Caring for leather upholstery

[FSI 220]

Every leather is NOT leather that is the problem.

Having ascertained that not all leathers are equal... Trying to rephrase the question for PaulC and myself (if I can do so on your behalf Paul, feel free to fire me the bird if I am off the mark... )

What would be the optimal product/maintenance regime specifically for leather made from VW branded Nappa cows?

[Wolfgang]

As I said before, me personally I use the Duragloss Leather Cleaner.

Dosen't leave the seats greasy and cleans really well with minimal effort.

I clean mine every 3-4 months, I am a Garden Maintenance manager so the seats tend to get dirty quickly even though I only do 15000km a year.

[Stuwey]

Okay, so you've got the cleaning sussed, but what about conditioning it?

[carcareproducts]

Okay, so you've got the cleaning sussed, but what about conditioning it?

Duragloss Leather Pack - easier.

[FSI 220]

Thanks Gents

I guess this is my point, an article that i clicked on (up the thread) which was effertively some sort of product placement, says to keep natural oils away from the leather because they just block the pores, yet the CCP link is for a product containing mink oil.

I am pretty sure our Toyota has a plastic coated leather as nothing soaks in... useful, as that is the baby puke truck... But the nappa leather feels like it isn't sealed and may soak it up... with the mat flat look and ultra soft feel. I am comfortable with using a mild cleaner, but getting conflicting signals about using a conditioner... and if the connoly leather cream stuff is (which I think I have seen on CCP) is good for this leather, or is that best suited to 30 year old Jags...

i think it is a positive debate, I like to get as many cues as I can as we are keeping this car for eight years

[Wolfgang]

As the article that Stuwey linked to states (yes it is biased, but that's marketing) different types of leather need different care.

As I posted earlier, there is differing opinions on whether modern leather needs to be conditioned or if it's just marketing (no offense to CCP, not my opinion). The whole thing isn't helped by all the varying grades and finishes used by different car makers.

Best bet is to speak to someone like CCP on the best products to care for the type of leather you have. You may find you need to condition one type and not the other. Keep in mind, some parts of your upholstery may not be real leather, I know with my Golf the back of the front seats are leatherette, even (vaguely) states it in the owners manual.

[Stuwey]

Yes, most 'new' cars have leather faces, with vinyl borders etc. They call it a 'leather appointed' interior.

As we say at work, just use something. Each and every brand of conditioner bags the others, but use what works for you. The Bowdens article does have some good points though. We sell the Mothers range at work, but only because it's easy for us.

Up to you, just do something!

[mikinoz]

I had some really filthy leather in our multivan as it used to be owned by a civil company. Now say what you will buy the only way to clean the dirt was by using Gumption, then washing it with clear water then finally just before all the moisture has gone leather conditioner.

It's not what the cleaning gurus recommend but worked for me. Just like boiled linseed on the bumpers that have faded to white which I've also rejuvenated.

Not everything needs an expensive auto specific solution.

[carcareproducts]

I had some really filthy leather in our multivan as it used to be owned by a civil company. Now say what you will buy the only way to clean the dirt was by using Gumption, then washing it with clear water then finally just before all the moisture has gone leather conditioner.

It's not what the cleaning gurus recommend but worked for me. Just like boiled linseed on the bumpers that have faded to white which I've also rejuvenated.

Not everything needs an expensive auto specific solution.

Very true!

But also sometimes specific products are their for a reason. They are a combination of chemicals/solvents/resins etc (in all types not leather specific here) that aren't easily accessible by the public and also have R&D gone into the product to ensure it is suited to the need and application. Doesn't mean its always suited to you the user if you do not know if its the right now it can be completely useless of course as well.

Duragloss Leather will be fine on coated leathers and nappa (true leather, but not hide) for example as well. Ideally you want to seal either or both should i say with a good sealant to ensure it doesn't absorb dirt, clothing dye transfer and discolour from UV rays as well etc etc. (Nanolex Leather & Textile is good for that, especially alcantara style trim as well).

If you don't look after your coated leather, or true leather or hide leather it will still start to crack and wear/tear eventually.

Myself, i look after my leather and have always and always feels and looks as good as new. For those who don't well that is the choice you take but isn't advised if you like to keep the car long term and want the trim/seats feeling as new as long as you possibly can

[ZA Polo GTI]

So to clarify : for the leather/alacantra seats that come on the new polo GTI's you would recommend - nanolex leather? Is that just for the leather or the alacantra sections as well?