fact that you used an abrasive and got no results is curious. I would think that would have done the most. Do you have a plastic/glass cleaner like GlassX, Zaino or Plexus? They are really fine and you can rub pretty strongly without fear of scratching. I even use these on soft convertible top windows. I am leaning toward this now.
Click to expand...



I dont have any of them. If I can find GlassX locally that will probably be my next step. I was fairly gentle with the Meguiars ultimate compound because I didnt want to make it worse. This is the "glass"/plastic I look through everytime I drive.
 
Good that you were gentle. That abrasive is too heavy and you really can't dilute it properly. Get some plastic/glass polish and you will be able to push much harder with confidence. Use a finely woven MF as mentioned before and rub in only back and forth motions, not circular. A quality foam applicator might work ok as well. Use what gives you the most control for the area. Good luck!
 
Brad B. said:
Good that you were gentle. That abrasive is too heavy and you really can't dilute it properly. Get some plastic/glass polish and you will be able to push much harder with confidence. Use a finely woven MF as mentioned before and rub in only back and forth motions, not circular. A quality foam applicator might work ok as well. Use what gives you the most control for the area. Good luck!
Click to expand...



Thanks Brad. I really appreciate your help as usual. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top