I usually just wipe mine with a damp rag when cleaning the interior, and was under the assumption that since the wood is glossed over, it's pretty much protected. But is there something to use periodically that would help it age better? Or will it pretty much take care of itself.

Thanks.

i use pledge on my wood trim

Remember that the "wood" is just a thin veneer encapsulated in plastic. A wood polish like Pledge will do nothing but make the trim greasy. You can't "oil" the "wood" dash like you can with natural wood pieces. Except for scratches, etc., it will "take care of itself."

K-A, I use this German made product for the interior: http://www.detailersdomain.com/index...PROD&ProdID=31

But, if you want to fix scratches and dullness on the plastic wood dash, then here's a trick: http://www.properautocare.com/powodapa.html Menzerna Polish is also a German made product and is used in the MB factory. It's primarily used on paint, but fixes scratches, spider-webbing, etc., on any polished surface.

A great resource for car detailing is the autopia.org website. Here's a primer on interior detailing: http://www.autopia.org/publish/artic...ing/Page1.html

Thanks for those Links 220S. Good thing is it seems if treated regularly (dusted, Conditioned, etc.) and garaged (barely left in sunlight), the interior should hopefully stay problem free.

I also wanted to know, with my Dash, etc. I use the same Lexol Leather Conditioner Wipes I use on my Seats (work fine on the M-B Tex so I figured it couldn't hurt on the dash, etc.). I can't remember where I heard that it's fine to use, but I remember hearing it somewhere.... So far so good, my interior trim, plastic, vinyl, etc. all look great with the periodical use of it. I figure since it's a Conditioner and not a Cleaner it should be fine as there aren't any abrasives in it.

I just want to make sure I'm not doing anything harmful by doing this?

Lexol is an "ok" product, but you really want something that is water-based (not petroleum based) and contains SPF. Look at Adam's Polishes (www.adamspolishes). He has two products I use called VRT (Vinyl, Rubber, Tire) and Leather Conditioner. Both have significant amounts of SPF in them, are lotion like in consistancy, and very easy to use. I like how I can even get it on the glass or wood, and it wipes right off with no issues.

As for the wood trim, a lot of folks at Autopia, myself included, use Klasse AIO (all in one). It is a chemical cleaner that also is a protectant. Usually I'm not a fan of these types of products, but this one is a renown standout. It wipes on and off the wood very easily, and really makes the shine "pop". I also use it as a final polish and sealant prep on my paint.

Hope that helps.

thegreatone45,

Even if the wood trim wasn't enclosed in plastic .. Pledge is the worst thing to use on wood!!! It contains silicones which create a barrier in the wood and prevent oils from being absorbed.

Thanks for the info, I'll check that out. What harm can petroleum do just out of curiosity? I'll definitely look into a water-based solution from now on....

I wouldn't use Pledge.

A damp cloth and a dry cloth will do it. If your plastic is a little worn, you can use Mother's Plastic Polish to shine it up.