Hi there - I purchased a new RX premium plus 4 weeks ago and shortly after getting it I dusted / wiped the dashboard in order to remove a white spot on the dash that was there when purchased it. The spot came out but I later realized that the microfiber scratched the ridiculously fragile material. I did not use excessive force and used a soft, clean microfiber. The scuff is only visible under certain lighting and the texture has not really changed in the vinyl, it almost looks like the friction rubbed some kind of coating off or dried the material. Has anybody else dealt with scuffs / scratches on the dashboard and have you found any solution? Guessing the scuffs are there to stay and if I am lucky I will find something to disguise them. My daughter put another small one on the glovebox area by crossing her legs. This material is ridiculous and I am afraid of what the car will look like with more time/use. I am incredibly careful with all my belongings and keep everything pristine and this car got marked in the first week

 

I'd try:

1. Wipe with a damp microfiber, then dry, with a new towel. NOT a cloth that has been washed, as you said, Tide Etc leaves streaks due to anti static additives

2. A mild detergent cleaner such as Formula 409 or Lestoil, watered down. THEN rinse & dry.

Whatever you do, don't be tempted to try something like AmorAll!

 

Worst case: A dash cover.

https://www.dashdesigns.com/c-1337840-dash-covers.html

But I'm confident you will be able to remove that wipe-mark.

 

Thank you, I did try lightly wiping with distilled water and brand new Adams fluffy borderless microfiber super soft towel. Didn't do anything. I dont think this is coming out with water and I doubt a mild detergent will help. The only thing I would imagine would help is to put some sort of conditioner or dressing but I am afraid to do that.
Lesson here is do not clean dashboard at all if possible(seems unrealistic). IF you have to dont put any and I meany any pressure. And if like in my situation your car has an issue in the material dont try to do it on your own and take it back to dealer. I have pictures of the initial flaw so I will be contacting dealer to see if they have a fix and B to show that there was a flaw there to begin with. I am pretty worried about what a nightmare this material will be to maintain and I am wondering if its defective or what.

 

I just posted similar about this a day or so ago. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/aut...-cleaning.html (My post was moved to a forum that is far to general for this RX specific issue, but whatever).

"Just an update: the dealer's detail manager confirms that yes, the dash IS made of butterfly wings. He recommends never cleaning it, only using the softest thing you can find like a feather duster. As for the scratches on mine, he used a vinyl protectant (like 303) that they get from a pro detail shop and very carefully apply then wipe with a very soft microfiber in one direction only. Scratches basically gone!

From hereon I will only dust it. Grandma's old feater duster will be put to good use!"

 

There is no "flaw" per se, just a poor material choice. The rest of my palomino/black interior cleans up just fine with Mothers VLR.

 

I would be worried that the cover backing will scratch the dash.

 

I am glad that they were able to at least mask the scuff. I hope my dealer can do the same. Nightmarish material. What were they thinking.

 

So if you don't achieve PEACE with a simple cleaning, perhaps a VERY LIGHT wipe (in one direction only) with fine Scotchbrite will 'level the surface'? (thanks @Eagleboy99 )

The Lestoil I suggested will leave a slight coating/shine which will make an actual abrasion less noticeable. Try it on a less-noticeable area first.

I've dusted our dash, but have never actually WASHED it.

 

BTW, the detail manager said to NEVER buy the red interior. He said they get lots of complaints about dye transfer.

 

Pretty sure this is the stuff they used. YMMV https://prodetail.ca/products/interi...er-creme-matte

 

I had the same problem and the 303 protectant wipes took the scratches away. Not oily like Armourall. Highly recommend it. Now I just use the wipes once every couple of months, and air hose the dust off.

303 Products Protectant Wipes - Ultimate Automotive UV Protection - Prevent Fading and Cracking - Repels Dust, Lint, and Staining - Non Greasy - 25 Wipes (30397)

https://a.co/d/bvywBV5

 

Adams Interior Detailer will also work well to mask those scuffs.

 

I think this dashboard material is pretty standard and also VERY easy to mar. I made marks my first day strumming my fingers while holding the steering wheel. I was tempted to use amour all but read too many warnings against it so I didn't. Like you, I tried the damp microfiber clothes. Didn't work and actually made it worse. I also tried new (damp) cotton hand towels. Also didn't work. I've got an appt with the dealer for my 10k checkup soon and will ask them. Frankly, I think whatever they used to construct the dash and related areas should be easy to maintain. Clearly it isn't. I'll report back after visiting the dealership.

​​​​​As an aside, the very shiny black plastic trim is also a b-tch to keep clean. Shows streaks, spots and dust like crazy. In between washings I use a dust-blower, the kind you use on computer keyboards. It obviously doesn't clean, but it mitigates the static dust build up.

HEY LEXUS: next time try using easy-to-maintain surfaces. The 2024 RXh (and I'm sure others) also has way too many exterior nooks and crannies to clean after a car wash!! This car takes FOREVER to dry!


QUOTE=BCN;11817866]Thank you, I did try lightly wiping with distilled water and brand new Adams fluffy borderless microfiber super soft towel. Didn't do anything. I dont think this is coming out with water and I doubt a mild detergent will help. The only thing I would imagine would help is to put some sort of conditioner or dressing but I am afraid to do that.
Lesson here is do not clean dashboard at all if possible(seems unrealistic). IF you have to dont put any and I meany any pressure. And if like in my situation your car has an issue in the material dont try to do it on your own and take it back to dealer. I have pictures of the initial flaw so I will be contacting dealer to see if they have a fix and B to show that there was a flaw there to begin with. I am pretty worried about what a nightmare this material will be to maintain and I am wondering if its defective or what.[/QUOTE]

 

I read on here someone recommending Leather Honey from Amazon. Here is a quote from the AI manufacturer regarding the use on synthetic materials (which the dashboard and related trim are made from):
​​

**Can leather honey be used on synthetic or faux leather materials?

Leather Honey is a popular leather conditioner and cleaner, but it is not recommended for use on synthetic or faux leather materials. Here are some key points about using Leather Honey on synthetic leathers:
- Leather Honey is designed and formulated specifically for use on natural leather. Its ingredients are not suitable for synthetic or faux leather materials.
- Synthetic leathers are made from polyurethane, vinyl or other plastic-based materials. Leather Honey contains oils and waxes that can cause synthetic leathers to become discolored, cracked or damaged over time.
- The product label and manufacturer's instructions explicitly state that Leather Honey should only be used on genuine leather surfaces and should be avoided on any type of synthetic leather or vinyl.
- For cleaning and conditioning synthetic leathers, it is best to use products specifically made for synthetic materials. Look for vinyl/pleather cleaners or mild soap and water.