Is Armor All Bad For Dashboard? – Car Care Manual

Last Updated on March 14, 2023 by Henry T. Hawkins

Armor All is a popular brand of car care products designed to protect and preserve your vehicle’s interior. It comes in many forms, including wipes, sprays, gels and waxes.

Armor All can be used on dashboards, steering wheels, door panels and other surfaces that come into contact with the sun, dust or dirt.

While it can make a car’s interior look great, some people wonder if using Armor All on their dashboards is really safe.

In this article, we’ll cover is Armor All bad for dashboards, the pros and cons of using Armor All on your dashboard, how to properly use it and what car detailers use to clean dashboards without scratching them. So, keep reading!

What Is Armor All?

As mentioned above, Armor All is a line of automotive cleaning products created by The California Chemical Company (later known as Carter-Wallace).

First introduced in 1962, it was initially marketed as a plastic protection spray for vinyl upholstery and trim.

Today, Armor All offers a wide variety of car care products, including tire foam, protectant wipes, air fresheners and more.

Also read: Difference between vinyl and leather seats

Is Armor All Bad for Dashboards?

No – in the right circumstances, Armor All can be used safely on your dashboard. However, it’s important to note that over-application or prolonged exposure to the product can lead to discoloration or cracking of surfaces.

It’s also not recommended for use on unpainted plastic dashboards as it could cause them to become sticky or cloudy.

“Armor All is safe to use on your dashboard, but you should limit your application and avoid leaving it on for too long,” says Derek Stawarz, an Automotive Mechanic. “It’s best to use a soft cloth and make sure you don’t over-apply the product. That way, you’ll prevent it from leaving a sticky residue or causing discoloration.”

Pros of Using Armor All on Dashboards

There are several benefits of using Armor All products on your dashboard:

Protects against UV rays

Armor All helps protect your dashboard from cracking or fading due to sun exposure. So, the dashboard stays looking nice and new.

Makes the interior look great

Armor All products help enhance the appearance of your car’s interior by giving it a glossy, brand-new look.

Keeps your dashboard clean

It helps keep your dashboard looking neat and clean by preventing dust from collecting on the surface.

Easy to apply

Armor All is a spray-on product that’s easy to use. Just spray it on and wipe it off.

Restores color

It helps to restore the original color of your dashboard, making it look like new again.

Enhances appearance

This product makes your car’s interior look great by giving the surfaces a glossy finish.

Also read: What is the best female car color

Cons of Using Armor All on Dashboards

Although there are some benefits to using Armor All products, there are also some drawbacks you should be aware of:

Can cause discoloration over time

If left on for too long or applied in excess, Armor All can cause discoloration on your dashboard.

Not safe for unpainted plastic

Armor All is not recommended for use on unpainted plastic surfaces as it can leave a sticky residue or cause cloudiness.

Fumes may be unpleasant

The fumes from Armor All can be strong and unpleasant, so ensure you’re in a well-ventilated area when using this product.

How to Properly Use Armor All on Dashboards?

If you decide to use Armor All, you should follow the instructions provided on the label and do the following:

Clean the surface first

Before applying Armor All, you must clean the dashboard with a quality car cleaner or pre-cleaner. This will help ensure that the product adheres properly.

Apply sparingly

Spray a light, even coating on the dashboard using an applicator or cloth. Be sure not to over-apply, as this can lead to discoloration.

Remove any excess product

Wipe off any excess Armor All with a clean, dry cloth to prevent it from leaving a sticky residue on your dashboard.

Also read: Will brake cleaner ruin rubber

What Do Car Detailers Use To Clean Dashboards?

Car detailer use the following thing to clean your dashboards:

Mild soap and warm water

Car detailers typically use mild soap and warm water to clean dashboards without scratching them.

Microfiber towel

They also often use soft microfiber towels and brushes designed for cleaning car interiors to avoid scratches and damage. Microfibers have tiny fibers that help pick up dirt and dust more effectively than regular cloths.

To use a microfiber cloth for cleaning your dashboard, simply dampen it with warm water or an all-purpose cleaner and gently wipe down the surface of your dashboard.

Vacuum Cleaner

Another option for cleaning your dashboard is using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment. Vacuums are great for removing dirt and debris from hard-to-reach areas like vents, crevices, and cracks in the dash.

Just be sure to use the lowest setting on your vacuum, so you don’t damage any delicate components or wiring beneath the dash.

Other specialized cleaners

Additionally, some car detailers may use specialized cleaners, polishes, and waxes to help protect the dashboard from sun damage and make it look shiny.

Air fresheners

Many car detailers also use air fresheners to help keep your car smelling great.

What is the purpose of Armor All products?

Armor All products are designed to keep vehicles clean and protected. Since 1962, Armor All has provided premium car care solutions that help protect your automotive investment.

Their products include protectants, air fresheners, car cleaning wipes, original protectant spray and more.

With Armor All, you can achieve professional results every time and keep your car looking its best.

Are Armor All products safe to use?

Armor All products are 100% safe to use on all types of automotive surfaces, including paint, plastic, chrome, vinyl, rubber, fabric and leather.

However, it’s always a good idea to test a small area first before applying the product to larger areas of your car.

These high-quality products can help keep your car looking great for years to come. With proper use and care, these products can help you maintain a showroom shine on both the inside and outside of your vehicle.

Watch this video: Armor All Protectant – Will It Work?

How do you clean a car dash without scratching it?

Cleaning your car dashboard without scratching it can be done easily with a few simple steps.

Step 1

Firstly, use a vacuum with an attachment to remove any dirt or dust that has built up over time.

Step 2

Secondly, use a soft microfiber cloth and water mixed with mild soap to wipe down the dashboard.

Step 3

Then, apply a small amount of top-secret dashboard cleaner (Armor-All) on the cloth and gently buff the surface for a shiny finish.

With these steps, you can keep your car’s dashboard looking clean and scratch-free!

Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading this guide on is Armor All bad for dashboards. In short, it’s okay to use the product as long as you avoid leaving it on for too long or over-applying it.

If you want to give your dashboard a more thorough clean, consider using a car detailing solution or even just water and a soft cloth. This will help to keep your dashboard looking new without damaging it.

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