How To Clean Lexus Dashboard? (Helpful Tips)

A dirty Lexus dashboard doesn’t just look terrible but it’s also a health hazard. Dirt loves sticking to a car’s dashboard.

And if you are the kind of driver who always drives with their windows rolled down, then a lot of dirt and contaminants do accumulate on your Lexus dashboard.

Cleaning a Lexus dashboard is very easy. And the more frequently you do it, the less time you have to spend cleaning it.

The only problem with cleaning a Lexus dashboard is that modern models come with a very sophisticated dash layout.

The reason for the latter is to give Lexus a more complicated interior design. And though appealing, these new dashboard designs can be difficult to clean because they have so many components.

The other confusing bit is regarding the material used on the dashboard. For years, Lexus has used plastic on their dash. Nowadays, however, they have introduced their NuLuxe synthetic leather.

We are also going to look at some of the approaches you can use when cleaning the above materials that Lexus uses on your dashboard.

how to clean lexus dashboard

A Guide to Cleaning the Lexus Dashboard

1. Identify the Material Used on the Dashboard

This is the most difficult part. It is also the most important step as it will dictate what to and not use on the dashboard.

Most Lexus cars feature plastic dashboards. It’s only recently that Lexus has introduced NuLuxe synthetic leather.

The only Lexus models that you can be assured of finding a leather dash are in the F-Sport and Luxury packages. However, the rest either have plastic or NuLuxe.

Before you even think about cleaning your dash. You need to identify the material used on it. If it’s plastic or synthetic leather, then you have many choices when it comes to choosing the ideal cleaner.

However, if it’s leather, you will need to shop for a special leather cleaner and a conditioner to ensure the leather remains in perfect condition.

2. Gather Cleaning Supplies

If it has been a while since you cleaned your dash, then you are going to need a lot of cleaning supplies. However, if it is regular cleaning, a microfiber cloth will be enough.

Starting our list of the items you need to clean a Lexus Dashboard is a microfiber cloth. This type of cloth is perfect because it traps and holds dirt.

Therefore leaving your dashboard 100% clean. Paper towels only trap surface-level dirt and they often leave remnants on the dash.

The next thing you are going to need is mild soap and water. Regarding the cleaning agent, you may opt for a specialized dashboard cleaner.

But please make sure you research further on that cleaner and identify if it’s suitable for the material on your dash. You can’t use a plastic cleaner on your leather dashboard. It will strip off all the essential oils.

The main reason why we are recommending mild soap is that it is gentle on all types of dashboard surfaces.

And it’s effective at removing dirt. You may have not heard of this but harsh cleaners aren’t perfect for dashboards. Some might even cause cracking. The other things you are going to need are a vacuum and a soft brush.

3. Begin By Vacuuming the Dash

Vacuuming is the first step in cleaning a Lexus dashboard. It removes dust and debris that has settled on the surface. It makes cleaning easy. So, if it’s possible, start by vacuuming the dashboard.

4. Dip the Microfiber Cloth in Soap and Water Solution

The next step is to clean the dash with a microfiber cloth that has been dipped in a soap and water solution. This is where you need to use a lot of effort and creativity.

Remember when we talked about how modern Lexus dashboards have sophisticated designs? You will have to get creative on how you are going to clean those tiny and hard-to-reach areas.

You can use the edge of your microfiber cloth or a soft brush. Do not soak the dashboard with soap water. This is quite risky because it can get into some of the electrical components and short-circuit the systems.

When cleaning the Lexus dash, it may be a bit sticky and a soap solution may not get rid of that. In such instances, you can switch to using warm water as it is more capable of removing that sticky substance on your dash.

While cleaning the dash either using the microfiber cloth or soft brush, be gentle so that you don’t scratch it.

5. Dry It with a Microfiber Cloth

Once you have cleaned the dash with soap and water, rinse the microfiber cloth with clean water and wipe it once more. Then get a dry microfiber cloth and wipe the dashboard.

If you don’t dry it, then the soap may dry and leave streaks behind. It’s always essential to rinse the dash and dry it afterward. You can also add a layer of polish on the dash and rub it in.

Similar to cleaners, always use a polish that is designed for the material on your dash. For a dashboard that is made of leather, always use a conditioner once you are done cleaning it.

It is also advisable to invest in a separate glass cleaner for your center console.

What are Some of the Best Cleaners for My Lexus Dash?

The common dashboard cleaner most car owners use is the 303 interior cleaner. And even though it is effective on vinyl dashboards, it isn’t ideal on leather.

And there have been complaints that 303 leaves a shiny finish on the dash. So if this doesn’t appeal to you, opt for other cleaners.

Armor All and Meguiar’s make great interior cleaners. For instance, Meguiar’s Vinyl and Rubber cleaner leaves behind a matte finish on the dash.

And it also offers UV protection. Meguiar’s also has a rich leather spray that you can use on your dashboard.

Tips on How to Clean a Lexus Dashboard

To ensure your dashboard is sparkling clean, here are some tips you can use;

1) Always use mild soap. Harsh soaps and cleaners will damage your dashboard irrespective of whether it’s made of plastic or leather.

To ensure your dashboard retains its aesthetic appeal, always use mild soap. Keep off specialized interior cleaners not unless you have done your research and determined that it’s safe on your dash.

2) For Lexus owners whose dash is always getting dirty, instead of cleaning it regularly, consider wrapping it. A wrapped dashboard offers more protection and it looks better than the ordinary plastic dash.

3) When cleaning your dashboard, always go with a microfiber cloth instead of an ordinary wash mitt or paper towel. As mentioned earlier, a microfiber cloth will trap and hold dirt. Something which other types of clothes can’t do.

4) Regarding the stickiness in some Lexus dashboards, warm water will always do the trick. However, some car owners use acetone and alcohol to get rid of it.

We don’t recommend resulting in such measures as it is easy to damage the dash especially if it’s made of plastic.

5) Another thing that may help keep your dashboard clean is if you always roll up the windows. That prevents dirt from getting into your car interior.

Keep off dashboard sprays completely. These contribute to adding more stickiness to your car.

Why It’s Important to Invest in a Dash Cleaner that Has Got UV Protection Abilities?

Understandably, most car owners prefer to use special dashboard cleaners as they are more effective. If you belong in this category, then we would strongly advise you to get a dash cleaner that has UV protection abilities.

The sun is your car’s dashboard’s worst nightmare. It is the reason why many dashboards crack easily. A quality dashboard cleaner with UV protection capabilities will prevent the effects of the sun’s heat.

At the same time, you need to be mindful of where you park your car as this also contributes to dashboard damage. If your dashboard is cracked, there are a bunch of experts that specialize in dashboard replacements.

Always Perform a Spot Test When Using a Dashboard Cleaner

You have just found a new dashboard cleaner and you can’t wait to use it. However, considering how delicate car dashboards are, especially if the one in your Lexus is made of leather.

You must always perform a spot test. This is what determines whether the cleaner is safe for use.

What If My Lexus Dashboard is Made of Leather?

Leather can’t be treated the same way as plastic. It needs special attention. And if your Lexus came as a luxury package, there is a good chance that the dash and seats are made of leather.

In this case, you can’t use a vinyl cleaner. There are good leather cleaners out there, a good example is the Lexol leather cleaning kit that comes with a conditioner or Castile soap.

The process is less the same, you still need to vacuum and use a microfiber cloth and a soft brush. Please note that leather can be scratched easily, so do not be rough when wiping it with a cloth.

And don’t forget to perform a spot test on a hidden surface of your car’s leather to determine whether that cleaner is safe before using it.

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