Leather cleaning

[_Ryan_]

Hello,

I currently use a "leather cleaner" and "leather conditioner", although I would like to use something stronger 1-2 times per year to ensure my light grey leather returns to it's correct colour. Keep in mind I have two dogs and live in the mountains- it'll never be perfect and it's unlikely I can avoid all mess.

What have you used on your leather? Was it an automotive cleaner? Household multi purpose cleaner? A simple vinegar solution?

R.

[ShocknAwe]

Use Lexol Currently, hate it. It does an OK job but it's greasy/sticky and smells bad. If you find something good, post up man. I'm in the same boat. Dogs/Sun and Dirt. Really need something awesome.

[hlmiii]

Gliptone.

Excellent results (I've tried many and none are better). Easy to use.
Smells great - much like your new car did.

[cheshirecat79]

Leather Master Foam cleaner contains a mild detergent that should be enough to meet your needs. Follow that up with Leather Master protection cream .

[bmw1racer]

Originally Posted by _Ryan_

Hello,

I currently use a "leather cleaner" and "leather conditioner", although I would like to use something stronger 1-2 times per year to ensure my light grey leather returns to it's correct colour. Keep in mind I have two dogs and live in the mountains- it'll never be perfect and it's unlikely I can avoid all mess.

What have you used on your leather? Was it an automotive cleaner? Household multi purpose cleaner? A simple vinegar solution?

R.

Vinegar???

I would think that would be one of the worst things to use: The acid would break down the leather over time.

[cheshirecat79]

Originally Posted by bmw1racer

Vinegar???
I would think that would be one of the worst things to use: The acid would break down the leather over time.

Vinegar is commonly used as a household leather cleaner, although people typically mix it with linseed oil as the vinegar can dry out the leather. It won't break down the leather, however, as long as you're replenishing the oils.

I wouldn't suggest it, however, for vehicle leather. There's simply too many excellent products to use for our cars.

[Gray_Panther]

Leatherique.

[JM35]

I just use Armor All, I hate the feel it gives my leather after I use it but it cleans it up nicely and makes it shine for awhile.

[bmw1racer]

Originally Posted by cheshirecat79

Vinegar is commonly used as a household leather cleaner, although people typically mix it with linseed oil as the vinegar can dry out the leather. It won't break down the leather, however, as long as you're replenishing the oils.

Wow, I didn't know that... It must reek after application, huh?

[Dackelone]

Without a doubt Swissvax Leather Cleaner is the way to go. But Sonax also makes a good leather cleaner too.

[_Ryan_]

Originally Posted by cheshirecat79

Vinegar is commonly used as a household leather cleaner, although people typically mix it with linseed oil as the vinegar can dry out the leather. It won't break down the leather, however, as long as you're replenishing the oils.

I wouldn't suggest it, however, for vehicle leather. There's simply too many excellent products to use for our cars.

Which is perfect if I am going to then follow the standard conditioning routine. Thanks.

[MaC-N54-E82]

Originally Posted by cheshirecat79

Leather Master Foam cleaner contains a mild detergent that should be enough to meet your needs. Follow that up with Leather Master protection cream .

x2

[SabreE82]

I purchased and use the bmw leather cleaner kit on my coral red seats... Must admit that for the cost, it was really worth it. I had used Lenox before and felt it did just an ok job. This on the other hand... I was wowed. Sure, it's a long shot for the best product in the market, but for someone like me that just wants his seats cleaned and looking nice, this is does a fantastic job.

[Detailers Domain]

you can also use Sonax Leather Cleaner

here are some photos of it in action on a Bentley Flying Spur.



Close up in different lighting.

[cheshirecat79]

the foam really seems like the way to go for these semi-permeable seats.

[_Ryan_]

Originally Posted by DetailersDomain

you can also use Sonax Leather Cleaner

here are some photos of it in action on a Bentley Flying Spur.



Close up in different lighting.

EXACTLY what I want to achieve. Shame you don't air freight to AU

[Detailers Domain]

there should be a Sonax dealer in AU.

[ShocknAwe]

What does the Sonax smell like?

[Detailers Domain]

it doesn't really smell like much or if it does it doesn't stick around long.

[CAVU]

Originally Posted by DetailersDomain

you can also use Sonax Leather Cleaner

here are some photos of it in action on a Bentley Flying Spur.

Those results look great, and I'm happy with the other Sonax products I've tried. I'll get some of this on order ASAP. Do you know if it works well for 'leatherette' also? My wife's car has some sort of product that Toyota calls "Softex".

[IEDEI]

i don't use conditioner anymore....a conditioner will just clog up the leather and not allow it to breathe. just get a good cleaner and call it a day. if anything moisturize it with plain water just to keep a basic level of moisture. Most leather seats have some sealant already done on them, however they 'crack' over time. My feeling is that just cleaning it allows then to stay fresher than pouring conditioner all over them. Again just an opinion....

i use Zymol leather cleaner. Doesn't dry out the leather and brings out its natural texture and feel. Fantastic stuff. I've tried all sorts of stuff but this is definitely the best. Just used it today on my seats.

http://www.amazon.com/Zymol-Z507-Lea...r+cleaner+auto

[_Ryan_]

I got the results I wanted using my existing Bowdens Own cleaner by simply cleaning the pad with blast from the hose any time it was discoloured.

User error

Thanks all.