Best Method For Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning?

[lakeholme]

Any suggestions? 
I've got to replace some bulbs, etc. anyway; so I might as well give the lenses a little polish on the inside.
No scratches or swirls, so I don't want to add any... They are just a little dingy on the inside.
Thanks in advance!

[janobyte]

Pledge ( or any spray furniture wax) and a cloth diaper. Let the dust raise ,wipe gently, polish.

[68rs327conv]

Try Flitz polish as this stuff is great on plastic, chrome etc
http://www.amazon.com/Flitz-BU-03515-Plastic-Fiberglass/dp/B001447VB2/ref=sr_1_1/192-3579223-5103918?ie=UTF8&qid=1399001594&sr=8-1&keywords=flitz


Mike

[KurtS]

Any plastic polish will work. Or toothpaste.

[JKZ27]

For the clear lens I've had good luck with just Windex or glass cleaner....is that a bad idea?

[lakeholme]

Any plastic polish will work. Or toothpaste.

That's what I was thinking, Kurt.  Think I'll try my Pepsodent...

For the clear lens I've had good luck with just Windex or glass cleaner....is that a bad idea?

Don't see why not... How about for cleaning the speedometer face?  It has a little smudge on it....

[ko-lek-tor]

Toothpaste is what I have used too. Not so much what cleaner, but my concern would be what cloth being careful as any abrasive scratching is more to come from the cloth used. The cloth used for eyeglasses to clean lens would be good as well as old underwear. I think applying light pressure is important so not to scratch. If the lens is dusty or lightly soiled, I would use dish soap under a running fawcet with just using your fingers or a soft bristle toothbrush and let the lens air dry. It is the paper towel or cloth that scratches up the lens, so avoid using them.

[z28z11]

I've used Armor All for cleaning gauge faces - helps protect the paint from futher deterioration. I used clear AA Detailer's Advantage (which was also a recommendation from my convertible top installer to use on the top fabric) - I use it on ABS items as well (fan shrouds, even rubber hoses). Good stuff; if you're hesitant to use it, try it on an old part first - I think you'll be impressed.

Mother's Plastic Polish is great for plastic or acrylic gauge covers - not abrasive, but designed for see through plastics (like convertible rear windows). Anything with an abrasive in it (like toothpaste, which sometimes contains pumice), will leave a haze or swirl if you're not careful.

Just my opinions -

[janobyte]

Wasn't thinking---you are correct with Armor All. Probably #1 concern, as stated is wiping material . Make sure the underwear is clean ! LOL ( you southern Ohio guys)


Think I'm still partial to lemon Pledge because that's what we used on the car before Armor All hit the market. Puts a wonderful shine on the glass ( no on the windshield ! if you drive in the rain)

[lakeholme]

Well, toothpaste worked great with a clean, lint free cloth.  The smudge came off and the faces cleaned up with just the cloth.
Here's the result.  Wish I had made "before" picture. Sorry about the steering wheel reflection. Couldn't get a good picture with the just the dash lights.
Anyway, before the faces were dingy and thanks to a couple of replacement bulbs you can now see the bottom of the speedometer.
Thanks for all the suggestions!