how do you remove a shiny protectant off the dash safely?

 

You mean like Armor All or something?

I'd use a damp towel...with a VERY small amount of soap on it. Then wipe it off again with another damp towel.

Then apply something that's less shiny. Meguiar's Vinyl/rubber protectant for example.

 

When you really think about it, there is no longer a need to put anything on the dash or any kind of protectant. The dash is made out of "hard" plastic/vinyl on many of today's cars.. The texture surface make it look like the old traditional vinyl. My G6 Civic already is solid vinyl, a lot harder than my old G4 Civic with is somewhat soft when you push your finger against it. Therefore, I can understand the need for protectants or dashcovers. The G7 Civic is now solid plastic, not even soft or cushion. The same is true for the current gen Corolla/Prizm. The funniest thing is when I see these cars with dashcovers, how did the salesman get away with that?