New car interior process and product question

[chris11le]

Going to be taking delivery of a '25 ES350 Ultra Luxury very soon and had a few questions about interior care and products.

It has "semi-aniline" leather (Palomino color). What would be the recommended products and process to protect them? Ive usually gone with a leather coating (Gyeon, Cquartz, etc) but not sure if that is still the correct play here. For me, the longer the durability the better because I can't always get to detailing in time (too many vehicles, too much other stuff going on).

It also has matte-looking wood trim. Im not sure if its real wood or not, but what product(s) are recommended for cleaning and protecting it? I like the matte look and prefer to keep it that way.

The steering wheel is a mix of wood (fake wood?) and leather. Just use the same products from the above 2 questions on it? Wasn't sure if maybe steering wheel would be different (i.e. Geist seems to think so...)

And just for shiggles...recommended carpet cleaning/protection? I never actually protect carpets (we always get the OEM all weather mats that pretty much cover everything), but figured while Im in there maybe Ill try it with this car.

Thanks in advance.

-Chris

 

[DFB]

Going to be taking delivery of a '25 ES350 Ultra Luxury very soon and had a few questions about interior care and products.

It has "semi-aniline" leather (Palomino color). What would be the recommended products and process to protect them? Ive usually gone with a leather coating (Gyeon, Cquartz, etc) but not sure if that is still the correct play here. For me, the longer the durability the better because I can't always get to detailing in time (too many vehicles, too much other stuff going on).

I don't like leather coatings, but if you are wanting longevity, its probably the only option for you. Otherwise, I would be cleaning it (yes, even on a new car) with a leather cleaner, then applying ColourLock Leather Shield, which is a friction, abrasion and dye transfer blocker that you would apply every 3 - 6 months depending on vehicle use. Use this for the vehicles first three years of life, the switch to ColourLock Leather protector.

It also has matte-looking wood trim. Im not sure if its real wood or not, but what product(s) are recommended for cleaning and protecting it? I like the matte look and prefer to keep it that way.

The steering wheel is a mix of wood (fake wood?) and leather. Just use the same products from the above 2 questions on it? Wasn't sure if maybe steering wheel would be different (i.e. Geist seems to think so...)

I prefer to "maintain" regularly rather than needing a sledgehammer less often. For this reason, all I need is an interior detailer or a rinse-less wash mixed in a spray bottle. For a detailer, I like Carpro InnerQD or ADS Pilot, both will give some very mild UV protection while delivering a matte finish, no gloss here! For rinse-less, I like ONR or Absolute for this role, which you can mix at whatever dilution you like. Either way, you can use these products across all interior surfaces, including leather and that wood trim.

And just for shiggles...recommended carpet cleaning/protection? I never actually protect carpets (we always get the OEM all weather mats that pretty much cover everything), but figured while Im in there maybe Ill try it with this car.

Thanks in advance.

-Chris

For carpet, I use Koch Chemie Pol Star, which is dilutable to your needs. In addition to carpet and fabric, you can use this as a general interior cleaner, its also a brilliant leather cleaner. When diluted out to 20:1, you could use this as an interior detailer as well. Very very versatile product, and pH neutral for safety.

 

[Going Mobile]

I prefer to "maintain" regularly rather than needing a sledgehammer less often. For this reason, all I need is an interior detailer or a rinse-less wash mixed in a spray bottle. For a detailer, I like Carpro InnerQD or ADS Pilot, both will give some very mild UV protection while delivering a matte finish, no gloss here! For rinse-less, I like ONR or Absolute for this role, which you can mix at whatever dilution you like. Either way, you can use these products across all interior surfaces, including leather and that wood trim.

Agree. I've been using Adams Total Interior Cleaner which cleans well, is matte and also has mild UV protection on my new ride (which is now 2+ years old). It took out a probably mild stain the dealer left on the rear seat that water and ONR couldn't get out, but the Adams did. I also don't have dogs and kids roaming the interior.

I am curious about Pilot and will probably give it a try soon.

 

[DFB]

Agree. I've been using Adams Total Interior Cleaner which cleans well, is matte and also has mild UV protection on my new ride (which is now 2+ years old). It took out a probably mild stain the dealer left on the rear seat that water and ONR couldn't get out, but the Adams did. I also don't have dogs and kids roaming the interior.

I am curious about Pilot and will probably give it a try soon.

Pilot sits between an interior detailer and an interior cleaner. It has way more cleaning ability than ONR or InnerQD, but something like Xpress, Pol Star or Griots Interior Cleaner would have more outright cleaning power. That said, I've seen Pilot lathered up with a brush to increase its potential. I also absolutely adore the "spiced pear" scent.