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Post by Roadrunner on Aug 1, 2020 13:04:52 GMT
Having just bought a main family car with ivory leather seats (!) I need to do what I can to keep it looking decent inside. W and E do not trash the car interior in the way that most kids do, but it will still get some normal family use. I have various leather cleaners, soaps and creams, but can anyone recommend any particular type of leather wipes to keep handy in the car?
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Post by Andy C on Aug 1, 2020 13:14:23 GMT
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Post by Martin on Aug 1, 2020 15:05:20 GMT
The easiest way to keep them clean and looking pretty good is Dr Leather wipes, which also make the inside of the car smell 'leathery'. If you want to do a proper job and get them back to looking as new as possible (and keeping them there), then get one of these sets: www.lttleathercare.com/product/auto-leather-care-kit/I've been using it for the last 2 years and the 750 seats were like brand new when I traded it in, it's even made the VW leather look better than when it was new and it keeps the shine off the steering wheel. Foam 2 x a year, then protect and use the Auto Maintain every couple of weeks, which is a quick as using wipes. If you do get a kit, use microfibre cloths rather than the thin cotton cloths that they provide. Ignore anything that says it conditions the leather, as that add a layer that just picks up the dirt, which is what makes the seats shiny. Nearly all modern leather has a protective coating which means the best thing to do is keep that clean. Slightly different with the Semi-Aniline leather in mine, but I had an email conversation with Judy who's the owner of LTT and she still recommended the products I've been using. |
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Post by michael on Aug 1, 2020 15:46:33 GMT
The easiest way to keep them clean and looking pretty good is Dr Leather wipes, which also make the inside of the car smell 'leathery'. If you want to do a proper job and get them back to looking as new as possible (and keeping them there), then get one of these sets: www.lttleathercare.com/product/auto-leather-care-kit/I've been using it for the last 2 years and the 750 seats were like brand new when I traded it in, it's even made the VW leather look better than when it was new and it keeps the shine off the steering wheel. Foam 2 x a year, then protect and use the Auto Maintain every couple of weeks, which is a quick as using wipes. If you do get a kit, use microfibre cloths rather than the thin cotton cloths that they provide. Ignore anything that says it conditions the leather, as that add a layer that just picks up the dirt, which is what makes the seats shiny. Nearly all modern leather has a protective coating which means the best thing to do is keep that clean. Slightly different with the Semi-Aniline leather in mine, but I had an email conversation with Judy who's the owner of LTT and she still recommended the products I've been using. Just ordered some ! |
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Post by ChrisM on Aug 1, 2020 16:05:18 GMT
I bought a pack of these when I got the Kuga as it has leather seats. For a quick wipe-over and clean up, they're OK by me |
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Post by Martin on Aug 1, 2020 16:32:37 GMT
The easiest way to keep them clean and looking pretty good is Dr Leather wipes, which also make the inside of the car smell 'leathery'. If you want to do a proper job and get them back to looking as new as possible (and keeping them there), then get one of these sets: www.lttleathercare.com/product/auto-leather-care-kit/I've been using it for the last 2 years and the 750 seats were like brand new when I traded it in, it's even made the VW leather look better than when it was new and it keeps the shine off the steering wheel. Foam 2 x a year, then protect and use the Auto Maintain every couple of weeks, which is a quick as using wipes. If you do get a kit, use microfibre cloths rather than the thin cotton cloths that they provide. Ignore anything that says it conditions the leather, as that add a layer that just picks up the dirt, which is what makes the seats shiny. Nearly all modern leather has a protective coating which means the best thing to do is keep that clean. Slightly different with the Semi-Aniline leather in mine, but I had an email conversation with Judy who's the owner of LTT and she still recommended the products I've been using. Just ordered some ! I do hope you're happy with it.....  |
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Post by michael on Aug 1, 2020 16:52:35 GMT
Mines got Windsor leather which is very soft. It’s still in good order but I’m sure it could be better. I’ve no doubt this is the best stuff if you’re recommending it.
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Post by Roadrunner on Aug 1, 2020 16:57:47 GMT
Thanks Martin. I did create this post with you expected reply in mind...
I don't know what sort of leather mine has. It is definitely better than the standard leather, but seems different to the nappa leather in my old Benz. I shall have to find out.
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Post by Martin on Aug 1, 2020 17:04:40 GMT
Thanks Martin. I did create this post with you expected reply in mind... I don't know what sort of leather mine has. It is definitely better than the standard leather, but seems different to the nappa leather in my old Benz. I shall have to find out No problem. I’ve used a few different things over the years and they are the best two I’ve found. If it’s got a slight grain then it’s normal leather, Nappa will be completely smooth and softer. Both have a coating, so the point about not using a conditioner is relevant for both as is the kit I linked to. The Auto protect works as a die block and I always got a lot of blue die off my black seats despite only wearing jeans at the weekend when I wiped them over with the regular cleaner. They do a die remover as well but it doesn’t look like you’ll need that. |
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Post by Martin on Aug 1, 2020 17:07:51 GMT
Mines got Windsor leather which is very soft. It’s still in good order but I’m sure it could be better. I’ve no doubt this is the best stuff if you’re recommending it. When you use the foam and then protect it, you should be surprised at how much of a difference (Less shine) there is, especially if you don’t regularly clean the leather. Windsor leather is broadly the same as Nappa leather, so will really benefit from being kept clean. The auto protect adds to the leather small as well which is a nice bonus. |
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Post by Roadrunner on Aug 1, 2020 17:13:00 GMT
Thanks Martin. I did create this post with you expected reply in mind... I don't know what sort of leather mine has. It is definitely better than the standard leather, but seems different to the nappa leather in my old Benz. I shall have to find out No problem. I’ve used a few different things over the years and they are the best two I’ve found. If it’s got a slight grain then it’s normal leather, Nappa will be completely smooth and softer. Both have a coating, so the point about not using a conditioner is relevant for both as is the kit I linked to. They also do a die block, which I didn’t buy as my seats were black, but the Auto protect does the same thing and I always got a lot of blue die off despite only wearing jeans at the weekend when I wiped them over with the regular cleaner. It is definitely not normal leather. My mother has that in her C Class and this is completely different. It reminds me more of proper classic car leather which makes me wonder if it is semi aniline. |
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Post by Martin on Aug 1, 2020 17:16:25 GMT
No problem. I’ve used a few different things over the years and they are the best two I’ve found. If it’s got a slight grain then it’s normal leather, Nappa will be completely smooth and softer. Both have a coating, so the point about not using a conditioner is relevant for both as is the kit I linked to. They also do a die block, which I didn’t buy as my seats were black, but the Auto protect does the same thing and I always got a lot of blue die off despite only wearing jeans at the weekend when I wiped them over with the regular cleaner. It is definitely not normal leather. My mother has that in her C Class and this is completely different. It reminds me more of proper classic car leather which makes me wonder if it is semi aniline. Does your mums definitely have leather or is it Artico? They only offered standard leather and Nappa on yours, but it sounds like it’s definitely Nappa And it a pretty cheap upgrade when new. Even the current S Class doesn’t have the option of anything better than Nappa leather. Surprised they ticked most boxes and not the Artico dash. |
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Post by Roadrunner on Aug 1, 2020 17:24:12 GMT
Yes my mum's definitely has leather rather than Artico. I am sure I have seen semi alinine listed as an option on the E and the S, but it might be be nappa. It is smoother than most leather, but with a very slight grain if you look close.
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Post by Andy C on Aug 1, 2020 17:31:49 GMT
Might get that to do my sofas martin !
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Post by Martin on Aug 1, 2020 18:23:06 GMT
Might get that to do my sofas martin ! They do a specific sofa kit, it had 3 parts to it as well, but it’s a slightly different formula to suit leather which isn’t coated in the same way as car leather. I bought some when we ordered new sofas and its done a great job. I don’t clean it quite as often with the lazy leather, maybe I should, but when I do it comes up like new. Which it should because I used the protector from day one. |
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Post by Martin on Aug 1, 2020 18:27:13 GMT
Yes my mum's definitely has leather rather than Artico. I am sure I have seen semi alinine listed as an option on the E and the S, but it might be be nappa. It is smoother than most leather, but with a very slight grain if you look close. It doesn’t really matter what it’s called, it only matters whether / how much you like it. You’re right that Mercedes used to offer Designo Aniline leather, but they haven’t done for a few years and even the many (many) £k’s Designo interiors in the S Class are Nappa leather. Edit: Does it have Designo metal badges on the back rests of both front & rear seats and mats? That’s how you identify designo aniline leather which was a £2,225 option in 2014. It had gone by 2016 but I can’t find a 2015 brochure to know if it was still available. If so, it could be an even better find/buy than you thought! |
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Aug 1, 2020 21:58:52 GMT
Aren't all ordinary Mercedes “leather” seats only actually leather on the facings, all the rest of the seat is matching vinyl? They used to have a name for it but I forget what it is. My uncle’s was like that.
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Post by Roadrunner on Aug 1, 2020 22:13:52 GMT
Aren't all ordinary Mercedes “leather” seats only actually leather on the facings, all the rest of the seat is matching vinyl? They used to have a name for it but I forget what it is. My uncle’s was like that. I think most manufacturers do that. The standard material in the C Class and some E Classes is Artico pleather. The Audi equivalent is what they call 'Twin Leather'. I had that in my A4 and it wasn't fooling anyone. Next up is standard leather, usually with some artificial stuff around the edges and then nappa leather at the top of the tree. In my car that extends to the door armrests and centre armrest , but the rest of the door trim looks like Artico. Edit to add: the old name for Mercedes artificial leather was MB Tex. |
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Post by Martin on Aug 2, 2020 7:32:42 GMT
The 535d had leather armrests but pleather door cards, the 750 was one step better as everything above door armrest height was Nappa, but the lower dashboard was pleather. It looked very convincing and it's not an area you ever touch, but strange how BMW do things differently across the range. It's the same with the X5, a leather dash is only the top half plus top of the doors, you need Full Merino to get the lower dash covered in leather, but that's a lot more money. The RR has soft semi-aniline leather everywhere except the door pockets, even the lower part of the seats which are usually plastic are covered in leather, although mine has the NCO suede headlining (which most cars have) rather than the standard leather.
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Post by PG on Aug 2, 2020 10:52:14 GMT
Thanks Martin - have ordered a kit. I've always struggled to find good leather care products for car seats. Autoglym are good at a lot of things, but their leather stuff is, basically, rubbish IMHO.
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Post by Martin on Aug 2, 2020 10:56:42 GMT
I feel under pressure now!! I hope you’re all as happy with it as I am......
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Post by bryan on Aug 2, 2020 11:25:26 GMT
Aren't all ordinary Mercedes “leather” seats only actually leather on the facings, all the rest of the seat is matching vinyl? They used to have a name for it but I forget what it is. My uncle’s was like that. I think most manufacturers do that. The standard material in the C Class and some E Classes is Artico pleather. The Audi equivalent is what they call 'Twin Leather'. I had that in my A4 and it wasn't fooling anyone. Next up is standard leather, usually with some artificial stuff around the edges and then nappa leather at the top of the tree. In my car that extends to the door armrests and centre armrest , but the rest of the door trim looks like Artico. Edit to add: the old name for Mercedes artificial leather was MB Tex.
I 'upgraded' the C class seats from Artico to Leather and was expecting something relatively supple but have elephant hide which does a good job of looking like Artico!!!
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Post by Roadrunner on Aug 2, 2020 12:51:05 GMT
[quote source="/post/63081/thread
I 'upgraded' the C class seats from Artico to Leather and was expecting something relatively supple but have elephant hide which does a good job of looking like Artico!!!
[/quote] That sounds like the stuff my mother has in her C Class. |
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Post by Martin on Aug 2, 2020 13:38:52 GMT
They’re pretty much all the same. BMW Dakota leather is as bad (I had it for over 7 years) and neither is the standard Golf R leather, although the perforated centres don’t have the same grain so look better and feel softer than the bolsters. Nappa was an option on the R, but I didn’t like the colour or the ‘carbon finish and it was a £2,700 option, it was bad enough paying £1,800 for the standard leather but we had to in order to be able to specify memory seats. So the memory seats really cost £2,400.....but they were on my essential list.
James - does your new car have the Designo badges or is it definitely Nappa?
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Post by Roadrunner on Aug 2, 2020 14:54:22 GMT
They’re pretty much all the same. BMW Dakota leather is as bad (I had it for over 7 years) and neither is the standard Golf R leather, although the perforated centres don’t have the same grain so look better and feel softer than the bolsters. Nappa was an option on the R, but I didn’t like the colour or the ‘carbon finish and it was a £2,700 option, it was bad enough paying £1,800 for the standard leather but we had to in order to be able to specify memory seats. So the memory seats really cost £2,400.....but they were on my essential list. James - does your new car have the Designo badges or is it definitely Nappa? No Designo badges, so I assume it is Nappa, just in much better condition than in my previous Benz. |
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Post by Martin on Aug 2, 2020 18:11:34 GMT
They’re pretty much all the same. BMW Dakota leather is as bad (I had it for over 7 years) and neither is the standard Golf R leather, although the perforated centres don’t have the same grain so look better and feel softer than the bolsters. Nappa was an option on the R, but I didn’t like the colour or the ‘carbon finish and it was a £2,700 option, it was bad enough paying £1,800 for the standard leather but we had to in order to be able to specify memory seats. So the memory seats really cost £2,400.....but they were on my essential list. James - does your new car have the Designo badges or is it definitely Nappa? No Designo badges, so I assume it is Nappa, just in much better condition than in my previous Benz. Yes, it’s probably because it’s a lot newer and being a light colour it’s highly likely it’s been looked after. Should stay that way when you protect it and give it a wipe over with the cleaner every few weeks. |
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Post by bryan on Aug 2, 2020 18:35:27 GMT
Have you got the factory build sheet? I know it is something a lot the German marques will give you a print out if you ask?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2020 20:55:31 GMT
Nappa and aniline are pretty much the same thing, aren't they?
Anyway, back to sofas. The leather cushions on our most used and abused one have a sandpaper-y feel to them nowadays. Are they save-able with some nourishing products, or are they fucked?
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Post by LandieMark on Aug 3, 2020 5:29:31 GMT
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Post by johnc on Aug 3, 2020 6:53:14 GMT
I use Dr Leather wipes too and then follow it up with Dr Leather Dyeblock for the light coloured leather. The dyeblock lasts between 4 and 6 months depending on what you wear. Also, when it's applied it makes removing any mark very simple even when it is getting near the end of its life. It's not cheap (about £25) but one bottle will last the lifetime of most cars. You also need a microfibre pad to apply it.
The Dr Leather wipes also help remove the oils from hands which make steering wheels go shiny but a word of warning - don't rub hard because it is possible to remove the colour from a steering wheel: gently wipe the cloth on the wheel and move it about enough to create a bit of a lather. I tend to let the lather sit for a minute making sure it doesn't dry and then give it another gentle wipe down to remove the oils and dirt the cleaner has extracted.
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