ZephyrAMG

I have used a dash cleaner and leather cleaner before on my dash. I have cleaned the dash probably 3 times since owning the car. Nothing harmful by any means. What the heck is this and what would be the best way to get rid of this white residue? Is there a dash "blackener"?

Thanks.

m a x i m u s

would that happen to be dust and general crud? try wiping it with a clean water-dampened cloth and see what happens.

Ingenieur

this^^^^
bucket of water with some MF rags, don't be shy, scrub it with a fairly wet rag...although it might be scuffed and can't be wiped off

I use Einszett 1Z cockpit cleaner, no residue, dust resistant
http://www.detailersdomain.com/1Z-ei...mium_p_70.html

Autosport7

Looks to me like sun damage or at one time someone did use a harmful cleaner.
When I clean my interior, the only object touching it are clean, damp, paper towels.
Then I use a cleaning moisturizer on my leather parts.

zibby43

As a hobby, I detail the cars of friends and family members whenever I have a bit of extra time.

I have detailed a customer's car (C300) that had this exact same problem.

I used this and it eliminated the problem in minutes:

http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-protectant-plus.html

Since using this product, the white stain has not re-appeared. It leaves leather and vinyl surfaces looking brand new. It isn't greasy/glossy and there is no odor.

I recommend you give it a shot. Good luck.

Roswell

^^ good suggestion zibby!

I only use sponge & water to clean my dash no problem. But in ur case Zeph, u might need smth stronger like zibby suggested.

ZephyrAMG

Sounds good guys, thanks!

Car NEVER sat in sun. No harsh chemicals were ever used. I think it could be leather polish that has built up. I might have to use warm water and a brush to gently pull up the residue. But I might try that auto geek stuff that Zibby mentioned...

zibby43

Thanks man! I completely agree with your approach. I always first start with water and a microfiber towel.

If this doesn't resolve the problem, I then proceed to the Optimum Leather/Vinyl cleaner.

Zephyr, it could very well be some residue from previous cleaners. Try water and a microfiber towel/soft-bristled brush first. If the residue remains, I'd recommend giving the Optimum cleaner a shot.

What's nice about the Optimum product I linked above is that it will gently remove accumulated residue from past products. It does an excellent job of restoring surfaces' original appearances and textures. Best of luck.

bhamg

I had this happen in another car when salt stains appeared literally overnight, so I'm sure it's just too much product that has been used previously that could no longer be absorbed between the fibers. My cure was to take one part Meguiars Leather Cleaner & Conditioner and four parts distilled water, saturate the seat and then sit in it with a bath towel to draw out as much moisture and salt as possible, repeated three times. Worked like a charm. When it was 3/4 dry I used a hair dryer to tighten up the leather. Perfect.

Ingenieur

Before you do anything just clean it well
Water with a bit of woolite (I use distilled and just enough woolite to make some suds)
Then do it again
Let it dry for a day or so
If satisfied apply VERY LITTLE product
Let sit for a while and wipe it down with a damp rag

Common problem, too much product without removing the dirt and old product, just keeps building up...same applies to leather
Modern leather needs cleaned and very little product

bhamg

Assumed you were talking about leather surfaces.

rediesel

Dilute vinegar or Ammonia depending on the pKa of the substance. Be sure to wipe up the excess with a towell so it doesn't re-appear after evaporation.