Need advice on interior cleaning products

simplybao

New member
I'm a detailing addict, there I admit it. In the past year I've spent way too much time on this site and way too much money on products. Up until this point, I have concentrated mostly on exterior cleaning and polishing. I'm just now getting the hang of using the Cyclo (thanks Accumulator!!!).



For interior products, my collection of products are very sparse and I need help deciding on what to buy and use.



I just used up my last bottle of Blackfire interior cleaner so this is what I have left for cleaning/conditioning:



Optimum Power Clean -- the bottle says to dilute it 3:1 for interior. I have some diluted 4:1 and it seems to be working great. Is this too strong for leather? What about carpet?



303 protectant (I just learned I'm not supposed to spray it directly on the panel, rather use an applicator...wow, I've been wasting product :-(

Lexol leather conditioner.

Sprayway glass cleaner

5HP craftsman wet/dry vac.



Various brushes and a boat load of MFs.



And that's about it.



I need help with:



Carpet cleaner



1. what chemicals should I be using?

2. Should I get the brush attachments for my cyclo?

3. I've read the Bissel little green machine can help, should I buy this?



Leather



1. What should I be using to clean the leather with?

2. Should I use a brush to clean really stained leather? IF so, what brush should I buy? I have a Carrand carpet brush and the bristles are pretty hard, i gather I shouldn't use a hard brush on leather?

3. Is Lexol ok for leather conditioner? I know Leather Masters is really great, but it's expensive. I've also read that the Zaino stuff is pretty good.

4. How often should I be conditioning the leather? I have a tan interior cadillac and the seats get stained really easily. So I usually clean the leather seats a few times a year.



For door panels, jams, etc...I gather I can just use the diluted OPC.



Anything else I should be looking at?
 
I use Megs APC+ (all purpose cleaner plus) diluted 10:1 for my interior cleanings, door jambs and the like. I have not had to use it 4:1 as of yet.



I use megs gold class rich leather spray but just got there D180 leather conditioner and conditioner
 
Meg APC or a steam cleaner to clean the interior. Woolite/water or steam claner to clean leather. Protect with FK108, OPP or Meg #40. Condition the leather with Four Star.
 
02zx9r said:
I use Megs APC+ (all purpose cleaner plus) diluted 10:1 for my interior cleanings, door jambs and the like. I have not had to use it 4:1 as of yet.



I use megs gold class rich leather spray but just got there D180 leather conditioner and conditioner



Those are my staples interior products. On the off chance APC+ doesn't get a stain off of a seat or carpet, the Detailer line foam can of Upholstery cleaner is simply amazing: D10219.
 
A brush attachment for the vac. can help with removing smaller or stubborn particles from carpets, seats etc. Could hurt to pick one up.



For carpets and interiors either Meg's APC or something of the like will work fine for most common stains and dirt. Like stated above, 10:1 should be appropriate.



For tougher stains, I've found Woolite cleaner is a goos choice. I have had good luck with it on Chevy Cobalt and Jeep Liberty seats(the one's that are made of the 'canvas' material).



The biggest thing is to make sure you dilute the cleaner so as to not damage any interior carpets or panels.
 
Thanks for all of the responses. So for cleaner, it sounds like my OPC APC should be fine.



What about leather conditioners? Any advice there? Oh, and what about a brush to use on leather?
 
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