How to Clean/Restore a Vinyl Dash Pad

Posted By: In_The_Pink

How to Clean/Restore a Vinyl Dash Pad - 07/20/11 12:25 AM

What is/are the best method(s) to clean and restore a dirty, lightly faded dash pad? There are no cracks to deal with, but I would like to restore the eveness and some shine, if possible. I'm not looking for the Armor-All shine.

I recall someone mentioning using petroleum jelly to bring back the vinyl's luster, but I'm open to all ideas and experiences.

Posted By: In_The_Pink

Re: How to Clean/Restore a Vinyl Dash Pad - 08/27/11 09:53 PM

Quote:

I recall someone mentioning using petroleum jelly to bring back the vinyl's luster

Petroleum jelly worked fantastic. The pad almost looks like new.

Posted By: DennisH

Re: How to Clean/Restore a Vinyl Dash Pad - 08/27/11 10:24 PM

Is it safe to use? Mine is good with fading too.

Posted By: cdp

Re: How to Clean/Restore a Vinyl Dash Pad - 08/28/11 01:18 AM

do you want to re-dye it? Stay away from the PJ if you do.

Clean with dish soap, dry, wipe down with Pledge.

If your going to re-dye, wash with soap and water, a vinyl cleaner/conditioner, then redye with something like SEM spray dye.

I'm doing Landau Black on my 71 RR door panels tomorrow.

Posted By: In_The_Pink

Re: How to Clean/Restore a Vinyl Dash Pad - 08/28/11 03:56 AM

My intent was to make it look nice again and never to re-paint/dye it. I had already used both dishwashing detergent and water, as well as Simple Green, both diluted with water and straight in a spot or two. There was still some light fading and a light "whiteness" to the vinyl, so I smeared on a light coat of PJ, let it sit for a day, and used clean cotton rags to wipe away any excess which hadn't penetrated the vinyl. It completely evened out any variations, and I'm pleased with the result.

I wouldn't use Pledge on it, as IIRC, Pledge leaves a film of wax behind.

Posted By: In_The_Pink

Re: How to Clean/Restore a Vinyl Dash Pad - 08/28/11 04:02 AM

Quote:

Is it safe to use? Mine is good with fading too.

I really didn't know until I tried it, so I suggest you try some PJ in an inconspicuous area if you are at all worried about using it. This is the first dash pad I've treated this way, but I have two more which are getting the same treatment.