Leather trim cleaner

shown73

I would like to clean/restore the leather seats and trim in a BMW. Halfords sell separate cleaner and restorer, each about £6.99 or £7.99, but not sure how effective they would be. I just wondered if anyone would know of a decent product to do this, as it is not just an automotive problem of course. There are most likely more effective products that have been around for years. Wheeler Dealers sometimes use some for a quick job, and they seem very effective, but don't know product names or anything. Cheers...

scotsbob

You may like to look at the Gliptone range. Go to any classic car show and that's the product that appears to be most widely used.

http://www.gliptone.com/leather_care.htm

Even if not interested in their products their leather cleaning guide is free to download.

colino

If a bar of vanish soap doesn't lift off the dirt, you'll need a deep clean like the one suggested above. It should only need a damp cloth and vanish, everything else means the surface is badly ingrained with dirt.

force_ten

i use Autoglym Leather Cleaner followed by Autoglym Leather Care Balm and that is a good combination for my seats

if the seats are old and badly worn and have never been treated then it may need restoration rather than clean and treat

with restoration they strip the old leather re paint it and then re seal it and it makes it look a lot better

shown73

Thanks, I'll try the Vanish soap first, then see where we go from there. If the classic car fraternity use the Gliptone range, that may mean that it is more effective for neglected leather. So, soap first.....

force_ten

what is the leather like is it just dirty or has the finish started to fail

shown73

Its a 2000 car, but dirty and neglected, so really just needs a thorough clean and I think a bit of conditioning. Seat leather is not as soft as it should be, bit shiny. 14yrs of neglect, but not terrible. Drivers seat bolster is scuffed, as usual, but just have to live with that.

judyb

Shiny leather is caused by a build up of dirt and often incorrect care products. If the leather is dirty rather than damaged (apart from the bolster) you need a good deep cleaning product. A foam cleaner will work best as it can be given dwell time so the product can do the work.
Modern auto leather does not need 'conditioners'. Protectors are much better as these help to keep your leather clean and free from dirt.

Bolster damaged can be repaired quite easily and should be done otherwise it will just get worse and eventually damage the leather itself.

Hope this helps
Judyb
Leather care consultant

shown73

Interesting, Judyb, thanks. Surprising what can be done for a car which may look beyond redemption. Long way to go, but I've actually got it looking quite presentable. Beemers do seem to use decent components, which helps.

colino

I wouldn't be too aggressive with chemicals on leather, especially beemers. Modern "leathers" are more refined products than animal hides and if you break through the external sheen, you are treating nothing more than the backing material.