Are You Using This Top Secret Dashboard Cleaner?

We spend a lot of money on our cars and a lot of time in them. That’s why it’s so important to keep up with car maintenance — hopefully without having to shell out a bunch of cash in the process.

Because of this, there is an endless number of hacks for DIY auto cleaning, like polishing your car with hair conditioner, or removing dents with a plunger. Some work great, while others are downright bad ideas. This particular hack — using oil to polish your car’s dashboard — falls somewhere in the middle. It can do wonders for a quick touch-up, but it it also has a few downsides.

Here’s what to know about using oil to clean your car’s dash.

Why Oil Is the Best Dashboard Polish

A little oil from the kitchen will make your dashboard look as new as the day you drove it off the lot. Some experts suggest using olive oil, but really any kind of oil will do, whether it’s olive, vegetable or coconut oil. Petroleum jelly is also a favorite amongst car enthusiasts, according to the Polymer Science Learning Center.

Add these hacks to your to-do list and you’ll be done in no time!

Why Use Oil?

Using oil eliminates the funky stench caused by chemical cleaners. It also saves you money when it comes to cleaning your car’s interiors. You can spend between $2 and $10 on a bottle of chemical-filled car interior cleaner. You can put that money back in your pocket since you likely already have some oil in the house.

Now you have one less plastic bottle taking up space in your home that will ultimately end up in the trash or at the recycling plant. So, using oil on your dashboard is good for your car, your wallet, and the environment!

Why Not to Use Oil On Your Dashboard

Olive oil can condition your dashboard and make it look like new, but it doesn’t offer UV protection. “If you keep your car in a garage, that might not be a big deal,” says Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with Autoinsurance.org. “But if your car is parked outside and is subject to the bright sun, you might want to use a cleaner that protects your dashboard from the sun’s rays at least every other time you clean the dash.”

Chris “Moose” Pyle, a master-certified technician with JustAnswer, also warns against using cooking oil, as it could result in an odor. “It would also stain your clothing, and it would become liquid-like when very hot, and drip down into places you do not want to be oily like your carpet or radio or on the steering wheel,” he says.

How To Clean Your Dashboard With Oil

First, give your dash a quick dusting to remove any dirt, grime, or dust that’s built up over time. Then just apply a small amount on a clean, soft cloth and wipe down your dashboard. Test this out on a small unnoticeable area first to make sure that no discoloration occurs and that you’re pleased with the results. Natural oils will actively restore shine while conditioning the surface of your dashboard while also helping prevent cracking and fading caused by UV rays.

FAQ

Are there any downsides to using oil on my dashboard?

Yes, if you leave excess oil on your dashboard it can attract dirt. “I am also not a fan of a shiny dash because it causes a glare and it becomes a dust collector,” says Pyle. “You might notice the dash gets covered in bugs, dirt and hair caught in the lubricant.”

Can I mix oil with other cleaners?

Yes, you can mix oil with other oil-based cleaners, but most cleaners are water based, “so they will not mix in the bottle or on the surface,” says Pyle. “The oil will float on the water.”

About the Experts

• Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience. He has also worked as an expert for JustAnswer, the expert on-demand platform, since 2006.
• Melanie Musson is an auto industry expert with Autoinsurance.org, where she has worked for nearly a decade.