Cleaning Leather

[nate39]

Hi, Just found this forum and an hoping I can find some help.



The light brown leather in my car is getting soiled after its three year life. I got some Mequiare's leather cleaner and it does absolutely nothing that I can see. Yes, the cleaning cloth gets dirty but there is no noticeable improvement in the leather.



Is there something that can clean leather well? I would rather not buy a lot of products hoping one will do the job. It doesn't have to make it look new (although that would be nice) but I would like not to see black on my seat.



Thanks

 

[fergnation]

Leatherique!! works everytime. Even on crappy pleather. But if you want a cheap fix, hot water and woolite, that works everytime also.

 

[Tuck91]

I like David Fermani's toothbrush cleaning method as well as using a sock to apply leather conditoner.

 

[markhart]

Another member on here suggested that I use the cleaner and apply it with a fingernailo scrubbing brush, and the results were amazing. I had been buying all of the leather cleaners with no results, and the brush really did thye trick and the scuzzy seats cleaned up like new!

 

[nate39]

Thanks for the help. So the important thing is using some kind of agitator. Then even my Mequiars might work?

 

[David Fermani]

Many times you need to do a deep cleaning. I suggest Leather Master Strong Cleaner with a soft horse hair brush. Work small sections and when the entire seat is finished wipe it down with a clean, wet cotton towel. It will remove the residual chemicals and hydrate the leather. Once that dries follow up with their Protection cream and you're done. Every few weeks or when you wash your car just give your seating surfaces another wet wipe with a towel and it will stay looking great forever. They key is to avoid using strong chemical cleaners, oil based conditioners and keeping it clean. If you stray, your leather will deteriorate.

 

[nate39]

Thanks for the info David. Am I supposed to avoid oil based conditioners also or just the strong cleaners? I probably should know but I am pretty much a novice on this stuff.

 

[David Fermani]

Avoid both!

 

[Innovative Detailing]

Here is a sample of the method I employ when it comes to cleaning leather that is a bit dirty or soiled...



Look for yourself at the results........



Tools and products used...



1) Steam Cleaner

2) Boars Hair and nylon brushes

3) Micro Fiber towels

3) Cotton Towels

5) High volume chemical resistant sprayer and bottle

6) Meguiar's APC+ diluted

7) Meguiar's G-7214 or Lexol



Towels after the cleaning process on just the seats

Just one look and I was disgusted......

Before shots

After shots

Process involved..50/50 shots for visuals so you can see the effect, dirt literally weeps off with the steam and APC+ combination

It looked like chocolate milk

One last pass with the steamer

50/50 shot after tape is removed...look at the difference of the seat base where I cleaned and where it is uncleaned

Finishing off the rest of the seat after 50/50 shots

Drivers side just as nasty....

Drivers side after shots..

After the above process all the leather seating areas are thoroughly conditioned and preserved to the most original condition possible.



Hope this helps...



Have a great day!

 

[Cholleman]

Holy cow, that's amazing. After seeing the M3 thread in the before/after section, I started looking into steam cleaners. What make model is that? I've got access to a "shark" steam cleaner, but it just has a nozzle tip.