Cleaning old leather

[mikebenton]

I just bought a 1966 Mercedes Coupe with a leather interior that is whole, but very dirty. How do I clean it without damaging it?

[roushstage2]

Re: Cleaning old leather

You could try some APC 10:1 for starters, or pick up some Gold Class Aloe Cleaner. With either method, get a good firm bristled brush and scrub. The magic sponges can be used, but you must be careful as to not damage the leather.

[mirrorfinishman]

Re: Cleaning old leather

Mike,

Old fashion Saddle Soap will surely help your situation. Just use a terry cloth that is slighly damp and apply the soap to the affected areas. DO NOT use any type of bristle brush as it could possibly damage the surface. Remember, the leather found in older vehicles is most like uncoated and not like most car leather of today. That is why Saddle Soap is your best choice.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Cleaning old leather

I just bought a 1966 Mercedes Coupe with a leather interior that is whole, but very dirty. How do I clean it without damaging it?

Just to point out, when leather gets this old, often times it becomes cracked where it sees the most wear, usually driver's seats and often times passenger seats too.

If this is the case there is no amount of cleaning that will make the cracks go away.

If it's just ground in dirt then with some careful cleaning you might be able to loosen the dirt and remove it from the seat, you'll likely pull some dye in the process and this is to be expected.

Don't know about Saddle Soap, don't personally use the product but mirrorfinishman has been detailing cars and boats for a long time so experience tips it's hat towards seasoned advice.

We also have a dedicated leather cleaner that might also work or at least help, that would be this product,

http://www.meguiars.com/?automotive-leather-care/Gold-Class-Rich-Leather-Aloe-Cleaner

The way to use this would be to use it heavy or wet and let the liquid cleaners penetrate and hopefully loosen any ground in dirt or stains so you can wipe them off as you work them to the surface.

A cotton wash rag would probably work pretty good to agitate the leather without scratching or harming it.

[mirrorfinishman]

Re: Cleaning old leather

HI Mike,

Thanks for checking in on this topic. Years ago, ever once in a while I would have an older Mercedes to detail that contained the old fashion noncoated type of leather that is most likely in this 66 coupe. It was a time consuming project using the Saddle Soap on those vehicles, but it did the job.

Thanks again,

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Cleaning old leather

We did an Extreme Makeover on a 1973 Maserati Bora with really neglected, worn and dirty leather seats, we didn't have great luck restoring a "New" look to them but we also didn't expect a miracle.

Old, worn leather is just hard to make look new again, so we always hope for the best but we don't want anyone to get their hopes or expectations up too high...

Bora Extreme Makeover


On August 26th, we will be conducting two extreme makeovers here at Meguiar's and you are invited to be part of the transformation team!

First up we will be restoring the original leather seats in this 1973 Maserati Bora!






Below you can see three ribs in the passenger seat there were cleaned and conditioned. The results are a richer look and a more supple and flexible feel. These results were achieved after only a quick application of Meguiar's Gold Class Rich Leather Aloe Cleaner and Gold Class Rich Leather Aloe Conditioner.

[roushstage2]

Re: Cleaning old leather

HI Mike,

Thanks for checking in on this topic. Years ago, ever once in a while I would have an older Mercedes to detail that contained the old fashion noncoated type of leather that is most likely in this 66 coupe. It was a time consuming project using the Saddle Soap on those vehicles, but it did the job.

Thanks again,

While we're on the subject of older MB leather and seeing as you have been detailing since I was born, just curious if you happen to know how far back the uncoated leather goes in MB? I tried looking around and couldn't find anything. The reason I ask is a friend has an older MB with leather seats. I used APC 10:1, a brush, lightly scrubbed and it got them looking a lighter gray (new looking) than the rest of the car! Perhaps something else would be better suited?

[Mort Corey]

Re: Cleaning old leather

After getting the leather clean, you might want to try some Lexol NS (non staining) as a restorative conditioner. It's worked really well for me on old gun leather. In my car, I've only used Gold Class cleaner/conditioner....mut it's only a couple of years old car.

Mort