What is recommended for professional-level leather cleaning

[Mary S]

The detailing line for leather has a Cleaner/Conditioner, which appears to be more of a conditioner and maybe a mild cleaner. The consumer line has a lot of products, but most of them are also labeled cleaner/conditioner.

So I was wondering what products are recommended for a first-stage cleaning of the leather in a professional situation where the leather is a bit soiled or just hasn't been cleaned in a while.

Would APC be good, if so, is 1:10 too strong? Any other suggestions?

[yalerd]

Re: What is recommended for professional-level leather cleaning

APC will work great. You'll just need to vary on the application method depending how bad the leather is. A 10:1 ratio is a nice one to start at

[LelandGray]

Re: What is recommended for professional-level leather cleaning

I've used APC+ 4:1 before with good results. You just need to be careful on really dirty leather when you spray on the APC, that it doesn't run too much. If you do, it'll make that spot on the leather way cleaner than the rest, and it might look like you've stained the leather.. but all it is is just an area that is cleaner than the rest.. if that makes sense.

[TOGWT]

Re: What is recommended for professional-level leather cleaning

The detailing line for leather has a Cleaner/Conditioner, which appears to be more of a conditioner and maybe a mild cleaner. The consumer line has a lot of products, but most of them are also labeled cleaner/conditioner.

So I was wondering what products are recommended for a first-stage cleaning of the leather in a professional situation where the leather is a bit soiled or just hasn't been cleaned in a while.

Would APC be good, if so, is 1:10 too strong? Any other suggestions?

With 95% of vehicles you are cleaning a urathene coating so a diluted APC would be fine

Really no need to 'condition' (plastic) urathene

[Mary S]

Re: What is recommended for professional-level leather cleaning

With 95% of vehicles you are cleaning a urathene coating so a diluted APC would be fine

Really no need to 'condition' (plastic) urathene

TOGWT, I was googling and found a detailed article you had written on leather care:

http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/detailing-school/7846-automotive-leather-upholstery-care-maintenance.htm

I'm pretty sure mine probably has the coating, but I imagine some of the expensive cars or older cars don't. Thanks for all the info

[TOGWT]

Re: What is recommended for professional-level leather cleaning

If water ‘beads’ on the surface, or if cleaners and conditioners remain on the surface, it’s (urethane) protected leather as liquids other than water (due to the size of its smaller molecules) will not penetrate this type of surface; it will also have an even shine. Remember you are dealing with the finished polyurethane coating on the leather and not with the leather hide itself.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: What is recommended for professional-level leather cleaning

I use apc also. Then I use a cleaner/conditioner for the final wipe down.

[Mary S]

Re: What is recommended for professional-level leather cleaning

If water ‘beads’ on the surface, or if cleaners and conditioners remain on the surface, it’s (urethane) protected leather as liquids other than water (due to the size of its smaller molecules) will not penetrate this type of surface; it will also have an even shine. Remember you are dealing with the finished polyurethane coating on the leather and not with the leather hide itself.

TOGWT, I have noticed that these leather finishes tend to crack. My husband's Volvo, which is a daily driver, has gotten pretty cracked up on the driver's side. The dealer once had somebody "repaint" the seat to make it look better, but the effect wore off.

Mine isn't cracked, but there are more like "fine lines" where cracks may develop.

Neither of our cars has been getting any kind of special leather care.

So maybe in addition to cleaning the leather, is there something else that can be done to keep the finishing from cracking? Special conditioners made for this type of urethane finish?

[TOGWT]

Re: What is recommended for professional-level leather cleaning

Cleaning Urethane Covered Upholstery

Like all detailing task’s the correct preparation before applying the product will ensure that it works correctly, and has both durability and aesthetics.

Periodically clean using Iz einszett 'Plastik-Reiniger' is an intensive, non-corrosive, non-acidic two-phase deep cleaner for vinyl trim and urethane covered ‘leather’ automotive upholstery, that removes grime build-up thoroughly and effortlessly, these chemicals restore your vinyl’s original texture and resiliency; use to clean all coloured and clear water-based acrylic polyurethane covered automotive upholstery; this product is biodegradable, formalin-free and environmentally friendly.
Wash vinyl surfaces with soapy water and rinse with clean water and then thoroughly dry. Then use 1z Plastik Reiniger before the application of a suitable dressing

Protection - with 1z einszett Vinyl Rubber Care & Potectant "Tiefenpfleger” provides a temperature-resistant seal and a low-shine matte finish Dust-resistant and retards the fading effects of UV rays to keep exterior ‘rubber’ and vinyl looking like new. UVR protection is a sacrificial / renewable component; this is due to the UV protection layer being degraded by exposure to the elements (sun, sand, road or sea salt, and etc) so it is imperative that you renew it and needs to be re-applied on a regular basis (dependent upon location climatic condition)

Application - Spray onto a clean micro fibre towel, agitate it well and then allow it to dwell for 10-15 minutes. Finally using a clean micro fibre towel buff it to ensure it permeates

[Mary S]

Re: What is recommended for professional-level leather cleaning

Cleaning Urethane Covered Upholstery

Like all detailing task’s the correct preparation before applying the product will ensure that it works correctly, and has both durability and aesthetics.

Periodically clean using Iz einszett 'Plastik-Reiniger' is an intensive, non-corrosive, non-acidic two-phase deep cleaner for vinyl trim and urethane covered ‘leather’ automotive upholstery, that removes grime build-up thoroughly and effortlessly, these chemicals restore your vinyl’s original texture and resiliency; use to clean all coloured and clear water-based acrylic polyurethane covered automotive upholstery; this product is biodegradable, formalin-free and environmentally friendly.
Wash vinyl surfaces with soapy water and rinse with clean water and then thoroughly dry. Then use 1z Plastik Reiniger before the application of a suitable dressing

Protection - with 1z einszett Vinyl Rubber Care & Potectant "Tiefenpfleger” provides a temperature-resistant seal and a low-shine matte finish Dust-resistant and retards the fading effects of UV rays to keep exterior ‘rubber’ and vinyl looking like new. UVR protection is a sacrificial / renewable component; this is due to the UV protection layer being degraded by exposure to the elements (sun, sand, road or sea salt, and etc) so it is imperative that you renew it and needs to be re-applied on a regular basis (dependent upon location climatic condition)

Application - Spray onto a clean micro fibre towel, agitate it well and then allow it to dwell for 10-15 minutes. Finally using a clean micro fibre towel buff it to ensure it permeates

Thanks! I never used a product with a German name before! I would imagine M39 and M40 are similar, but also some of the consumer line leather products are formulated for these polyurethane finishes. I know Mother's has a leather cleaning product that they sell that they advertise will work for all leathers including furniture. That was what I really bought it for because I have a semi-aniline leather sofa (I have been using Leather Masters for it). The Mothers definitely does not discolor the leather like some products do.

Thanks again!

[TOGWT]

Re: What is recommended for professional-level leather cleaning

Recommended Products
In the interest of full disclosure, I am in no way affiliated with, employed by, have any vested interest, or in any way receive compensation from the sale or distribution of the product lines reviewed or the company that manufactures or markets it. I purchase all the products I use so the product endorsement is entirely unbiased and the product “Does what it says on the tin”

I ‘m a detailer at heart and use products that work for me, I don’t follow any particular vendor line as such, I sure there are equivalent Megs products that will work equally well, so I’ll leave it to those who know megs to provide product name / ref numbers

[Mary S]

Re: What is recommended for professional-level leather cleaning

Recommended Products
In the interest of full disclosure, I am in no way affiliated with, employed by, have any vested interest, or in any way receive compensation from the sale or distribution of the product lines reviewed or the company that manufactures or markets it. I purchase all the products I use so the product endorsement is entirely unbiased and the product “Does what it says on the tin”

I ‘m a detailer at heart and use products that work for me, I don’t follow any particular vendor line as such, I sure there are equivalent Megs products that will work equally well, so I’ll leave it to those who know megs to provide product name / ref numbers

It would be pretty hard to review them all! I actually have quite a few of the protectants that Meguiar's makes, and I haven't tried M39, but I do like M40 (it has mild cleaners in it), and I like Natural Shine (smells way better and also has ScotchGuard). I actually just recently bought a vapor cleaner and will eventually be using it for interior surfaces without needing a lot of chemicals.

Thanks again!

[Tuck91]

Re: What is recommended for professional-level leather cleaning

You should not use M39 and M40 on leather.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: What is recommended for professional-level leather cleaning

It would be pretty hard to review them all!

I agree and that's why I'm focused on the Meguiar's product line as a beginner. No other manufacturer offers an entire product line (designed to complement on another) equaling Meguiar's quality. Meguiar's then backs their products with high quality training, service and support.

So even if a certain Meguiars product scores 80% and a competitiors product scores 100%, training and technique will more than make up the difference on the end result. If a competing product is substantially better, then Meguiar's steps it up a notch and comes out with something even better. It's a never ending battle, but it's nice to have a company like Meguiar's on your side.

note: I know, I know... I sound like a Meguiar's fanboy, but what I say is true.

[Mary S]

Re: What is recommended for professional-level leather cleaning

I agree and that's why I'm focused on the Meguiar's product line as a beginner. No other manufacturer offers an entire product line (designed to complement on another) equaling Meguiar's quality. Meguiar's then backs their products with high quality training, service and support.

So even if a certain Meguiars product scores 80% and a competitiors product scores 100%, training and technique will more than make up the difference on the end result. If a competing product is substantially better, then Meguiar's steps it up a notch and comes out with something even better. It's a never ending battle, but it's nice to have a company like Meguiar's on your side.

note: I know, I know... I sound like a Meguiar's fanboy, but what I say is true.

Being a beginner too, I have felt safer staying inside the Meguiar's net for now. The thing is, for protectants that work on vinyl and rubber and have UV protection and the like, Meguiar's already has maybe 12, and many times people choose one over the other based on personal preference. I haven't tried any of the consumer line of products for leather care, and I am sure Michael Stoops will be able to weigh in on this when he comes back Monday, because I am sure their chemists factor in the fact that the leather has urethane coatings most of the time, and products for automotive leather will take that into account.

So it could be that another brand is the best, like you say. Meguiar's being in a very reasonable price range, I am sure that is the case a lot of times. The thing is, the support on this forum is so wonderful, and Meguiar's is what the contributors and Meguiar's employees know the most.

TOGWT, I have learned a lot from you as usual, and your article on the propercarcare forum is very helpful. The urethane finish explains a lot, as I have always thought the leather behaved more like vinyl.