Cleaning alloy dash

[DevonS1]

Before I cause any lasting damage to my alloy dash and console are there any recommended methods/products for cleaning? Autosol is my first thought but perhaps someone has experience with an alternative. Thanks in advance.

[Mich7920]

Hi Ed,

1st: Mask the parts of the trim that could suffer with the products used.

2: Use a non-aggressive household product with a brush (toothbrush) in circular movements to clean the relief of the aluminium sheet. Do that twice so that is really clean.

2a: If you have a dot pattern with scraches on the dots, you can use a product containing very fine abrasive in the same way as in 3. This will reduce the scratches. Do step 3 anyway

If you have a cross Hatch pater forget the 2a

3: Use a non-abrasive shining product for non-ferrous steel. Always rub the aluminium gently with circular movements using a cotton cloth or rag.

Before you start 2 / 2a and 3 you need to know that It's however difficult to avoid leaving visible traces around the gauges and switches without dismantling them.

Please do not use any machines to do this work.
You just need time and perseverance.

I don't give you the product's name, they are french...
Hope this will help you
Mich

[Heuer]

The alloy is anodised so aggressive cleaning will ruin the finish permanently. Suggest you try using toothpaste as it is mildly abrasive.

[DevonS1]

Many thanks for the advice Mich and David. It is such a lovely feature of the car and as you suggest best of go gently. I'm only seeking to clean rather than polish. Thanks again.

[Series1 Stu]

Hi

If you're only looking to clean then use furniture polish such as Mr Sheen with a soft brush to work it into the contours then follow up with a soft cloth.

Regards