The console and the dashboard are two of the most often seen parts of the car, so you better gear up and clean them. Cleaning isn’t as easy as it may seem, though. The fact is, many people have no idea how to properly clean the console and dashboard. What they often do is take a piece of tissue and wipe it across the dashboard and that’s it. This is very wrong. It takes more than a single swipe to clean the dashboard, and we’ll show you the right way to do it.

Get a towel soaked in warm water and wipe down the dashboard to prepare it for cleaning. Leave to dry for a few minutes. Spray liquid car cleaner onto the dashboard and wipe with a dry cloth. Liquid car cleaner is available in most automotive hardware stores, and sometimes even in groceries. Keep going until you’ve covered the entire dashboard. Again, let it dry before moving to the next step.

Get a vinyl protectant spray and another clean dry cloth. Spray some on the cloth and wipe until you’ve covered the entire dashboard. Wipe carefully and thoroughly, taking care not to get any of the spray on the windshield and other areas. Allow the spray to sit for five to eight more minutes before moving on.

The console requires a different strategy. First, use an all-purpose spray all over the panel. Then, carefully scrub an old toothbrush along the surface and the sides—hard enough to get rid of all the dirt, light enough not to scratch the surface. Rinse thoroughly and use a clean cloth or towel to dry.

These tips should leave your dashboard squeaky clean and ready for the long drive ahead.