Stop in for a cup of coffee

I've been thinking how to clean the 2" wide area between the front edge of the dash and front windshield.
I don't want to remove the windshield.
Previous owner a few years ago restored the dash and all the components. Looks great!! He didn't bother to restore this area I've described.
At the farm store I found a 2" soft rubber putty knife.
Thinking of first hitting it with air to knock out dirt and any loose stuff.
Take the putty knife and work it across the area with a small damp cloth.
Determine if that's good enough.
If not taping and painting. I do have the matching paint in a rattle can. Yes it would be a slow paint process.
Any other ideas??