Dash and Door Trim

DSRC_WSMP said:

I'm curious to what you all use on the Dashboard?

For many cars, I found a product or two that I used, but they usually made it greasy or attracted more dirt.

For my last lease, I simply used a damp cloth and never any product... and it worked very well. Actually looked new 3 years later. I intend to the keep the Ridgeline longer, and its not a lease... so I worry a bit about a lack of UV protection or drying or cracking. But isn't UV protection provided by auto glass anyway? What are your thoughts?

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I am sure there are many great products to use. I have been using 303 Aerospace Protectant since I got my 2000 Acura 3.2TL new. I made a special trip to get a big bottle at West Marine the second day after we got the 2007 G1 Ridgeline. I treated all surfaces of the truck that I could use it on. It provides exceptional UV protection and soil dust/stain /water repellant. It's for finished leather so you can use it on leather seats and steering wheel without that slick feeling.
I found out about it when I was on the old AOL Acura TL forum have used ever since. Can be purchased from other retailers like Autogeek
Make sure it's the Aerospace Protectant because 303 has a line of products.
Product has been discussed on this forum.

I'm familiar with that product... I think it was recommended for my convertible top awhile back. Good to know that it is good for Steering Wheel and Leather. Thanks for the suggestion!

DSRC_WSMP said:

I'm curious to what you all use on the Dashboard?

For many cars, I found a product or two that I used, but they usually made it greasy or attracted more dirt.

For my last lease, I simply used a damp cloth and never any product... and it worked very well. Actually looked new 3 years later. I intend to the keep the Ridgeline longer, and its not a lease... so I worry a bit about a lack of UV protection or drying or cracking. But isn't UV protection provided by auto glass anyway? What are your thoughts?

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I swear by Turtle Wax - Dash & Glass Cleaner. It's excellent for the dashboard, nav screens, and the clear plastic that covers the instrument panel. I use Windex for the inside glass.

I just use a swiffer duster :grin:

news2u said:

303 and 303 only, its vinyl protectant and its leather treatment. Vinegar and water for windows inside and out (1 part vinegar and 2 parts water).

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I got to order another bottle of 303 I have just a little bit left.

I use only a damp towel on the interior. NO chemicals. Interiors still look new 5+ years later. Once you start treating plastic/vinyl/leather, you'll be stuck doing it forever. It's like crack. You're better off without it. Once you start you can't stop! Back in the 70s and 80s, I used to bathe everything in Armour All. Dashes still cracked over the years. I tried 303 on some outdoor vinyl several years ago and it still dried up and became brittle after a few years. Glass naturally absorbs most UV. The best way to prolong the life of your interior is to tint your windows and park in the shade and regularly wipe down and vacuum which will do far more good than any chemical you apply.

HondaCasey said:

I use only a damp towel on the interior. NO chemicals. Interiors still look new 5+ years later. Once you start treating plastic/vinyl/leather, you'll be stuck doing it forever. It's like crack. You're better off without it. Once you start you can't stop! Back in the 70s and 80s, I used to bathe everything in Armour All. Dashes still cracked over the years. I tried 303 on some outdoor vinyl several years ago and it still dried up and became brittle after a few years. Glass naturally absorbs most UV. The best way to prolong the life of your interior is to tint your windows and park in the shade and regularly wipe down and vacuum which will do far more good than any chemical you apply.

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I have a 17yr old Acura ebony interior been using 303 for that long as recommended by others on old AOL Acura TL forum years ago. Interior still looks great only drivers has little tear on bottom edge of seat. Leather wrap steering wheel still in pretty good condition using 303. Use it on black weather tech floor mats also 17yrs old.
303 is not just for shine it's for UV protection water stain dust repellant.
My car sits in sunlight when parked in back yard have sunshade but it's in same exact spot not much room if parked there. Ridgeline has lighter interior seat covers on front seats since new only taken off to wash. Rear seats are in fold up position most times.

Maquiars Natural Shine..