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How to clean guage cluster lens?

80FoxCoupe

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Detail pro's, what's the best way to clean the guage cluster lens? Hate to scratch it up trying to clean it. Show me the way!
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DFB5.0

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Detail pro's, what's the best way to clean the guage cluster lens? Hate to scratch it up trying to clean it. Show me the way!
I just use glass cleaner on a towel. Don't spray directly onto the lens, rather into the towel. You could also use rinse-less wash like ONR or a detail spray, but I usually just wipe it over while I'm cleaning the glass.

Towel wise, you want something without too much plushness as you will end up leaving streaks and linting. Something like the TRC Dry Me A River, which is a great glass towel. However, I find the TRC FTW to be the best for screens, these were originally designed for glass (FTW = For-the-glass), but they are often used as a drying aid towel as well.

Dry Me a River (16x24) -
Dry Me A River | The Rag Company

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FTW (Don't stress, they come in other colors too) -
FTW Twist Loop Microfiber Detailing and Glass Towel | The Rag Company

IMG-2566.jpg
 

Skye

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I've used two different types of towel, two different cleaners, with success.

For towels, a white microfiber. I practice separation, so only white microfiber go on screens or glass. As an alternative, Target sells "flour sack" cotton napkins. 100% cotton. I've got one or two I keep separate for screens only. I've used them on interior vehicle screens and home computer screens (shiny) without issue.

For cleaners, spray on the towel first. Just enough to mist it, but not so much liquid is left drying or running on the screen or glass surface. Stoner's Invisible Glass works great. Gyeon's Glass glass cleaner works well to. As a third alternative, Gyeon's Interior Detailer (this one I'll use for screens only, not the glass).

https://invisibleglass.com/collections/automotive

https://gyeonusa.com/products/q2m-g...uRREZUGJicler8yadTJsYAX1nj91n5VQ-8QV-ZTFGwBD7

https://gyeonusa.com/products/q-m-i...idSuMR7yf7fHMPuPn38w5vTbAy2uG3oligBwR7wTUzgqg

For inside glass and screen work, I start by putting the car in the garage, with the door closed. Low or subdued lighting. Sitting in the car, I'll use the above tools. A wand for holding a towel while cleaning the inside of the glass is very helpful. I'll wrap a towel over the wand in a way and slowly work back-and-forth across the glass.

https://autoforge.net/products/glas...zvlN8izPRFZ4zsb-cyV1evb-QRJ3BcsQaAhIPEALw_wcB

For screens, a misted towel, one wipe, left-to-right. Maybe twice if it needs it.

To confirm things are clean, while continuing to sit in the car, I'll use a small torch to look at the glass. The light reveals anything untouched or needing additional effort.

A garage might not be an option for some. If so, a cool, low light condition, like early morning.

glass and screen toolkit.webp
 
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m2016v6

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My lens is already scratched up. Is there anyway to get a new one? I looked around on ebay for a bit and didn't find much.
 

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80FoxCoupe

80FoxCoupe

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Thanks for the informative replies. For clarity, no pun intended I'm talking about the clear polycarbonate lens covering standard guage clusters. Not digital screens. Your recommendations still apply to polycarbonate?
 

Skye

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Your recommendations still apply to polycarbonate?
Yes.

I've been using the same tools and cleaners on Macbook screens, gauges, Sync and in-dash screens.

I use modest pressure and motion, always moving in a straight line, left-to-right, even with the circular screen.

Edit,

Also, eyeglasses.
 
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GrabberBargeCaptain

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My lens is already scratched up. Is there anyway to get a new one? I looked around on ebay for a bit and didn't find much.
You might try poly watch. It works for acrylic watch crystals, I would assume it would work for your cluster as well. Worth a try before replacing
 

Bob Lob Law

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I've literally been using baby wipes for years with good results and no scratching. Dry up the residue with a microfiber.
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