Taking care of Silk Nappa Leather

[AstleyJ]

I know there are a few threads out there already that go into this, but everyone has a different take on what they think is the "best." It's definitely time I clean/condition my seats and am looking for a product that isn't going to make the seats oily/shiny since the leather is much more of a matt finish. What have you all been using and has it left the leather close to the factory finish? Any before and after pictures would be much appreciated!

[helix139]

I know there are a few threads out there already that go into this, but everyone has a different take on what they think is the "best." It's definitely time I clean/condition my seats and am looking for a product that isn't going to make the seats oily/shiny since the leather is much more of a matt finish. What have you all been using and has it left the leather close to the factory finish? Any before and after pictures would be much appreciated!

I've found Leatherique to be the best but also the most time consuming. The rejuvenate oil generally requires at least a full 24 hours to works its magic, and is followed up by Pristine Clean. The result is soft leather with a factory finish. You can then cover with Wolf's Leather Sealant for protection.

I've tried Leather Masters also and found it effective, but the Vital doesn't really absorb into our finished leather that well and leaves a sticky film, so just use the cleaner and protection cream.

Zaino Leather In a Bottle and Leather Cleaner are also a great option that doesn't require as much time. It also smells great.

[laakness]

I second the Zaino.

[Green Neenja]

I third the Zaino. I've used it on my last 3 cars.

[Patrick Bateman]

Pinnacle Leather conditioner. found at Auto geek . com

PB.

[dreaddontdie]

agreed, zaino works great and smells great...

[S4 00 2.7]

+1 on Auto Geek. I currently use Wolfgang leather products but I may switch when I am out.

[Dr GP]

IMHO, Lexol works well. I have recently switch from using the conditioner to their new automotive product that cleans conditions and protects. 3 in one

[AstleyJ]

It looks like the good news is everyone is pretty happy with all the above products so I will choose one and give it a go! I think Zaino cause the added bonus with the smell. I will post some before and after pics for you guys since it seems nobody has really provided that on here. Thank you all for the input.

[AstleyJ]

For those of you using the Zaino, are you using the Z-9 or the Z-10, or both? If you are using the Z-9, Zaino recommends a "sponge" after spraying the cleaner on and then wiping it off with a towel. What have you used before? I'm guessing they are not recommending a kitchen sponge... Is there a special kind of "sponge." They don't have anything of them on their website...

[BzzzBom]

I have been taking cars to auto detailers since 1977. The best solution is to keep leather out of the sun and to wipe down the seat a few times a month with a slightly damp soft cloth. Don't waste your money on expensive leather cleaners or conditioners.

[laakness]

I just use a different towel, no special sponge. IIRC the cleaner is a spray and the conditioner is like a cream.

[helix139]

For those of you using the Zaino, are you using the Z-9 or the Z-10, or both? If you are using the Z-9, Zaino recommends a "sponge" after spraying the cleaner on and then wiping it off with a towel. What have you used before? I'm guessing they are not recommending a kitchen sponge... Is there a special kind of "sponge." They don't have anything of them on their website...

Use both. Spray on the cleaner and scrub with a soft brush (the uber leather brush from detailers domain works well) to get it to foam up. Wipe off with a microfiber then apply the leather in a bottle with a foam applicator (detailers domain again)

[Dr GP]

I have been taking cars to auto detailers since 1977. The best solution is to keep leather out of the sun and to wipe down the seat a few times a month with a slightly damp soft cloth. Don't waste your money on expensive leather cleaners or conditioners.

I disagree. Leather, although tanned is like your skin. It gets abraded every time you get in and out. It also dries out and is effected by UV light and heat. It needs to have conditioners applied to it occasionally to keep the leather supple. Water does not do this. It also doesn't clean any dirt that inevitably will get onto the surface of the seat and be ground into the leather surface when you sit on it. BTW, I've been cleaning leather seats since 1956.