Can anyone identify this? and suggest how to resolve?

[r0w3n]

Hi Guys

Recently bought a 2001 Polo 6n2 and it came with a strange problem that I have never seen before and I'm hoping someone can advise on how to rectify this problem. the top half of the dash seems to be covered in some sort of white residue, the previous owner said its just faded which i find hard to believe and as you can see from the image if I rub it with my finger nail it comes off.



Any suggestions on how to easily remove this residue?

Much appreciated guys!

[jgribben]

Hi Guys

Recently bought a 2001 Polo 6n2 and it came with a strange problem that I have never seen before and I'm hoping someone can advise on how to rectify this problem. the top half of the dash seems to be covered in some sort of white residue, the previous owner said its just faded which i find hard to believe and as you can see from the image if I rub it with my finger nail it comes off.



Any suggestions on how to easily remove this residue?

Much appreciated guys!

Looks like they might have cleaned it with something that has caused the top layer of plastic to fade/degrade.
only time I've seen something similar was on a old film camera of mine and the back went all hazed like this because of a cleaner I used, same deal if I scratch it with my nail it comes off.
As for suggestions on removal I just kept using nail on the camera but it was a much smaller surface than you have here and that would take an age.
Good luck with it though hopefully someone else has an idea.

[RolfGolf]

Looks like a chemical reaction between a cleaning product and the plastic. Have you gone over it with warm water? You could then try some plastic restorer/polish on a small area and see if it makes a difference.

Edit: would be good to know what they used on it so you can avoid it in future.

[juen]

Looks like ammonia has caused it. As RolfGolf said, Plastic polish should do the trick.

[bushnut]

May sound silly but try some boot polish over the top of it Wd40 on a rag first then wipe over it then you've got plastic rejuvenator silicone spray dash flash spray some sort of oil on a rag also sounds funny but cooking oil olive oil anything like that. If all else fails you will have to get in there with a tooth brush and work your way up with harshness I wouldn't go as far a a wire brush but you can get a brass wire bruh. Good luck with it anyway hope this gives you some idea's.

[mazstar1980]

Is there similar marks along the dash elsewherre, I'm wondering whether they put those dashmats over the top?

Would a less abrasive option work like a mild purpose designed APC diluted mixture and then up the strength using microfibre? If it comes off you could then use a trim restorer and protectant like CarPro PERL or 303 to protect it better than your average Armorall stuff.