Dashboard material issue

saz318 · October 6

Hello good people,

Maybe someone can advise on this.

I just noticed on the carbon fiber-ish dash material some marks , that looked like dirt at first. I tried to wipe them away with a microfiber cloth I keep in my door bin for managing the dust on all the plastic/glass surfaces.

Look at the photos to see the result. They look like scratches (!) and when I tried to wipe them, they got worse.

Anyone else with this issue?

Is there a specific conditioner or cleaner that can fix this?

Thanks.

fourbanks · October 6

I don't think so, Stuart, sad to say. I have the same type of marks under the glove box from my wife's work holdall that rubs up against it when she gets in the car. Hopefully I'm wrong

stepppy · October 6

As it is a padded material type, maybe some gentle leather cleaner? Try on an inconspicuous part first.....

Don C · October 6

It is what they call washi paper based material. I use Meguires interior cleaner but very mild detergent and lukewarm water is another option. Try a hidden area first.

Bezzer · October 7

When I had similar marks I used a slightly damp cloth like it says in the manual. It worked fine and I'm now educated to not even breathe close to it let alone put something on it.

saz318 · October 7

7 hours ago, Bezzer said:

When I had similar marks I used a slightly damp cloth like it says in the manual. It worked fine and I'm now educated to not even breathe close to it let alone put something on it.

Thanks to the group for all your comments. Regarding damp cloth, I did try that and it seems to get worse....

saz318 · October 13

Ok....so I got some leather cleaner wipes. I definitely have some kind of surface scratches, because they are clean now, but still very visible.

The worst part is that I don't recall anyone putting any objects on the dash . I have no clue how these developed and it indicates that the washing paper material is extra sensitive and prone to marking / scratching. I will take it to a professional car interior custom shop to see if they have any other solutions.

If anyone has ideas let me know.

Don C · October 13

3 minutes ago, saz318 said:

Ok....so I got some leather cleaner wipes. I definitely have some kind of surface scratches, because they are clean now, but still very visible.

The worst part is that I don't recall anyone putting any objects on the dash . I have no clue how these developed and it indicates that the washing paper material is extra sensitive and prone to marking / scratching. I will take it to a professional car interior custom shop to see if they have any other solutions.

If anyone has ideas let me know.

If you’re saying a new car was delivered that way, take it back. That’s a replaceable part. I wouldn’t be quick to blame the material because nobody else has complained about it.

PaulWhitt20 · October 13

I scratched mine dusting it with a micro fibre cloth. I am all for soft touch materials but if they scratch so easily it’s not fit for purpose and they should use something a bit more practical.

Chris UXe · October 13

I avoid putting anything on it as well. I'd go back to your dealer and ask them if they can sort it out for you or if a replacement part is needed.

RONNIE W HODGEKINSON · October 13

On 10/7/2024 at 8:17 AM, Bezzer said:

When I had similar marks I used a slightly damp cloth like it says in the manual. It worked fine and I'm now educated to not even breathe close to it let alone put something on it.

Absolutely Correct Mick....

saz318 · October 13

12 hours ago, Don C said:

If you’re saying a new car was delivered that way, take it back. That’s a replaceable part. I wouldn’t be quick to blame the material because nobody else has complained about it.

Hi.

The blemishes appeared under my watch, although there has been only normally situations, clean environments, no unruly peeps in the car, etc.

In other fora for lexus, i have read other UX owners having similar experiences with the washi material. It seems to be particularly fragile to small grit scratching , so my conclusion is that rather than keeping the dash clean with a microfiber cloth , it is wise to use compressed air or a small dust bellows (like in old style photography to clean dust from lenses and negatives) and not wipe the washi parts. I will use a recommended non silicon leather cleaner conditioner to see if I can minimise the visual appearance of the scratches.

It is not blame, although I find it strange that a material that is this sensitive was chosen by Lexus. It is a shame because it does look very nice.

saz318 · October 13

8 hours ago, Chris UXe said:

I avoid putting anything on it as well. I'd go back to your dealer and ask them if they can sort it out for you or if a replacement part is needed.

I did send photos and asked them just for a suggestion how to fix it. They blew me off and referred me to a private automobile detailer (!!!)

Anyway, I will try "303 Aerospace" conditioner and report back.

Don C · October 14

A friend of mine went to one of these hand car wash places who handed out one of those paper air fresheners and they left it on the dash for a while until they got chance to hang it on the mirror. Within minutes it melted the plastic front and that single strip with the vents in was £600 plus VAT so the moral is, be very careful what you use on your dash components.

saz318 · October 14

Definitely I recommend testing any product on a small hidden edge of the part to be treated first.

stepppy · October 14

6 hours ago, Don C said:

A friend of mine went to one of these hand car wash places who handed out one of those paper air fresheners and they left it on the dash for a while until they got chance to hang it on the mirror. Within minutes it melted the plastic front and that single strip with the vents in was £600 plus VAT so the moral is, be very careful what you use on your dash components.

I don’t know what’s more terrifying for me … the damage to the dash or going to a hand car wash place 🫣

saz318 · October 14

I am considering upgrading my seats to leather with a lumbar support system, and when I ask for a quote, I will see about options to replace the washi panels with leather , or another premium option.

Malc1 · October 14

Reading these posts I find it incredulous that any car manufacturer, let alone LEXUS, fit their cars with “ not fit for purpose “ interior ( or any ) finishes that are prone to damage from owners simply “ living “ a normal life with their cars

No owner should have to worry about this sort of thing in everyday normal use ……. simply unacceptable imho

Cars should never be “ that delicate “

Malc

stepppy · October 14

14 minutes ago, Malc1 said:

Reading these posts I find it incredulous that any car manufacturer, let alone LEXUS, fit their cars with “ not fit for purpose “ interior ( or any ) finishes that are prone to damage from owners simply “ living “ a normal life with their cars

No owner should have to worry about this sort of thing in everyday normal use ……. simply unacceptable imho

Cars should never be “ that delicate “

Malc

Plenty of manufacturers use piano black trim in their cars and that scratches if you look at it in the wrong way, so it’s not just limited to Lexus using fragile materials 😆

I use a ultra soft detailing brush for my dash and dials and that works a treat it’s wide, flat and angled so gets in all the nooks any crannies.

Don C · October 14

5 hours ago, saz318 said:

I am considering upgrading my seats to leather with a lumbar support system, and when I ask for a quote, I will see about options to replace the washi panels with leather , or another premium option.

You’ve got the fabric/alcantara? Those are the most comfortable seats I’ve ever sat in.

Don C · October 14

3 hours ago, Malc1 said:

Reading these posts I find it incredulous that any car manufacturer, let alone LEXUS, fit their cars with “ not fit for purpose “ interior ( or any ) finishes that are prone to damage from owners simply “ living “ a normal life with their cars

No owner should have to worry about this sort of thing in everyday normal use ……. simply unacceptable imho

Cars should never be “ that delicate “

Malc

We’re talking about one example. I don’t do anything special to mine and it has no marks. I don’t get the drama.

saz318 · October 14

1 hour ago, Don C said:

You’ve got the fabric/alcantara? Those are the most comfortable seats I’ve ever sat in.

Yes..the tan fabric that feels like suede. They are beautiful seats, but over the last couple months I find that my back needs more lumbar support (my Mini has more firm but better supportive seats). I have always wanted leather seats and never had the chance. Also, being in Greece, inevitably car seats get sea water marks that leather resists and are easily cleaned.

Honestly I am still undecided but will do the due diligence to see possibilities.

Lexusjim · October 14

A few options here for lumbar support that are a lot cheaper than changing the seats.....

https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-lexus-lumbar-support.html?spm=a2g0o.home.auto_suggest.2.6b4776dbZyPDM9

saz318 · October 15

17 hours ago, Lexusjim said:

A few options here for lumbar support that are a lot cheaper than changing the seats.....

https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-lexus-lumbar-support.html?spm=a2g0o.home.auto_suggest.2.6b4776dbZyPDM9

But leather is nice 😁

Ken R · October 15

On 10/14/2024 at 2:34 AM, Don C said:

A friend of mine went to one of these hand car wash places who handed out one of those paper air fresheners and they left it on the dash for a while until they got chance to hang it on the mirror. Within minutes it melted the plastic front and that single strip with the vents in was £600 plus VAT so the moral is, be very careful what you use on your dash components.

Yes. I had a similar experience years ago when a liquid air freshener leaked and stripped the silver paint on the centre console trim.😪