I travel on some dirt roads from time to time and my interior as the rest of the car gets pretty dusty. With all the small holes in seats I would like to take some special care to getting as much dirt and grim extracted from the seats and leather.

My cleaning habits are pretty basic and was looking for some tips on how to clean and condition the leather.

So if you can point me in the direction on what products work best and procedure I would very much appreciate any sort of help.

Thanks!

Ed

The keys to leather care are keeping leather;

(a) Hydrated - use water-based products and clean surfaces with a damp towel

(b) Clean - as dirt / grit and subsequent friction cause the finish to wear.

(c) Protected - is essential as it will protect the surface finish and makes dirt easier to clean off and an ultra violet protective product (UVR) will preserve the finish

The upholstery used in the Corvette is a urathane protected leather hide; by slightly scratching it with your nail, if it changes to a darker / lighter shade, it is unprotected (i.e. how suede changes colour depending on the fibres' orientation). If this has little effect it’s protected. If water ‘beads’ on the surface, or if cleaners and conditioners remain on the surface.It is (polyurethane) protected leather as liquids will not penetrate this type of surface; it will also have an even shine.Remember you are dealing with the finished Polyurethane coating on the leather and not with the leather itself.

Cleaning / Care
Use a 3M delicate duty scuff pad (White) and Iz einszett ‘Plastik-Reiniger’ is an intensive, non-corrosive, non-acidic two-phase deep cleaner, that removes grime build-up thoroughly and effortlessly, these chemicals restore your interiors original texture and resiliency; use to clean all coloured and clear water-based acrylic polyurethane covered automotive upholstery; this product is biodegradable, formalin-free and environmentally friendly.

Maintain by cleaning surfaces with a 10:1 water diluted d-limonene (citrus) based cleaner (P21S Total Auto Wash) to remove stains, then apply a water-based vinyl (303 Space Protectant) dressing that contains ultra violet protection


An extract from one of a series of in-depth, unbiased detailing articles © TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2008, all rights reserved.

After you use a good cleaner on the leather I've started recently working in the conditioner by hand and letting it really soak in before I do anything with the car. Seats look like new :thumbsup: