What are the best steps to cleaning Leather Seats ?

[phaeton]

What I want to know is how to get started if they have not been done since purchase (we got the vehicle in 2007 but was brought prior in 2005).

The manual stated that every 2 years Leather Treatment should be applied I bought Audi Leather Treatment but have not noticed any major difference in looks only softer in feel.

Am I doing it all wrong ?

Also there are creases in the front passenger seat can they be revived ?



The wear on the drivers side bolsters - still treatable ?

[AusScare]

Also interested in a cheap revival technique, as my 2003 leather is looking a bit tired.

[silvershadow]

The are two levels of care involved with leather upholstering:

First and most obvious is cleaning to remove dirt, stains etc

Second is to treat the leather so that it remains soft, supple and not prone to cracking. My experience is that it should be done twice a year and preferably in warm weather to ensure the conditioner penetrates the leather to do its job properly.

There are a number of proprietary cleaners and conditioners available from the recognised car detailing specialists such as Meguiars, Autoglym etc. There is also a specialist supplier, Leatherique, who specialise in leather care and are well-known to the classic car enthusiasts. This company also markets products for repairing cracked leather. More details is available on their website including before and after photos of some classic car interiors treated with their products:

http://www.leatherique.com/

My expertise is restricted to old-fashioned tanned leather which is no longer made for OH&S reasons and I have been informed the products I use [saddle soap, Connolly Hide Food and Oakwood Leather Dressing] are not suitable for modern leathers. Modern cars apparently require modern products and I have not had the need to verfy this aspect and suggest you seek advice from the supplier of your choice before purchasing.

[Mrk_Mickey]

Mate what I use on leathers is quite simply a multi-purpose cleaner and then a leather conditioner. I've taken a liking to Autoglym Powermax 3, mixed 1:6 with water in a spray bottle. For the leather conditioner I use Duragloss Leather Conditioner.

To clean the seats, spray some of the mix of powermax onto the seats and rub away marks with a microfibre towel. It's not detrimental to use a lot or a little; rather, you just spray and wipe until you're happy with the cleanliness of the leather.

Ensure the leather is dry, and then apply some of the leather conditioner onto the seat with a foam pad applicator. Work in the high-use areas and make sure to really get into the stitchings and creases of the leather. Once the conditioner is worked in, you're done!

[guest12345]

does anyone know how to clean the pirelli seats?

[Mrk_Mickey]

What's different about them?

[mrlex]

[AusScare]

Alcantara in the middle bits right?

Google is your friend.

[guest12345]

yeah something like that, the leather part of the seat i know how to clean just not the rest.

[carcareproducts]

I have cleaned a couple of cars with Alcantara, usually I would just use a lightly damp cloth and wipe over the material and then allow to dry.

One was actually quite dirty so I used 303 Cleaner and Spot Remover, again sprayed onto a microfibre cloth and wiped over the surface several times to remove the marks and then went over with a damp cloth with fresh water to make sure. If the pile is a bit flat after just brush over lightly with a soft bristled brush to re-activate.

Hope this helps