Honda CRV (Interior) detail, in need of guidance

[Widget]

Hi guys, I'm completely new to detailing, but have been interested in it for some time. I recently purchased a 2005 Honda CRV with leather interior (not sure what type of leather, or if it's real or not).. which certainly could have been cared for a bit better, so I figure I might use this as practice.

I really have no idea where to start or what products to choose. I'm currently on a budget (limited income), though I certainly understand some products can be costly.. especially if I'm just starting out, will need to buy some 'tools'.

I was leaning towards Maguires of the shelf products, and hear Megs are pretty decent.. though they seem pricy (could just be me)... the only thing I have experience buying is AutoGlym car shampoo. I certainly know to steer clear of Armor-All.. can you guy suggest any other brands that are value for money.. I'm not into doing detailing 'professionally'.. more of a casual DIY that's keen to do it right.

I've been watching AMMONYC on youtube, and was considering his products, though with exchange rate and shipping, might work out more than some other products. Also came across chemical guys, again, not sure..

I have a Bissell Hot Water extractor at home that I was planning to use on the carpets in the car.. otherwise maybe a sift carpet scrub brush and carpet/upholstery clearer ?

here some pics of the interior.

Some sections of the front seat seem like they've hardened too.. doesn't look to be splitting.. at least not yet, but certainly not softer like other eats in the car.

Not sure where to buy either.. I've mainly come across (besides standard auto stores like supercheap and autobarn for megs), these sites..

https://www.chemguys.com.au/ - for chemical guys stuff

https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/ - for other.. looks australian based

https://www.zas.com.au/ - never heard of, only just found via google while writing this post.. have yet to look at the site or for reviews.

From what I've read, I'll probably need the following??

- leather cleaner
- leather conditioner
- upholstery clear (for roof/carpets?)
- APC (or a plastics cleaner) for doors/console/dash etc..
- MF towels (which?)
- MF &/or Foam applicator pads for applying conditioners/cleaners ?

I don't have funds for steam cleaner to help with leather.. but if it's recommended, would one of these be OK until I can get better..

Hoover Heritage 5620 Hand Steamer

On another forum, a couple of guys gave me suggestions, like..

Durogloss for leather cleaner and conditioner

Einzett 1Z Cockpit Cleaner for trim, but to use an APC 1st as it was a bit cheaper compared to the 1Z Cockpit cleaner... I ended up picking up some Simple Green APC for about $7

I'm a little confused about something though... why use a product sold as a trim / plastic cleaner if many detailers will still use an APC ?

'Any' tips would be much appreciated.

 

[dthor68]

I just bought a 2008 CRV myself, that is why I am here. I had the 97 model prior and it was a great truck. I had 330,006 miles on it and I am sure it could go another 100,000! Anyway, you will love it.

I got to say, that interior looks pretty bad. For the leather, I would start with Lexol Cleaner. A lot of folks swear by using Meguires Super Degreaser at 5:1. I used it 10:1 and it striped the dye. I have a feeling that my seats were re-dyed to begin with and that is what was stripped. Personally, I would stay away from the Super Degreaser. If the Lexol does not work you might consider re-dying, that is what I will be doing this summer. There are several companies that make dyes that can be sprayed on, SEM, Scratchwizard and Leatherworld Technologies are the best known.

On my 97 model CRV my carpet looked just like yours, with rusty looking spots. I removed the seats and pulled the carpet out. I used a high pressure washer to clean the carpet. I let it drip dry in the 95 degree summer heat. It was like new when I reinstalled it. If you do this make sure you follow directions for removing seats, as you may have airbags in them. You can get all of that info by joining the CRV Owners Club, which I highly recommend.

I would also like to mention that the companies that make the leather dye also make plastic dyes and plastic scratch fillers that would repair your interior plastic panels.

 

[Mantilgh]

Just buy one good safe APC and dilute it to it proper ratios and clean everything but the glass and the speedo cluster with it. You could use your Simple Green. Some advise against using it but I can't remember why.

I like Griots Interior Cleaner for an over the counter ready to use one.

Same for a protectant, pick one and use on the seat and plastics. Modern leather needs protected, not conditioned.

 

[ducksfan]

For quick and dirty cheap, you might consider a gallon of Optimum Power Clean and a gallon of Meguiar's Synthetic X-press Spray Wax (D156). Get some wash soap and you may be surprised what you can do. A car in this condition, you could use the Megs to coat everything.

 

[11Silverado]

As you can tell, you're going to get a multitude of opinions. Since you are trying to save money I would steer you to the Meguiar's Professional Line. You get a lot of product some of which are concentrates and I don't believe they are too expensive. Meguiar's APC would probably be your best bet for that interior. Dilute it depending on the surface you're using it on. It will work on the plastics, leather, and carpet. Some will say you need specific leather cleaners and carpet cleaners, but since you are on a budget this will save you money and they work just fine. I'm also a huge fan of Meguair's Glass Cleaner Concentrate. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the products from the Meguair's Professional Line and there are many great reviews of those products. Hope this helps.

 

[Goin Rogue]

What is your budget for supplies?

It might be cheaper to have it done professionally and just get products as you need them to maintain.

 

[Widget]

Thanks guys =)

On my 97 model CRV my carpet looked just like yours, with rusty looking spots. I removed the seats and pulled the carpet out. I used a high pressure washer to clean the carpet. I let it drip dry in the 95 degree summer heat. It was like new when I reinstalled it. If you do this make sure you follow directions for removing seats, as you may have airbags in them.

nice, never thought of that, will have a look and see how easy it is to remove the carpet. My CRV, 2005 model, does have air bags in the seat.. Ill jump onto CRV owners club and find out best way to remove the seats without causing problems

You could use your Simple Green. Some advise against using it but I can't remember why.

I like Griots Interior Cleaner for an over the counter ready to use one.

Thanks , if you remember the advice against Simple Green, can you let me know . I had a quick look, but can't find anyone in Australia that sell Groits :/

Meguiar's APC would probably be your best bet for that interior.

Don't know if you can still get it in Australia .. have seen the big containers, about $45each .. not sure if In-Stock.. I have come across "Quick Interior Detailer" and "Cloth and Trim Cleaner" from Megs.. not sure if they work the same ?
Quik Interior Detailer
Quik Interior Detailer

https://www.zas.com.au/product/274/meguiars_quik_interior_detailer_473ml_g13616.html

https://www.zas.com.au/product/194/meguiars_cloth_and_trim_cleaner_473ml_aa6716.html

What is your budget for supplies?

It might be cheaper to have it done professionally and just get products as you need them to maintain.

If still trying to figure that out lol .. event though i'm on a budget, being more of beginner / weekend warrior type person rather than an every day pro, I didn't want to spend a lot only to have a lot of left over product sitting in the cupboard.. at the same time, would be good to do a proper job if Im planning to spend.

Though this topic I made was for the interior of the car.. I'll being making another for the exterior of the car.. which I think will be harder / more costly .. as I'm planning on investing in a DA polisher + pads + compound + polish etc.. and that I think would cost a lot more than the interior products.

As for getting a pro to do the car, then maintaining.. haven't really thought much of it.. detailing is something I wanted to try my hand at.. and I figure money I save from the labor costs I can use on product and learn at the same time... decisions decisions ..

Thanks guys, much appreciate any and all feedback

 

[GSKR]

They gotta have a auto parts store nearby,just use what they have to offer but use what it's intended for.simple green is kind of weak for exterior use but as far as interior should be fine with some extra elbow grease.your biggest time spent will be on that carpet it's a pita to vacuum and clean.make the best of what you have there.Be on alert for stiff seat areas as this could mean a repair.Dont spray simple,green directly on to seats get a bucket with warm water and clean out of that with maybe a boar hair brush Gd luck.

 

[Cabrio]

I'm totally onboard with 11Siverado and GSKR. Don't get fancy here and no need to go over the top with the expenses. An APC and some leather conditioner from your local auto supply store would probably get you 60-70% there. I would recommend finding a soft brush to be able to agitate the leather after you have sprayed it with the APC, you will see a world of difference. As for your carpets, if you can do as dthor68 that would be really great. If not, your Bissel and stiff brush/carpet cleaner will work and will probably get you a good 70% to where you want to be.

 

[Desertnate]

I would NOT use Simply Green! I used it on an interior one time and it removed the white paint from the buttons on the dash. It is way too strong for interior auto use.

Like others have said get a automotive grade all-purpose-cleaner and dilute it for interior use per the instructions on the bottle. I think the Poorboys product I use recommends 10:1. Once you've cleaned the seats, I'd probably hit them with some dedicated leather products like Lexol. As for the rest of the trim, a follow up with something like DP Interior Surface Protectant, 303 Automotive Protectant, or one of the Meguiars interior protectant products.

The carpets look like a good steam cleaner or carpet cleaner is in order.

 

[Mantilgh]

What company's products do you have available there?

 

[Widget]

Thanks guys , Ill look about for Auto specific APC.

Regarding "hardened" leather... the outside edge of the seat (after the perforated section on the Right) seemed to have hardened texture to it.. not sure why though, whether it from wear, or whether somethings spilt (seen in the 1st and last pictures on original post)

As for products, the Autopart stores here generally stock,

- Meguiars
- ArmorAll
- Turtle Wax
- Bowdens Own (think might be Australian brand?)
- Auto Glym

Otherwise, I can purchase from Detailing specific stores like,

- chemguys.com.au (selling chemical guys stuff)
- swissvax.com.au
- zas.com.au
- carcareproducts.com.au

they sell many different brands, some I've heard mentioned in this and other forums, some Ive never heard before.

I was considering placing an order though one of those online stores, then I'd order a leather brush and a couple other items... they seem to stock a larger range of detailing products.

 

[Widget]

Hey guys,

I ended up taking out the carpet, a bit of a pain, but got there. I'm going to use a pressure washer but wondering what you guys might recommend for carper and upholstery cleaning ? Ill look into picking up a carpet scrub brush too to help out, then use my Bissell Hot water extractor to suck up what I can.

The roof lining also has a few marks/dirt etc.. on it, would you recommend just using upholstery/fabric cleaner on it with a little detail brush or is there specific roof lining cleaner ?

Thanks