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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 41
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From: New Orleans
2018 C43 AMG SEDAN
Dashboard
I already did a global search regarding my question and didn't find the answer I was looking for so hear is my problem. I was using a leather cleaner/conditioner on my seats and I thought I could use it on my dashboard. Dumb-Dumb move by me. It left a very light haze on my black dashboard. What can I use to clean the dash without leaving a glossy oily finish. I want it to look just like it did when I bought it.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 806
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From: Edmonds... good bye SD
SADDLE SOAP
I use saddle soap (no not a hick either) on all the leather and vinyl in the car (seats/door panels/dash/etc.
I grew up on a farm, figured our some of our saddles were from the 40's and 50's and they were still lookin good, cant hurt the car.
Its a bit of work, but it keeps the leather soft and the last time i did it, i missed a spot, and you could see where the black leather looked dried out.
Doesn't leave a "high gloss" or "white residue" just a clean condidtioned look.
I use saddle soap (no not a hick either) on all the leather and vinyl in the car (seats/door panels/dash/etc.
I grew up on a farm, figured our some of our saddles were from the 40's and 50's and they were still lookin good, cant hurt the car.
Its a bit of work, but it keeps the leather soft and the last time i did it, i missed a spot, and you could see where the black leather looked dried out.
Doesn't leave a "high gloss" or "white residue" just a clean condidtioned look.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
where do you get dis: "SADDLE SOAP" you say ? :v
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 806
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From: Edmonds... good bye SD
Most anywhere that deals with leather. Often times even grocery stores carry it, will be in the misc stuff section. Usually near the shoe polish. (sounds odd, but makes logical).
DEFINATLY GET THE LIQUID OVER THE PASTE!!!!!
a random explination of a typical saddle soap brand...
OAKWOOD LIQUID SADDLE SOAP
A liquid glycerin based leather cleaner for cleaning saddles, bridles, boots etc. You can also use it to clean other leather items such as car/truck leather interiors, motorcycle saddlebags, sofas, purses etc.
Oakwood liquid saddle soap has been specially formulated with a neutral PH balance. Therefore it is not sticky to the touch, leaves no residue and will not collect dust and dirt like many other leather cleaners.
It's a glycerin based leather cleaner, but so unique that you don't use water, thus saving wear and tear on your tack or other leather goods. Simply put a small quantity on a slightly damp cloth or sponge and wipe the dirt away.
DEFINATLY GET THE LIQUID OVER THE PASTE!!!!!
a random explination of a typical saddle soap brand...
OAKWOOD LIQUID SADDLE SOAP
A liquid glycerin based leather cleaner for cleaning saddles, bridles, boots etc. You can also use it to clean other leather items such as car/truck leather interiors, motorcycle saddlebags, sofas, purses etc.
Oakwood liquid saddle soap has been specially formulated with a neutral PH balance. Therefore it is not sticky to the touch, leaves no residue and will not collect dust and dirt like many other leather cleaners.
It's a glycerin based leather cleaner, but so unique that you don't use water, thus saving wear and tear on your tack or other leather goods. Simply put a small quantity on a slightly damp cloth or sponge and wipe the dirt away.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 806
Likes: 2
From: Edmonds... good bye SD
Someone, years ago.... someone told me that the ammonia in windex can dry out vinyl. How true that is..... hmmmm....... I dunno.....
Years ago i worked at a few auto detail places, so who knows it could have been a sales rep selling chemicals, and its something i caught or believed and its always been stuck in my head.
Along with that note: I was also told that Silicone based products (ex. armorall) will destroy vinyl/plastic/leather if you decide to quit using it. I'll do a quick search and find out (always been curious if its true)
Years ago i worked at a few auto detail places, so who knows it could have been a sales rep selling chemicals, and its something i caught or believed and its always been stuck in my head.
Along with that note: I was also told that Silicone based products (ex. armorall) will destroy vinyl/plastic/leather if you decide to quit using it. I'll do a quick search and find out (always been curious if its true)
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 617
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From: Burnaby
2002 CL203
Originally Posted by blkc230k
water a 100% cotton rag, and wipe it.
only water is needed,
my dad has been using it on his 88' 200,
only water is needed,
my dad has been using it on his 88' 200,
Water can clean anything!
ahahaha
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,848
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From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
Most leather conditioners contain mink oil or similar animal fat derivtive, and once spread on vinyl, you must turn it into an emulsion (mixture of water and oil) to remove it. Water can work if it is deionized. Soft water is a pretty good emulsifier, but some detergent will greatly speed up the process.
Straight from the bottle Windex will do a fine job, and while it is true that amonia will breakdown many vinyls, Mercedes uses quality products that will be fine if the Windex is used only on an "as needed" basis. Windex calls their formula Amonia-D, with the D meaning diluted to 50% of so called "whole amonia." The diluted amonia is only 0.3% of the product volume, the majority being water, alcohol, and duponol.
The best detergent to use is Dawn dishwashing liquid. A capful in a 1/2 gallon of water will work fine. Automotive car wash soaps will also work well if you have them.
My personal choice for my car are Meguiars cleaners, waxes, and polishes. You can never miss with Meguiars products. They have ben making finish care products in Southern California for 104 years. If you have any questions about car care just call them at (800) 347-5700 and they will help you. (No, Barry Meguiar did not pay me for the endorsement, it really is top notch stuff!)
Straight from the bottle Windex will do a fine job, and while it is true that amonia will breakdown many vinyls, Mercedes uses quality products that will be fine if the Windex is used only on an "as needed" basis. Windex calls their formula Amonia-D, with the D meaning diluted to 50% of so called "whole amonia." The diluted amonia is only 0.3% of the product volume, the majority being water, alcohol, and duponol.
The best detergent to use is Dawn dishwashing liquid. A capful in a 1/2 gallon of water will work fine. Automotive car wash soaps will also work well if you have them.
My personal choice for my car are Meguiars cleaners, waxes, and polishes. You can never miss with Meguiars products. They have ben making finish care products in Southern California for 104 years. If you have any questions about car care just call them at (800) 347-5700 and they will help you. (No, Barry Meguiar did not pay me for the endorsement, it really is top notch stuff!)
