Ok, so I just bought an 06 Monte with custom 2-tone leather seats. Problem: Previous owner hated the car and didn't clean the seats ever. The orange leather has a slight black dingy-ness to it, if you know what I mean. I'd take a pic but all I have is my phone and it shows no detail.

Anyway, what's the best way I can clean these seats? They aren't cracked which is surprising...just dingy.

 

hmm idk. i remember seeing that on it. i dont wanna sound like an idiot and be like oh just use leather cleaner bcuz i don't think that would fix it all the way. you might have to end up going to a detailing shop and redying the seats but idk if they can do that orange or not. idk but good luck with it!

 

You might try using a very diluted solution of a degreaser (like Simple Green), wash the seats down with that, and then buy a good quality conditioner and condition it after. I like Meguires conditioner, or zymbol....

 

http://www.colorplus.com/frameset_brochure.html

try this place, they have alot of info on leather and how to maintain it. they also sell a very good product, i have seen first hand what some of their restoratives can do. (not that you need any restoration, but they do sell cleaners/conditioners).

 

good information

 

get some leather cleaner, if you want something local find a place that sells Duargloss, if you order online Zaino leather cleaner is what i use. Buy a horsehair shoe cleaning brush. i got one from walmart. Spray the cleaner on a small section of the seat, aggitate with brush, the cleaner with foam up slightly. wipe away. when done follow up with a protectant/conditioner.

 

NEVER spray the cleaner directly on the leather, some cleaners are so strong that they will leave very unsightly "streak" marks from where it was sprayed!

ALWAYS, spray on a clean damp cloth FIRST!!!!

dsgbraves comment above may be true, he may have sprayed this on his seats with out any issue, i do not intend to discredit what he is saying.
with that being said, ask yourself; do you want to take the risk of making a dirty situation a catastrophic situation?

this is just me .02, take from it what you will.

 

i am using armor all leather wipes currently. they will clean and condition the leather. i have no complaints so far. i've had some dirty spots every now and then and those wipes clean it up no problem. i've used them for two years and the leather still looks like the day it was brand new.

 

i understand what your saying. you dont ever want to spray it all over or let it sit. but if your spray in a small section at a time and then work it with the brush immediatly after there wont be any problems. if you want to try something else you can use foam applicator pads. they wont clean as deep as the brush, but you can spray the pads and then work the leather until it starts to foam up.

 

Well I have this stuff should work I guess. It's like Simple Green but organic, has no harsh chemicals in it. I can practically drink it and be fine. Anyway, I know it cleans good because I've used it to clean oil off my garage floor. If I dilute that enough it should be fine yes?