Leather care for new car?

[LaTuFu]

Hi, all.

I recently purchased a new car. I'm not new to detailing (for myself, not as a professional), but I am new to owning a leather interior.

I've read many of the leather care threads in here, and they are excellent. Thanks to all of you that have contributed to them.

Is there anything extra/additional that I should do to a new leather interior the first time? Is there anything I don't need to do?

I am thinking that I should only have to clean/vac wipe down with woolite, then followup with a good leather conditioner/protectant. It doesn't seem like I really need to use a leather cleaner at this point, since everything is new. I would appreciate your input.

[Jimmie]

Routine conditioning and it will last a long time. I'd just get a good leather cleaner and conditioner. I use Pinnacle. Wolfgang is good. There was a thread recently where the person had used Lexol for 10 years and the seats looked new.

[killrwheels@autogeek]

Connollys, Pinnacle, or Four Star make nice leather cleaners for upkeep and normal use. Leatherique makes one of the best rejuvinators when needed.

[LaTuFu]

Thank you! I had gathered from other reading that Leathrique was probably more than what I needed at the moment. Thanks for the references. I've been looking at the Pinnacle and Lexol kits, I reckon I'll be moseying on over to the shopping area now...

[matt@autogeek.net]

You'll definitely love the Pinnacle especially in comparison to Lexol. The scent of Pinnacle Leather Conditioner = awesome! Or if you want a 1-step product, the Cleaner & Conditioner works very well too!

[LaTuFu]

I've seen some other threads where Leather Master is recommended. How does Pinnacle compare? Similar?

[supercharged]

Four Star, Wolfgang, Pinnacle are all very nice. Another nice one is Leather Master. Surf City Garage is not bad at all, I've heard.

[TOGWT]

The keys to leather care and its preservation are keeping leather;
(a) Hydrated - by using water-based products
(b) Clean - as dirt / grit and subsequent friction cause the finish to wear.

A leather protection product is essential as it will protect the surface finish and makes dirt easier to clean off.



Cleaning leather may be accomplished by using a mild soap and water, or specifically designed leather cleaner. Of all the products I have tried, I still prefer Leather Master’s, its pH balanced; water-based formula gently cleans without drying leather upholstery. (Leather Soft or Leather Strong Effects) Leather Master Products are used as a ‘benchmark’ by other leather care product vendors. All water-based cleaners will remove any body oil or salts, dirt and grime and wash them from the leather surface.

[matt@autogeek.net]

Leather Masters is decent stuff...leaves a pretty nice finish but the scent really doesn't do it for me.

[LazerRed1]

Thought I had read on some of the older posts that leather seats had a finish applied to the leather which prevented any type of conditioner, etc. from actually reaching the leather and just stayed on the surface. Not true?