Cleaning leather and alcantra seats
Discussion
Just bought some 2nd hand...
The bolsters are in smooth leather, and the centre's and backs in alcantra leather.
They are a bit worn on the bolsters, faded to grey a bit (ok for age of course) and the alcantra is ok but a bit dirty...
What is the best way to give them a new lease of life and protect them so they don't get any worse? I guess the normal leather is just some feed/cleaner, but recommendations are always good.
As per the alcantra, I just don't know what to use it on it at all... just a damn cloth?
Dave
The bolsters are in smooth leather, and the centre's and backs in alcantra leather.
They are a bit worn on the bolsters, faded to grey a bit (ok for age of course) and the alcantra is ok but a bit dirty...
What is the best way to give them a new lease of life and protect them so they don't get any worse? I guess the normal leather is just some feed/cleaner, but recommendations are always good.
As per the alcantra, I just don't know what to use it on it at all... just a damn cloth?
Dave
Just got some AG leather cleaner and leather feeder.
Still a nasty ish smell, getting better slowly. Sprayed the alacantara with febreeze and then rubbed them dry with a towel and it seemed to bring some of the smell/muck out...
Tempted to just go to a professional valeters and just get the whole interior done while I sit on my bottom
Really hard work cleaning car interiors
Dave
Still a nasty ish smell, getting better slowly. Sprayed the alacantara with febreeze and then rubbed them dry with a towel and it seemed to bring some of the smell/muck out...
Tempted to just go to a professional valeters and just get the whole interior done while I sit on my bottom
Really hard work cleaning car interiors
Dave
For returning to the OEM condition I find the LiquidLeather products from Gliptone to be the best.
www.liquidleather.com
The effect it has on tired leather is amazing. Softens it up and if applied well the leather gets back to the matt finish is should be.
I can post a little guide on how to use it if you get some.
www.liquidleather.com
The effect it has on tired leather is amazing. Softens it up and if applied well the leather gets back to the matt finish is should be.
I can post a little guide on how to use it if you get some.
Two-stage, clean and condition
To get the best finish when treating leather it needs to have some warmth in it. If not a warm day then heated seats, the cars heater or a hairdryer may be needed.
Clean the seats thoroughly, vacuum and wipe with a damp cloth (warm water).
Apply the cleaner with a cloth or applicator pad. You are aiming to push the cleaner into the leather, so just a gentle circular motion.
Leave the cleaner to soak and then after about 15 minutes wipe of excess.
I would repeat this process at least once. It depends on the condition of the leather, but keep and eye on the cloth as you wipe off and see how clean it is.
Now leave it to dry completely, minimum of 30 mins.
LIQUID LEATHER CONDITIONER
Now its time to condition the leather. This is the bit were it will return the softness and matt finish.
Apply the conditioner with a lint free cloth. Use plenty and focus on getting plenty into any cracks/creases and stitching.
Then leave for several hours before wiping off any excess.
The key is warmth in the leather. Do it soon before the ambient temperatures drop.
For regular care I would recommend this process twice a year, with monthly light applications of the conditioner.
To get the best finish when treating leather it needs to have some warmth in it. If not a warm day then heated seats, the cars heater or a hairdryer may be needed.
Clean the seats thoroughly, vacuum and wipe with a damp cloth (warm water).
Apply the cleaner with a cloth or applicator pad. You are aiming to push the cleaner into the leather, so just a gentle circular motion.
Leave the cleaner to soak and then after about 15 minutes wipe of excess.
I would repeat this process at least once. It depends on the condition of the leather, but keep and eye on the cloth as you wipe off and see how clean it is.
Now leave it to dry completely, minimum of 30 mins.
LIQUID LEATHER CONDITIONER
Now its time to condition the leather. This is the bit were it will return the softness and matt finish.
Apply the conditioner with a lint free cloth. Use plenty and focus on getting plenty into any cracks/creases and stitching.
Then leave for several hours before wiping off any excess.
The key is warmth in the leather. Do it soon before the ambient temperatures drop.
For regular care I would recommend this process twice a year, with monthly light applications of the conditioner.
Alcantara is not leather it is a fabric so the leather cleaning and feeding systems are most likely completely wrong. A normal car upholstery cleaner would most likely do.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcantar
Steve
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcantar
Steve
I think that was fairly clear.
I find Alcantara responds well to a damp cloth, drying then hoover and finally I use a lint roller.
If it has markings I use some Chemical Guys Stain Extractor. Its amazing stuff.
Then finish with some Chemical Guys Fabric Protectant. It really does provide some protection. I apply a couple of layers about an hour apart.
I find Alcantara responds well to a damp cloth, drying then hoover and finally I use a lint roller.
If it has markings I use some Chemical Guys Stain Extractor. Its amazing stuff.
Then finish with some Chemical Guys Fabric Protectant. It really does provide some protection. I apply a couple of layers about an hour apart.
rs666 said:
If it has markings I use some Chemical Guys Stain Extractor. Its amazing stuff.
Any tips on how to use this rs666? I've got an Audi S3 with yellow Alcantara seats and I've just bought some of this to give it a try.
Ended up getting some clay and cleaner at the same time from cleanyourcar.co.uk as it all seemed like a bit of a bargain and my car deserves a proper clean.
You cant go wrong buying from that site, Tim's a great bloke.
Stain Extractor is so easy....
Try on patch not easily visible to test....spray on, leave for 60 sec, press down hard on it with a lint free cloth to soak it and the stain off. No scrubbing, and don't leave it on too long. Repeat if necessary.
Stain Extractor is so easy....
Try on patch not easily visible to test....spray on, leave for 60 sec, press down hard on it with a lint free cloth to soak it and the stain off. No scrubbing, and don't leave it on too long. Repeat if necessary.
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