Help with cleaning leather seats

DirtyBlackHoe

DirtyBlackHoe

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Let me first start by saying that I am sorry this isn't a brand specific question but I need some advise, tips, pointers so that I can get this done correctly. I feel like when I clean my leather seats and I am just not getting anything accomplished. (all seats so far have been factory leather in either a toyota or Chevrolet if it matters).

I have used APC (D101) and I have used Adam's Leather cleaner, and I just feel like I am not doing something right. I see the threads with people that have cleaned their leather, and it is a night and day difference.

It seems like the APC starts to dry to the seats before it can be scrubbed really good. I honestly know that I have to be doing something wrong so if yall have any pointers that could help me I would greatly appreciate it.
 
When I use D101 with a brush, I am applying almost zero pressure. The brush is used to agitate (different than scrubbing) the dirt/oils and also helps the D101 foam up. Then follow it up with a microfiber towel. Hopefully this helps.
 
When I first got into this I bought all my stuff from Adam's and this is the interior brush that they suggest to use with their leather cleaner. It doesn't allow for the brush to agitate and foam up at all...Maybe this is my issue is that the brush I am using is working against me?

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I would recommend to only use leather specific products to scrub leather seats. APCs diluted correctly may be Ok for a spot or a quick wipe down, but you never know if they could break down the leather's clear coat over repeated use.

I use Leather Master's Strong Cleaner and the Swissvax leather brush. I just can't see using the same chemicals to clean leather with that I would scrub my tires with.
 
swanicyouth said:
I would recommend to only use leather specific products to scrub leather seats. APCs diluted correctly may be Ok for a spot or a quick wipe down, but you never know if they could break down the leather's clear coat over repeated use.

I use Leather Master's Strong Cleaner and the Swissvax leather brush. I just can't see using the same chemicals to clean leather with that I would scrub my tires with.
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+1 on using leather specific products. What works for me is using Meg's D181 with a interior brush and wiped with a clean microfiber. Of course followed by conditioner.
 
Try a vent brush and work small areas at a time like 6" x 6". I do this on my seats once per year with CG leather cleaner. Spray the cleaner into the brush, not directly on the seats. Do a crosshatch pattern like polishing paint. 4 passes should do it and then wipe away excess cleaner with a dry MF. next I like to wipedown with filtered water on a MF towel to remove any remaining cleaner residue. final step is to apply protectant like 303 Aerospace or BF Interior Protectant. I do one final dry buff at the end to make sure I've blended in all the protectant.

Maintenance between thorough cleanings: Wipe down with a damp MF (water) every 1-2 months or so (depending what you expose your seats to) and re-apply protectant with a final dry buff.
 
I use Swissvax leather cleaner and leather milk or Wolfgang leather treatment on my seats. I basically use little to no pressure on the brush when agitating the cleaner and then wipe off with a microfiber.
 
if the product is drying out by the time you get to do anything it sounds like car has been sitting in the sun maybe the heat is letting it dry out to fast you want to make sure the cars leather is not hot apply the product quickly work a small section with whatever brush you have and quickyl wipe it up with your towel and then move on to the next section working smaller areas will prob be best also just cause other people have really good before and after pics doesnt mean anything your car just might not be as dirty
 
Flex3k,

I think you hit the nail on the head. I think that I am working on too large of a section at a time. I will narrow my cleaning area and go from there.
 
DBH - shrink your cleaning area, and a tip that i've found helpful is to use a raceglaze, swissvax, or other 'detailing' brush and spray the chemical into the brush.

Apply brush and vigorously agitate a small section - i find the brush helps distribute the solution evenly and it lasts a bit longer (i.e. doesn't dry out) than just spraying the surface with cleaner)
 
you should definitely be using a cleaner specifically for leather. i'd never recommend using an APC, you could be doing untold damage. I'm not sure if you can get it over there, but Dodo Juice leather cleaner is a fantastic product. the other one i can highly recommend is Auto Finesse 'Hide'.
 
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