cream leather cleaning advice please

searchlight123

hi guys
i have a 2 year old BMW 320d with cream leather interior.
the drivers seat backrest has got marked in the lower back area across its whole width by either my dark suit trousers or black belt rubbing against it.
it is not dirt it seems more like the dye from clothing material?
the side bolsters are also looking slightly marked.
without damaging the leather can anyone suggest something i can use to clean these marks off.
TIA

colino

Try a bar of Vanish soap (the hard bar not a spray) and gently rub across the mark with a decent microfiber cloth.

richard734

I normally use Saddle Soap from the local tack-shop to clean my leather, but I have always had black leather so not sure how it would do on cream...

bigjl

You could try old school Gliptone products.

Not sure if you can buy them in the shops anywhere.

But the website is https://www.liquidleather.com

scotsbob

JudyB is the acknowledged expert on the subject, you can read her advice here (4th post down)

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=315551&highlight=leather

worried_jim

bigjl wrote: »

You could try old school Gliptone products.

Not sure if you can buy them in the shops anywhere.

But the website is https://www.liquidleather.com

I use Gliptone on my cream leather.

rs65

tonygold wrote: »

hi guys
i have a 2 year old BMW 320d with cream leather interior.

Is it real leather or man-made?

If man-made, I doubt leather conditioner will do any good. Try a diluted detergent if its man-made but try a tiny area first.

spiro

The clean my leather sofa I was advised not to buy expensive leather wipes but to use unscented baby wipes even ones with aleo vera. They have always got any marks off.

bigjl

rs65 wrote: »

Is it real leather or man-made?

If man-made, I doubt leather conditioner will do any good. Try a diluted detergent if its man-made but try a tiny area first.

I don't think BMW use the "faux" leather.

I know Renault do and you can tell the difference.

Actually it is probably more robust than leather but doesn't have the feel of decent quality leather.

judyb

Dye Transfer is the dyestuff transferred to leather from clothing, newsprint or from hair dyes and fake tans. It is more usually seen on light coloured, protected, leathers but it can occur on any leather, though not as noticeably. Basically the dye has redyed the leather. It is a very common problem.
First check the type of leather you have. Dye transfer can generally be removed safely on pigment coated leather but not from Aniline style leather. Dye transfer removal products should not be used on Aniline leather and it is best to take expert advice before any attempt is made.

If noticed early enough it can be successfully removed from most pigment coated leather with a Jean and Dye Transfer Removal Kit. This contains specifically formulated (by leather technologists) products for this problem. If this cleaning process does not resolve the problem it will be necessary to call in an experienced technician as early as possible. The longer the dye sits in/on the leather the harder it will be to remove
Professional protection products will help to inhibit dye transfer as the dye will sit on the protector and not on the finish of the leather. This also makes it much easier to clean off.
Owners of pale and off-white leather are recommended to adopt a gentle regular cleaning and protecting regime using good quality maintenance and protection products (not conditioners as these
actually attract more dirt) Please do not use anything containing waxes or oils on your leather as these will not help and polishes may seal the surface and prevent further cleaning.
Please do not use Magic Erasers to clean leather as these are a very fine sand paper and will damage the finish on the leather causing long term problems.
Saddle soap, vinegar and old wives tales should also be avoided as these can damage the finish on the leather which will be expensive to fix

Always take expert advice when dealing with leather as they will help you avoid expensive problems.

Please do not use saddle soap which is meant for saddles and not the type of leather you have. It is too harsh for modern leather finishes and could damage the leather.

bigjl

What is your opinion on the old school Gliptone products Judy?