What's the best leather conditioner to use?

"Coty" (coty) 04/27/2015 at 20:13 • Filed to: None

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When’s a good time to start conditioning my leather? Should I do it right away (car is 6 months old with 3000 miles) or wait for a certain milestone? What product works best? It has to be safe for cloth too, as I have cloth inserts on my seats as you can see. Any suggestions, Oppo?

505Turbeaux > Coty 04/27/2015 at 20:30

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leatherique - you dont need the rejuvenator oil yet, but get the “prestine clean” to stay up on it. If someone here says Lexol you know they are jokers. Rejuvenator oil you can start on whenever, just make sure you work it into the stitching well. I would wait for a year is into it though at least

ViperGuy21 > Coty 04/27/2015 at 20:33

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I am not aware of any conditioners that are safe for leather and cloth...

For leather I would look at Chemical Guys leather conditioner(make sure to use the leather cleaner first)because that stuff is supposed to be stellar. When I run out of my Lexol I will be getting those two products. Lexol is also a good choice if you get the separate cleaner and conditioner(AIO’s are never as good as multi-step products, just as a general rule). I recommend using either a non-abrasive scrub pad(yes like the ones you can use for cleaning pots and pans, just make sure its non-abrasive)from like the dollar store or a grocery store, or use a gentle scrub brush. Target sells one that says oxo on the back and it works really well(it will be in the cleaning department as well. I learned the scrub pad and oxo brush techniques from a great detailer in Orange county(Darren from Auto Fetish Detail). Also make sure to use yellow micro-fibers and a good vacuum!

Now for the cloth inserts, I would say use an upholstery shampoo like Chemical Guys Fabric Clean, or their fantastic “all purpose super-cleaner” NONSENSE diluted 16-20:1. I have used the NONSENSE and can say it is spectacular! Use it on absolutely every thing on the interior if you want at the aforementioned dilution. I would say use the oxo brush, some yellow micro-fibers(to make sure you aren’t pulling off dye and just dirt to make sure your dilution is right)and a vacuum to tackle the cloth.

Also make sure to check out Chemical Guys, /DRIVECLEAN, Auto Fetish Detail, and AMMO NYC on YouTube for tons of fantastic videos!

I hope this helps!!!

Coty > 505Turbeaux 04/27/2015 at 20:33

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Thanks dude.

RallyWrench > Coty 04/27/2015 at 20:39

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I’m actually curious what you end up using, I should do the seats in my wife’s 325. I haven’t done leather seats myself in years, but the guys here seem to like the Griot’s Garage conditioner.

505Turbeaux > RallyWrench 04/27/2015 at 20:40

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See my comment on leatherique. However I am not familiar with Griots product

Coty > ViperGuy21 04/27/2015 at 20:41

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I actually have chemical guys open in another tab.

Did you know they have an air freshener type thing that smells like strippers? My Beetle needs that.

Coty > ViperGuy21 04/27/2015 at 20:43

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Oh, I wasn’t trying to clean both with one product, I just didn’t want to hit the corner of the fabric with the leather cleaner (or vice versa) and have it like eat the shit, ya know?

ViperGuy21 > Coty 04/27/2015 at 20:50

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Yeah, I’m a little afraid to ask my parents if I can buy that lol(only 16 yrs. old so I kinda have to ask before I place an order)

Yeah for the cleaners you’re fine, the conditioner, I’m sure it be fine, but a PAIN to get out of the little holes in the cloth.

Idk if you saw my post earlier, but if not check it out...

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/help-me-win-a-…

Also I would recommend joining their forum, I’m on their under the same screen name just fyi

Coty > ViperGuy21 04/27/2015 at 20:52

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OH SHIT THERE’S A FORUM? HELL YEAH.

And yeah I did. You and me buddy, we’re gonna win them.

ViperGuy21 > Coty 04/27/2015 at 20:56

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http://chemicalguysforum.com/forum.php Absolutely there is a forum!

And heck yes we’re gonna win this! Use that link everyday to get entered more!

Be forewarned, you will get addicted to Chemical Guys.......

But its worth it:

And that’s only with a few CG products and no real significant paint correction!

RallyWrench > 505Turbeaux 04/27/2015 at 21:22

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Ah, I see that now, thanks man.

Rico > ViperGuy21 04/27/2015 at 21:56

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Do you think Nonsense diluted at that level would remove a salt stain out of black carpet? After the terrible winter we had in the north east my weather tech mats took the brunt of the salt and grime but some salt got on the carpets on the side of my foot rest.

I already tried vacuuming and brushing it dry then vacuuming but there is still residue.

Rico > Coty 04/27/2015 at 21:58

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I read reviews that it goes away fast some people actually recommend soaking a paper towel with it and keeping it under the passenger seat to keep the smell going.

Coty > Rico 04/27/2015 at 22:00

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To keep my Beetle smelling like strippers you mean?

I just like saying it.

Rico > Coty 04/27/2015 at 22:02

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lol yeah but it’s the consensus for all of their air fresheners. I have yet found an air freshener that smells great and neutral (not like berries and shit).

Svend > Coty 04/28/2015 at 08:49

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Automotive leathers are different to what they used to be 10-15 years ago. The old leathers needed cleaned and conditioned to nourish it and prevent it from cracking and to remain supple where the new leather and techniques used to make it for automotive use mean you only need to seal them with a leather sealant to reduce if not prevent dye transfer from denim and coloured trousers. Its always best to give it a clean from time to time to stop dirt and grease build up and to stop the stitching from fraying where dirt has gotten in.

I don’t know what else is available in the U.S. market but Gtechniq L1 is available for $14.95.

http://gtechniqna.com/interior/l1-le…

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

What’s special about GTECHNIQ L1 Leather Guard?
GTECHNIQ L1 Leather Guard offers the best of its type protection against friction and staining. The friction protection is particularly important on seat bolsters, seat piping and any other high wear areas. The anti stain function is particularly worthwhile on light coloured leathers that are typically stained by dark colored fabrics such as indigo jeans.

Myth buster
Many leather products market themselves on how they feed leather. In fact your car’s leather seats are first coated with a very fine emulsion to give them the desired color and then a clear coat. So for best longevity you should be keeping that coating as well protected as possible which is exactly what L1 does. These same companies would also have you believe you should feed your car’s acrylic or polyester urethane paint finish with olive, cantaloupe, sunflower and coconut oils!

How do I get the best from this product?
For best results apply to new or recently recolored leather. For used leather first clean using a 1:20 dilution of GTECHNIQ W2 Universal Cleaner, allow to dry and then coat with a thin layer of L1. Allow the product to dry for 30 minutes before use. For the very best results clean and then reapply a coat of L1 on high wear areas every 3 months and for less stressed leather every 6 months.

Other products of interest.

While there is also I1 for interior fabrics and C6 for interior plastics restoring the original lustre of the plastic without being too shiny or ‘tacky’ to the touch but also adding UV protection to. The three can be biught together for $34.95 for 100ml of each product.

http://gtechniqna.com/interior/inter…

I’ve used all of these products for about four years and highly recommend them.

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Svend 04/28/2015 at 09:09

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Kind of off topic, but how do you clean instrument panels without scratching them? I am paranoid to touch mine with anything because it seems that no matter how gently I wipe them off they end up scratched.

Coty > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much 04/28/2015 at 09:23

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Have you used a chamois like The Absorber?

Svend > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much 04/28/2015 at 09:32

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Loosen any dust with a fine brush and vacuum it off holding the vacuum nozzle just away from the surface while gently agitating the dust towards the nozzle (I have a very very soft hair brush on the end of the nozzle which works effortlessly to clean the centre console buttons and display while also getting right into air vents and steering binnacle display). A soft lightly damp microfibre will easily remove small or light stains and then briefly with a dry microfibre to absorb any excess moisture to stop it leaving fine water spots.

You don’t want to apply any pressure to any attachment as, as you say the plastics scratch very easily though some scratch resistance can be added by applying Gtechniq C4 and gently wiping off any residue.

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Coty 04/28/2015 at 09:34

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I’ve used microfiber towels with no pressure and that leaves scratches. Chamois isn’t an option, there is no where for the dust and dirt to go it will just get dragged across the IP and scratch.

Coty > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much 04/28/2015 at 09:42

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Oh gotcha.

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Svend 04/28/2015 at 11:16

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A brush like this? It’s a hog hair brush that I use on the upholstery.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00…

Or do you have something with softer bristles to suggest for cleaning the IP?

Svend > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much 04/28/2015 at 11:32

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Yes a brush like this will do nicely (though the metal collar is a risk) as all you want to do in gently agitate it and loosen it away from the surface so your microfibre isn’t wiping it into the surface your cleaning and so scratching it.

I have an assortment of ‘Swissvax Style’ brushes.

Though I’m looking for a small ostrich feather duster as they trap dust far better than anything else and don’t scratch.

I get carried away sometimes trying to find the best way to do something that is either safer or easier with better results.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > 505Turbeaux 04/28/2015 at 14:38

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Have you used any of their products to restore/re-dye worn leather? The passenger seat in my car came with some wear on one of the bolsters when I bought it, and I’d like to do what I can to get it looking more like it should. It’s not ripped, but the finish is worn off in some areas.

505Turbeaux > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 04/28/2015 at 15:19

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I have indeed! The water based dye works fantastic and the color matching is very good. I think you have to snip a small piece of the extra leather off under the seat if you can get to some for best results but well worth it. I used the rejuvenator, dye, and Prestine Clean on my 850R seats and they came out fantastic

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > 505Turbeaux 04/28/2015 at 15:43

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Good to hear a positive first-hand experience with it!

Woke Up In A New SRT > Coty 04/30/2015 at 21:48

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The stripper scent is awesome. Most of their air fresheners are great...but the stripper scent is the best.

Woke Up In A New SRT > Coty 04/30/2015 at 21:52

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Adams Leather Conditioner is superb. Their Leather Cleaner is very good too. The conditioner leaves a light and pleasant leather scent for a few days. You can also use it on your interior plastics and vinyls. It helps prevent damage from UV. I think it’s SPF 65 or something. You won’t regret it.