Leather Care.....which products do you use?

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Sat Nov 12, 2011 1:50 pm

I can't find anything really covered in a discussion here, and I'm not sure I want to go to the lengths that some do on the specialist detailing forums, but I do want to seek a view on what leather care compounds owners have had success with, paricularly on paler leathers?

I have used Autoglym Leather Cream for a while on both our BMWs which had dark (Black & Dark Red) interiors, but now we have two with cream/beige leather and before I inadvertantly damage or stain the leather by using the wrong materials I thought I would see what others use.

I have one (the X6) with Beige Nappa and the about to arrive Mini with Polar Beige - both of which would show staining if mistreated. I think the Mini's leather is closer to the BMW 'Dakota' type than the softer 'Nappa' type.

So what have others used, and how good were the results? I'm not looking for concourse results - these are used cars not showroom specials.

X5eireann · Post by **X5eireann** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 4:08 pm

I have the AutoGlym leather care kit, which comprises of a cleaning product and leather cream polish. I'm not 100% convinced that it delivers results and it leaves the car smelling like a cheap leather jacket!!! I spent hours cleaning my black leather seats and they're still dull and the cleaning product only remove 80% of the grime (even when using a tooth brush).

The best option is to use micro fibre cloths and dip them in water, squeeze them enough to leave damp and put the cloth into the microwave for 40 secs - 1 minute. The cloth will be steaming hot and scrub the seats before apply any product as it will remove the grime and really penetrate into the leather. Quickly apply the cleaning product and that will seal and treat the leather.

Give it a go.

AW8 · Post by **AW8** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 5:16 pm

Gliptone liquid leather favoured by many.......last leather care product I used was Mer - ok but not that impressed tbh.

5wany · Post by **5wany** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 7:52 pm

[quote=""X5Sport""]...I have used Autoglym Leather Cream ...[/quote]

+1

Found this to be a decent product for nourishing and I quite liked the smell

But didn't think it cleaned well (TBF it is not a cleaner though). Idea of hot microfibre cloth sounds like it will works, just use the wife's marigolds

Be careful if you have perforated seats though, put this on my Dads e class & it blocked up all the small perforations.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 8:14 pm

Thanks for the tips so far....and the warm microfibre cloth sounds intriguing. To be honest the leather is clean so it will probably be a cream I need. I don't mind the smell either. I'm not sure what kind of leather jackets get bought - mine are either not treated, or too cheap

No I don't have perforated seats - didn't see the need in the UK climate. I don't have the massage system either.

mattj · Post by **mattj** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 8:27 pm

On the old forum someone recommended the BMW Leather Care cream which has given my seats a great finish. I bought some genuine stuff on eBay which was about a third cheaper than the stealer. Cheers

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Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 12:38 am

AFAIK, the leather should be of a dull finish when cleaned. Shiny = dirty and slippery which is dangerous.
I too use the Autoglym leather cream and I like the clean smell. It's definitely worth keeping them clean as any leather will age quickly if left.

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X5eireann · Post by **X5eireann** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 10:58 pm

Gliptone's liquid leather is highly regarded by all the Audi TT and VW Dub enthusiasts:
http://www.liquidleather.com

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 12:15 am

Gliptone is superb stuff.

Currently using Swissol Leathercare kit. Very good quality and cleans/nourishes really well.

mattj · Post by **mattj** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 11:25 pm

The price of the gliptone on their website is very reasonable compared to other products, will definitely try it next time based on the rave reviews here!

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tombs · Post by **tombs** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 9:31 pm

I had white (silver) recaro seats and now white inserts on the A3, Meguiars 3 stage leather treatment seems to remove the grime very well (have to sticky handed kiddies) and leaves a nice finish to the seats.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 1:24 pm

With the news we got this morning, that might be a very useful tip! Sticky fingered kids and cream leather.....Nooooooo!

I suspect that will the least of the evils to come.

pvr · Post by **pvr** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 1:31 pm

Baby wipes are great for cleaning the muck off

Sanj · Post by **Sanj** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 3:28 pm

It's the chocolate hands, the drink spills, especially milk when it gets behind the seats and dries in - lovely smell X5Sport!

Don't forget the crumbs too - the 6 tons or kit you have to carry with you when you go ANYWHERE!

Suppose you'll need rear headrest screens soon too!

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 4:56 pm

[quote=""Sanj""]It's the chocolate hands, the drink spills, especially milk when it gets behind the seats and dries in - lovely smell X5Sport!

Don't forget the crumbs too - the 6 tons or kit you have to carry with you when you go ANYWHERE!

Suppose you'll need rear headrest screens soon too![/quote]

Jeez, you lot are a great help!! We only found out this morning, and already the crash back to Earth has been hard.

Right - it goes in the trailer (hey I've got a cover for it alright!!) - and I do mean the rug-rat!! I knew there was a good reason why I have a tow-bar on the X6 (not that it will EVER be allowed within contact distance of that) and Mini. Simples

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