Cleaning "champagne" leather

drummachine · Post by **drummachine** » Sat Nov 03, 2018 3:23 pm

So tomorrow i tackle the interior on the Z4M.

It has champagne interior (see below) but clearly hasn't been cleaned in an age. as well as giving it a good clean, i want to return it to more of a matt finish and not shiny as it is now.

Does anyone have any experience/tips of how to do this. I have about 3 boxes FULL of Autoglym interior leather stuff but haven't used any for a while so unsure what is best.

Thanks all

Chris

Jembo · Post by **Jembo** » Sat Nov 03, 2018 4:24 pm

Most effective way I’ve found is
1. Hot soapy water
2. The plastic anti-scratch pan sponge
3. Give them a good scrub at least twice, then towel dry
4. Once fully dry, apply the leather balm

The leather is far more robust than you appreciate & found giving a good scrub brings it back to almost new condition...

Angelus666 · Post by **Angelus666** » Sat Nov 03, 2018 6:58 pm

use a good apc diluted 10:1 and you'll get a good matt finish. the ag leather cleaner isn't very good.

patriot66 · Post by **patriot66** » Sat Nov 03, 2018 10:47 pm

I've been using Autoglym Interior Cleaner for 30 odd years. Superb on all interior surfaces, leather, carpets and headlining etc.

: 20181103_211351.jpg (167.51 KiB) Viewed 2408 times

I dilute it 50:50 in a sprayer, spray it on and leave it 30 secs. Work it with a sponge or microfibre and dry with another microfibre. Also brilliant around the house on furniture and carpet stains.
5 litres on EBay for £23 is superb value too as it will last you years !

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 3147077508

Gazza51 · Post by **Gazza51** » Sat Nov 03, 2018 11:23 pm

Do a test patch first, the leather may have been re coloured, I’ve seen it before

ph001 · Post by **ph001** » Sat Nov 03, 2018 11:24 pm

Modern apc’s like Surfex HD have far superior cleaing power compared to most traditional leather cleaners. The latter really only excel in being ph neutral in my experience but modern apc’s are equally kind nowadays. I think as long as you follow with a good quality conditioner you can’t really go wrong.

Tricky Dicky · Post by **Tricky Dicky** » Sun Nov 04, 2018 6:27 am

I use gliptone leather cleaner and restorer on mys wife's E89 , it was highly recommended here a couple of years ago

Beedub · Post by **Beedub** » Sun Nov 04, 2018 10:35 am

This is what i'd do...

Do a test patch then work from that depending on the results.

Use a interior specific APC if heavily soiled.
Used LRC leather cleaner or similar for the specific detailing of the seat.
Tampico leather brush to really get in the grain.
Wipe down with a ever so slightly damp MF
Once the interior is looking that nice matt finish add a sealant/conditioner ( i use gliptone) ( shiny means its soiled)

Beedub · Post by **Beedub** » Sun Nov 04, 2018 10:37 am

You looking for the seat to look like this.....

Pete-r · Post by **Pete-r** » Sun Nov 04, 2018 1:31 pm

Better than all the leather soaps and cleaners are women's make up removal wipes. They do an amazing job but are gentle not to affect the colour etc.

Put them on your steering wheel for a real shock!

Nick177 · Post by **Nick177** » Mon Nov 19, 2018 8:05 pm

Pete-r wrote: ↑Sun Nov 04, 2018 1:31 pm Better than all the leather soaps and cleaners are women's make up removal wipes. They do an amazing job but are gentle not to affect the colour etc.

Put them on your steering wheel for a real shock!

Just tried Nivea make up removal wipes and indeed they removed plenty of dirt from my leather seats and steering wheel. Good Tip

: 107A6EC7-FB94-4C63-9667-24BAA3B485FF.jpeg (344.26 KiB) Viewed 2213 times

Pete-r · Post by **Pete-r** » Thu Nov 29, 2018 12:10 am

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