Help with Old Leather

[tom p.]

I've had a breakthrough this afternoon. Heat is a key factor to success. I also found that mistsing the cleaner @100% strength has a huge impact on dirt removal (while the seat is still hot). I found tremendous cleaning power witha single swipe of the sponge! The driver's seat is finally coming clean!



"Steaming" process:

This is the area I am struggling with, you can see the dirty bolster:

The perforated areas are now clean and I thought that would be the difficult section. The side bolsters nearest the door are my last challenge. It may require several more "sessions" to get it to my satisfaction.

 

[kpagel]

Wow, looks like a great product. So would either of the Leatherique products be good for a brand new car leather interior in order to keep the leather well maintained?



Also, it looks to be a very time consuming process. Not really a detailers tool as much as its an enthusiast's tool, I assume? That is, would it be good for someone's car if you've only got a day with it?

 

[Alfisti]

kpagel, the Prestine Clean is ideal for new leather. It cleans and adds mild conditioners at the same time. You don't need much. Just spray, spread with a damp towel, wipe with damp towel, then dry with dry towel. Buff when completely dry. Done!

 

[tom p.]

Also, it looks to be a very time consuming process. Not really a detailers tool as much as its an enthusiast's tool, I assume? That is, would it be good for someone's car if you've only got a day with it?

It is time consuming - - it also says the majority of leather products most of us already own have no measurable impact on the leather regardless of claims made. Using the correct process, per George and Larry, is critical, which I am now realizing. So, we can use the old proverb again: "it's about the process and not specifically a product".



I will admit now that I haven't seen any product that offered this kind of impact and that's what I am looking for on this particular car. Overkill on a new car? Maybe. I do believe that most could use this product a couple of times per year and never need to go through the “restoration� process I am being forced to do.



Our other car (also MBz) has grey leather and more accumulated miles than the one shown above. That car has only leather "inserts", not the full leather option of the pictures shown here. There is a huge difference between the two interiors of these cars, the car with more miles (and less leather) has an interior that looks factory fresh...it is sparkling clean. It’s a dramatic contrast - - no heroics required to make it look nice!

 

[kpagel]

It is time consuming - - it also says the majority of leather products most of us already own have no measurable impact on the leather regardless of claims made. Using the correct process, per George and Larry, is critical, which I am now realizing. So, we can use the old proverb again: "it's about the process and not specifically a product".



I will admit now that I haven't seen any product that offered this kind of impact and that's what I am looking for on this particular car. Overkill on a new car? Maybe. I do believe that most could use this product a couple of times per year and never need to go through the “restoration� process I am being forced to do.



Our other car (also MBz) has grey leather and more accumulated miles than the one shown above. That car has only leather "inserts", not the full leather option of the pictures shown here. There is a huge difference between the two interiors of these cars, the car with more miles (and less leather) has an interior that looks factory fresh...it is sparkling clean. It’s a dramatic contrast - - no heroics required to make it look nice!

My main point is, its not very practical to use on someone's daily driver. I would have no problem with the process if I'm doing it on my own vehicle, but I can't exactly apply the RO to their interior and then tell them to keep it in the sun for a week with garbage bags over the seats and then tell them to bring it back to me so I can apply the Prestine Clean.



So if I were to use the Prestine Clean by itself it makes a good one-step cleaner/conditioner for mildly soiled interiors? For those times where I'm doing someone's car and they need to be able to drive it away that night.



I had the 32oz Leatherique set in my cart on Autogeek last night and I was going to buy it, until I realized it really wasn't for me. I mainly need a good leather cleaner, and a conditioner to keep it maintained for new and relatively new cars.

 

[tom p.]

My main point is, its not very practical to use on someone's daily driver. I would have no problem with the process if I'm doing it on my own vehicle, but I can't exactly apply the RO to their interior and then tell them to keep it in the sun for a week with garbage bags over the seats and then tell them to bring it back to me so I can apply the Prestine Clean.

LOL...and I totally agree. This is an intensive process most would not be able to complete in an afternoon. As above, I believe heat does accelerate the process and that has to be part of the equation. Can this work for a professional detailer who must return the customer's car by 5PM? Probably not. Larry mentioned to me that some people, very serious about their cars, send the seats or leave the cars with him for copmlete restoratoin.



It sounds like the Prestine [SIC] Clean can be used as a standalone:

Absolutely the best cleaner available for all fine leather. Does not contain any harsh chemicals to dry and destroy fine leathers. Contains a conditioner which cleans and conditions leather, but to a lesser extent than our Rejuvinator Oil. Use to clean leather after the application of Rejuvinator Oil has done its job and as a maintenance cleaner and detailer on an as needed basis. This product is also an excellent cleaner and conditioner for vinyl and rubber. Use Prestine Clean every time you wash your car.

 

[Alfisti]

So if I were to use the Prestine Clean by itself it makes a good one-step cleaner/conditioner for mildly soiled interiors? For those times where I'm doing someone's car and they need to be able to drive it away that night.

To underscore Tom's statement, PC is an ideal one-step, and better than most one-steps. When used in this fashion, just gently scrub the leather with a soft nail-brush before wiping the PC off.