Leather cleaning/treatment?

[Frupal]

Anybody have recommendations for leather cleaning and treating?

[Cincinnatus]

I've used Lexol with great results.

[burkhacs]

I've used the kit from the chemical guys and was happy

[Opie55]

Depends on whether it was ever done before. Lexol cleaner and conditioner is what I use after I have cleaned it, but if it was neglected before you got it and has some grime in the leather wrinkles or blue jeans transfer, then I use Blue Magic leather and vinyl cleaner that you can get at most auto parts stores. Then I go to Home Depot and buy what is called a chip brush. They are cheap natural bristle paint brushes with bare wooden handles. They will be on the bottom shelf by paint brushes in cardboard boxes. They cost a little over a dollar. Then take scissors and cut half to a bit more than half of the length of the bristles off. That makes it just a bit stiffer. Then put the cleaner on the brush and gently rub the leather.

[TXStar]

I'm happy with the BMW leather care cleaner/conditioner. I had some wrinkles that have actually softened and relaxed with this. Pleasant surprise to say the least.

[jjasonSU]

+1 for Lexol. Orange bottle for cleaning. Brown bottle for conditioning. I rub mine in using gloves

[vaio23]

I use DR leather, great review from detailers. I had to order from UK but it is work it, nice matt finish.

https://www.monzacarcare.com/product-tag/dr-leather/

[Greekstyle]

I used Leatherique

https://www.autogeek.net/le16ozkit.html

If you follow the instructions you will have great results. It is not a quick application. Needs time to do its work. I rushed and only waited 6 hours for the cleaner to penetrate but it still worked out good for me.

[Frupal]

Originally Posted by jjasonSU

+1 for Lexol. Orange bottle for cleaning. Brown bottle for conditioning. I rub mine in using gloves

Good to know!

[Havy]

I use Colourlock and I am very happy with that. They have for each color and leather type the right product

[640ibimmerguy]

I use griots garage interior cleaner which has no scent or dies and then the griots garage leather conditioner. They have two options, the 3 in 1 and then a conditioner that's less cleaner more conditioner. I've used these products for years and they smell great, don't lease a residue and keep the leather in my gc and expedition nice and supple.

[Frupal]

Originally Posted by 640ibimmerguy

I use griots garage interior cleaner which has no scent or dies and then the griots garage leather conditioner. They have two options, the 3 in 1 and then a conditioner that's less cleaner more conditioner. I've used these products for years and they smell great, don't lease a residue and keep the leather in my gc and expedition nice and supple.

Thanks very much! I never heard of Griots. I’ll check it out!

[dsocold]

Originally Posted by Frupal

Thanks very much! I never heard of Griots. I'll check it out!

+1 on the griots... i really like the smell of it too its got that nice leathery smell..

[murph914]

Anyone with knowledge of repairing scratches in leather? I put something on my passenger seat only for it to deeply scratch the leather through the vinyl top coating stuff.

My friend and I made this little video or cleaning up some Z3 seats.

[JBF650]

I’ve tried them all and in all seriousness I use Nivea body creme, have done for years. Yep, whata human would use. I make sure the surface is clean and free of debris and then use a microfibre cloth and Nivea my leather seats, dash and doors. It’s marvellous as it soaks in, is isn’t ‘shiny’ doesn’t leave any kind greasy or chalky residue and is so easy to apply. There is a small fragrance that dissipates over a day or so. However it leaves the leather so beautifully soft and rich looking, without any greasy feel or shiny fake look. My 650 has nappa leather and just loves this stuff. I wouldn’t use anything else.

[NorthCountryGuy]

Originally Posted by JBF650

I’ve tried them all and in all seriousness I use Nivea body creme, have done for years. Yep, whata human would use. I make sure the surface is clean and free of debris and then use a microfibre cloth and Nivea my leather seats, dash and doors. It’s marvellous as it soaks in, is isn’t ‘shiny’ doesn’t leave any kind greasy or chalky residue and is so easy to apply. There is a small fragrance that dissipates over a day or so. However it leaves the leather so beautifully soft and rich looking, without any greasy feel or shiny fake look. My 650 has nappa leather and just loves this stuff. I wouldn’t use anything else.

Very good to see this. On the Rennlist Forum we discovered Nivea cream for the Porsches. It was recommended to use the Nivea only manufactured in Germany for it’s composition was different then the others. The Concours show guys loved the stuff. Was able to pick up the cans of the German made on Amazon. There were some reports it was ‘to good’ and softened up some of the stitching.

I just stick to a simple oil. Hide drinks in the hydrocarbon to keep soft. No silicates. No alcohols. Just simple clear mineral oil. Sold as Johnson & Johnson Baby Oil in aisle 5...

[thebmw]

Originally Posted by NorthCountryGuy

Just simple clear mineral oil. Sold as Johnson & Johnson Baby Oil in aisle 5...

For all leather and vinyl surfaces? Won't it be shiny or oily or smelly? Will it cause the leather dye to leach or any other issues? I always get worried whenever the solution sounds to simple or too good to be true!

[JBF650]

Originally Posted by thebmw

For all leather and vinyl surfaces? Won't it be shiny or oily or smelly? Will it cause the leather dye to leach or any other issues? I always get worried whenever the solution sounds to simple or too good to be true!

Nope, it wont be oily or greasy. As I said, I've used it on all my BMW cars leather for years. I like it because it isn't shiny or greasy and doesn't leave any residue. it does have a slight perfume that dissipates over a few days, it soaks in and leaves the leather looking clean and nourished. I do this a few times a year. I don't use it on vinyl or plastic areas. There are plenty of good synthetic cleaners and conditioners on the market for areas of the car that are not covered in leather.

give it a try, use on a small area of leather at first if you are concerned and see what you think....

[NorthCountryGuy]

Originally Posted by thebmw

For all leather and vinyl surfaces? Won't it be shiny or oily or smelly? Will it cause the leather dye to leach or any other issues? I always get worried whenever the solution sounds to simple or too good to be true!

Not used on non hide/non leather surfaces for it will just sit there. On the leather I use a reasonable amount, and not before I’m going to use the car for the day. I’d apply at end of the day and let the leather ‘drink it in’.

I’ve never seen it do anything to the coloration. This is even true on my 32 yo Porsche where I had recolored (the same color) the seats myself. Part of my winter hibernation routine was to oil the seats and panels and then wrap in Saran Wrap for the winter. My old seat were in remarkable shape.

[NorthCountryGuy]

Same for the Nivea. Don’t apply it, and then you and the Mrs. get in your Armani’s and drive to a wedding. It will be sticky for a bit, but it soon passes.

[joshuasingh32]

I ordered Chemical Guys leather cleaner and conditioner from Amazon. Was about $15 I believe and works great for me. Try it out!

[Derekz4]

Another product I use with great success is Optimum Leather Protectant.
It cleans, restores and protects all in one. It doesn't leave a greasy look either.