Trying to clean a dirty, mildewed vinyl dash. I messed it up!!

[Charlie D]

The interior trim color in my ’55 President State Sedan is mist greige metallic. The original color of the dash, or at least pretty close to it, was under the wiper switch. The dash is currently quite a bit darker with age and filth. I am hoping someone on the forum has tackled cleaning one of these.

I have a parts car that has the same colored dash but is cracked. I can practice some on it. My initial attempt will be full strength greased lightning with red or gray Scotts bright pads. I would appreciate very much any assistance with what has worked for you. Once the dash is cleaned/cleaner I will be painting the metal part gold.

Thank you,

Charlie D.




P.S. I messed it up! Tried cleaning down to the mist greige color and went past that color to a lighter grey vinyl. I cleaned it pretty well and my plan B is to try to dye it with fabric and vinyl spray. I think a silver color will be pretty close to original. I did get the dash itself painted today.

[clonelark]

I've used Go Jo and a worn Scotch' s bright pad. They also make a leather cleaner that was on one episode of Fast and Loud, but it was very expensive.

https://swissvaxusa.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/swissvax-elephant-fat-as-seen-on-discoverys-fast-n-loud/

[Warren Webb]

I would use a white scotch brite pad. The red pad is very course & aggressive that we use for sanding new parts for primer. The white pad can be used even on glass & wont scratch. I've also used Go-Jo on the seats of my Avantis' with good results. It has enough grit to clean yet with the lanolin moisturizes the leather or vinyl.

[stude dude]

Liquid detergent and water, nothing abrasive.

The vinyl is breaking down and loosing its natural oils. You may have to do this once a year but be gentle with it or it will split and crack.

Chris.

[DEEPNHOCK]

Try a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser pad....



I, too, would recommend trying that LA Awesome cleaner.



Recently did a vinyl awning that was black from mildew.
LA Awesome cleaned it off with some gentle scrubbing.
Follow up with a good vinyl dressing...

[studegary]

I suggest Tuf-Stuf (not sure of the spelling - may have more fs).

[RSykes]

Start with TSP found in the paint department at Lowe's, Ace, Home Depot.