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      05-07-2012, 10:17 PM   #1
vivithemage
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Question How to maintain leatherette seats?

I know there are a few threads out there, but they seem undecided! I just want something to keep it from ever craking.

I used to use 303 on my A4's seats, but they eventually cracked anyhow ... so is it even worth my time?

I also see my air vents have faded, as well as the door lockcircles are faded badly. Is there a way to restore these?
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      05-08-2012, 10:40 PM   #2
vivithemage
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What do you guys use? or do you just let them be?
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      05-09-2012, 03:26 PM   #3
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Leatherette is more durable than real leather. Anything that you can use with leather, you should be able to use with leatherette but not the other way around. On ordinary smooth leatherette, soapy water will work wonders just not soak the leatherette, at least that has been my experience.
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      05-09-2012, 07:38 PM   #4
pdr1269
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Try this: http://www.lexol.com/category_vinylex.aspx
Works great!
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      05-09-2012, 09:53 PM   #5
vivithemage
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I actually picked this up :

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0004ELKC4...Z7ZHTRW37SAM0&
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      05-09-2012, 10:05 PM   #6
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thats why your seats in your A4 started to crack. i only use 303 on my dash and plastic parts. NEVER on my seats. Lexol or Zaino is the way to go for leather seats
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      05-09-2012, 10:10 PM   #7
vivithemage
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MisterM3 View Post
thats why your seats in your A4 started to crack. i only use 303 on my dash and plastic parts. NEVER on my seats. Lexol or Zaino is the way to go for leather seats
what is the dif between zaino on the seats or 303?

got a specific zaino you like?
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      05-09-2012, 10:22 PM   #8
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303 is a all around cleaner and i think it contains alcohol in it which over time will crack your seats due to dryness. Lexol or Zaino have a cleaner only for leather seats and contains natural oils to keep them soft and fresh.

do a search under those names and you will find a lot of info. i doubt anyone here uses 303 on leather
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      05-09-2012, 10:35 PM   #9
vivithemage
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These are vinyl/'ette though, not leather...
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      05-09-2012, 10:45 PM   #10
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then continue using 303 on your seats. i'll just wait when you make a thread saying "leatherette seats started to crack. what now?"

did you even search those products i mentioned? you said you used 303 on your A4 and they cracked. doesn't that tell you something. i've had leatherette seats and they never cracked.
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      05-09-2012, 10:52 PM   #11
vivithemage
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honestly, I forget if it was zaino, or 303 that I had for my A4. The A4 was 30% leather, and 'ette for the rest, or so the rumors were on the forums.
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      05-09-2012, 11:03 PM   #12
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a quick search will answer your question. i've been using these products for all my cars and not once did my seats crack regardless if its leatherette or leather.

Mods, please move this to the Wash, Wax, Detail section.
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      05-10-2012, 02:57 PM   #13
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Doesn't simple water + soap work wonders?
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      05-10-2012, 02:58 PM   #14
vivithemage
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What kind of soap? I thought there were some products that help it live longer, strengthen up? Or does that only happen for leather, and you can really only CLEAN leatherette because it's technically vinyl?
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      05-10-2012, 04:02 PM   #15
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The leatherette is bombproof. I think any interior cleaner should be fine, but it doesn't require special conditioning or protectant.
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      05-10-2012, 04:07 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob View Post
The leatherette is bombproof. I think any interior cleaner should be fine, but it doesn't require special conditioning or protectant.
Logically, this makes sense ... I will just use the 303 on the dash and whatnot...and NOT on the seats, unless it is safe to use there?
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      05-10-2012, 04:49 PM   #17
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I think it's perfectly safe, but IIRC 303 leaves a bit of residue that you may not want to sit on.
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      05-10-2012, 08:15 PM   #18
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k, no 303 on the seats then, just dash and whatnot.
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      05-11-2012, 03:46 AM   #19
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Snythetic Leather

It’s a non-organic (synthetic) leather-like finish material that is used in many vehicles under the guise of leather, it has an even, almost repeating pattern, and it also has a protective coating applied.

It also has micro-pores that allow evaporation and hydration (the passage of water vapour through a membrane or pore) they are not sealed per se as some chemicals penetrate it easily; others stay on top dependent upon their molecule size.


MB-Tex and Artico [: a synthetic fabric made to look like leather] are probably the best known of this type of material that can imitate leather as they imprint a grain pattern into it; the depth of the lines within the grain that also consistent, while the same lines on leather will vary widely. Artificial leather usually has single stitching; whereas leather uses double stitching, as leather is thicker.

Identifying characteristics - it is also usually smooth and soft to the touch.

The water-drop absorbency test- water drops will ‘bead’ on the surface

Absorbency rate -Low
Leatherette (Pleather) Sometimes referred to as Poromerics (a term coined by DuPont) an imitation leather are a group of synthetic ‘breathable’ leather substitutes made from plastic coating (usually polyurethane) on a fibrous base layer (typically polyester)

Including Naugahyde, the fabric can be made of a natural or a synthetic fibre which is then covered with a soft PVC layer, which is a lighter, more flexible and less restrictive material than leather.

This kind of material is easy to clean, requiring the owner to simply wipe it off occasionally with a cloth dipped in a solution of mild detergent and warm water.


1z Plastic Cleaner (Plastik-Reiniger) - an intensive, non-corrosive, non-acidic two-phase deep cleaner that removes grime build-up, scuff marks, bitumen (tar) and nicotine thoroughly and effortlessly with dust-resistant anti-static action.

Use to clean armrests, door handles, shift knobs, vinyl seats, pedals, dashboard, storage compartments, tires, rocker panels, wheel wells, and etc. Water-based formula is biodegradable, silicone and formalin-free as well as environmentally friendly.


Protection - even though this material is not real leather, it can definitely crack and distort, with Einszett 1z Cockpit Premium safely cleans all clear and coloured automotive plastic interior fittings such as dash, trim, door panels, navigation/audio screens, steering wheel, and pedals. It leaves a long-lasting matt finish with fresh citrus scent. The perfect everyday cleaner for interior plastic surfaces, it’s a mild cleaner to prevent the drying of these porous surfaces, yet it is effective at removing body oils and grime on a regular basis.

UV protection is a sacrificial / renewable component; this is due to the UV protection layer being degraded by exposure to the elements so it is imperative that you renew it and needs to be re-applied on a regular basis (dependent upon location climatic condition)


Application - Spray 303 Space Protectant onto a clean 100% cotton micro fibre towel , agitate it well and then allow it to remain in place for 10-15 minutes. Finally using a clean 100% cotton micro fibre towel buff it ensure it permeates and to remove any residue
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      05-11-2012, 08:17 AM   #20
vivithemage
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Thanks TOGWT, but you don't exactly say what to apply to protect the seats with!
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      05-11-2012, 08:47 AM   #21
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I've used Vinylex on my E36 interior (dash, seats, etc.) for the past 18 years: everything is still supple and not a single crack.
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      05-11-2012, 08:51 AM   #22
vivithemage
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Is your E36 leatherette? Do you have a specific model you used?
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