Active RV Upholstery - 4 Common Causes of Sticky Dashboards and How to Fix Them

4 Common Causes of Sticky Dashboards and How to Fix Them


Going out of town in your RV is a great way to get away from it all and enjoy the open road. But one buzzkill that can make your eye roll before the vacation even starts is seeing how sticky and filthy your dashboard is. What could be more annoying than a dirty, sticky, grimy dashboard? Luckily, you don't have to suffer through all that. Here are the common causes behind sticky dashboards and what you can do to reduce the stickiness.

1. Excessive Heat

If you're driving with the sun beating down on your windshield, your dashboard can get as hotas an oven. Your dashboard absorbs this heat, which can cause the temperature to rise above 90 degrees. This excessive heat can cause the material in your dashboard to expand and crack. If the cracks are small enough, you may not notice them.
But if the cracks are big enough, you'll see a sticky mess. Scrape off any loose material and then clean your dashboard to remove as much of the sticky tar as possible. Once you've cleaned up the tar, add a thin coat of tar-removing goo to the area and give it a few days to work. If you want to avoid this sticky situation, consider tinting your windows to block out the heat.

2. Greasy Food

Eating while on the road is all part of the experience, but if you're not careful, your cluttered dashboard is going to suffer for it. Any extra crumbs or grease left over from your chicken strip platter can get on your dashboard, leaving a sticky residue in its place.
If you notice something sticky on your dashboard, check to see if it's grease. Wipe it up as soon as possible and clean the area thoroughly. You may want to avoid eating greasy foods while you're driving, just to be safe.

3. Nicotine from Smoking

Smokers often suffer from nicotine stains on their fingertips. Nicotine is a sticky, oily substance and can cause a sticky residue on your dashboard. You'll know you have a nicotine stain on your dashboard if there's a greasy spot that is particularly difficult to clean. If you're a smoker, you're probably already painfully aware of this problem. One way to reduce the number of nicotine stains on your dashboard is to use an ashtray. This can help you keep your cigarette butts off your dashboard.

4. The Age of Your RV

If you have an older RV, it's likely that you have a sticky dashboard. This is common because older RVs have been exposed to the elements over time. This often results in a sticky dashboard. However, you can try a few tricks to reduce the stickiness and make cleaning it more manageable. To start, you can use a product called dashboard and trim restorer to help remove any grease, grime, and sticky mess. This product can help the sticky mess come up easily. There's also a homemade alternative where you can mix equal parts vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and water. Apply it to a sponge and scour the dashboard. This mix can help loosen any sticky substance that is on your dashboard.

Conclusion

After reading about sticky dashboards and their different causes, hopefully, you have a better idea of what you're up against. Whether you're thinking about your trip ahead of time or trying to get your dashboard looking new again, remember these tips.
Keeping your RV clean and in good condition requires some effort and care on your part. But if you ever need to restore or replace your RVs upholstery, then Active RV Upholstery Center is here to help. We are the go-to option for motorhome accessories and upholstery services. Expect quality products and reliable service when you work with us. Whenever you need new RV furniture or RV dash covers, feel free to reach out to us.