Best product(s) for leather care?

[mattryan]

I've done some research online and apparently BMW's leather is "coated" so some leather conditioners may be pointless apparently? I've been looking at a few products and was just wondering if anyone could chime in about any of them or recommend any other ones...

Leather Master soft cleaner / protection cream

Zymol leather cleaner / leather conditioner / treat leather conditioner

Sonax leather cleaner & conditioner

Lexol cleaner / conditioner

Leatherique prestine clean / rejuvenator oil

The only one which I've used wasSonax and wasn't really a fan of it...

[IZAGLO]

I use Pinnacle Leather Conditioner. I find with 1 to 2 applications is all you need. What's really nice about Pinnacle is that it is totally not greasy or glossy and dries like you never no you used it except that the leather looks better, conditioned and as a bonus smells great. Pinnacle has the subtle scent of a leather jacket and after i was all finished treating the car and washed up the scent had me wanting to do the car again for the smell..freaky as i am a vegetarian for the past 30 years.. Lastly, i do believe that less=more when it comes to leather conditioners...a coat every 6 months is plenty..you over do it and it will not soak in anymore and will have a negative effect till the excess is taken off. I highly recommend this product.

[Eddie135]

I always clean my leather seats with a piece of wet micro fibre cloth monthly not sure will that hurt or protect the leather.

[1911A145]

I like Meguires products.

[TOGWT]

(a) Clean - as dirt / grit and subsequent friction cause the finish to wear. Use aqueous (water- based) foam cleaner (Leather Master™ Foam Cleaner) especially on aniline or ventilated seats. Foam encapsulates the dirt so that it can then be wiped away; allow the foam to dwell to ensure the chemicals have time to work. For ingrained soil the best results when cleaning the leather is to use a medium soft bristled brush to agitate the cleaner, this ensures a thorough cleaning

For stubborn dirt use Leather Master™ Strong Cleaner, which can be diluted with distilled water to the required strength; do not apply any liquid cleaning product directly to the surface of finished leather, as it may ‘spot’ clean leaving a faded area? Always apply cleaning products to folded 100% cotton micro fibre towel and then apply using light / medium pressure.

(b) Hydrated – is simply the replenishment of lost moisture, water molecules are smaller than the ones used in the polyurethane top coats, so it can permeate the finish in vapour form. This is essential to restore the suppleness and maintain leathers natural flexibility and keeps the leather at its optimum physical performance level, along with softness and strength.

A regular wipe down with a damp towel on a regular basis is all you need to condition and / or hydrate finished leather, and by using aqueous (water- based) products that do not contain oils and/or waxes, check the label if they do then don't use them. Leather should be hydrated on a regular basis and is somewhat climate dependent. Monthly hydration of leather upholstery in most southern states; Florida, Texas and Arizona, and etc especially during the summer months, would not be out of line

(c) Protected - is essential as it will protect the surface finish (Leather Master™ - Protection Cream) as a sacrificial layer; this way you are not actually cleaning the Leather's original surface, but cleaning from the surface of the protection. It also makes dirt easier to clean off


“Proper Finished Leather Cleaning and Care” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...ning-care.html

[Golden3ye]

would you do the same for leatherette or are there other products for that

[TOGWT]

Originally Posted by Golden3ye

would you do the same for leatherette or are there other products for that

Cleaning

Periodically clean using Iz einszett 'Plastik-Reiniger' an intensive, non-corrosive, non-acidic two-phase deep cleaner for urethane covered upholstery and vinyl trim, that removes grime build-up thoroughly and effortlessly, these chemicals restore the original texture, tactile feel and resiliency; use to clean all coloured and clear water-based acrylic polyurethane covered automotive upholstery and vinyl; this product is biodegradable, silicone and formalin-free as well as being environmentally friendly.

Applications - wash vinyl surfaces with soapy water and rinse with clean water and then thoroughly dry. Then use 1z einszett Plastik Reiniger. Do not use products that contain petroleum distillates as urethane absorbs them and causes it to yellow or silicon oil formulations as they are build-up type products which accelerate heat damage

Protection - with 1z einszett Vinyl Rubber Care & Potectant "Tiefenpfleger” provides a temperature-resistant seal and a low-shine matte finish Dust-resistant and retards the fading effects of UV rays to keep exterior ‘rubber’ and vinyl looking like new. UV protection is a sacrificial / renewable component; this is due to the UV protection layer being degraded by exposure to the elements (sun, sand, road or sea salt, and etc) 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 onto a clean micro fibre towel, agitate it well and then allow it to remain in place for 10-15 minutes. Finally using a clean micro fibre towel buff it to ensure it permeates

[Greg@DetailedImage]

The Leatherique Prestine Clean and Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil is my favorite combination for both the leather and leatherette seats. It can be used to restore leather or just maintain leather in good shape. If you prefer a one step process the SONAX Leather Foam and the Einszett 1Z Lederpflege Leather Care are great choices.

Greg @ DI

[1911A145]

I like Griots leather products.

[Adam135]

I use 303 aerospace protectant.

[Transcon]

Originally Posted by Adam135

I use 303 aerospace protectant.

+1 for 303, both the protectant and fabric guard are outstanding. For leather conditioning I have been using Skidmore's leather cream for years on everything from car interiors to motorcycle leathers and the stuff cannot be beat. Great small company to order from and their product is the absolute best I have ever used

http://www.skidmores.com/products.asp?cat=14

[vanbmw]

Whatever you like...make sure you use it!!! I hear all sorts of complaints about leather cracking or looking old but the owner applies some protection once a year! Find a product and use it every month or two minimum.
I use Lexol and have been happy with my results. I use the cleaner and water every 6 months and I make sure I put a coat of the conditioner on the seats every month. My seats look and feel great.
The only downside to Lexol is the seats feel a bit sticky for a day after donditioning them. Besides that I like it.

[Jaguar66]

Originally Posted by Greg@DetailedImage

The Leatherique Prestine Clean and Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil is my favorite combination for both the leather and leatherette seats. It can be used to restore leather or just maintain leather in good shape. If you prefer a one step process the SONAX Leather Foam and the Einszett 1Z Lederpflege Leather Care are great choices.


Greg @ DI

This is what I use, got it from Greg, of course.

[bmw1racer]

Originally Posted by Golden3ye

would you do the same for leatherette or are there other products for that

There's a thread for cleaning and preserving leatherette, I think.

EDIT: Here's the thread: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=688191