How to: Conditioning leather seats with Leatherique
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From: NY
Greg @ Detailed Image
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From: Latitude 26.1695, Longitude -80.0997
my wife wild, but she loves every minute of it.
Connelly supplied the leather for a few British cars and for Ferrari -- for a while. It was a surface dyed leather. Hide food is a creame, and contains lanolin and some other goodies. Their Resurrection Oil seemed similar to Neatsfoot Oil -- which has been a tack room staple for longer that we've been alive. Any of the vinyl/plastic coated leathers could not profit from something that must be absorbed. My 560SL's black leather was softened by using the Resurrection Oil. Washed with saddle soap first, then heated Resurrection Oil applied with a brush.
When did MBZ start coating their leather? I have a 2004, and suspect that it is one of the coated years.
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From: Bay Area
2016 GLE400
off topic... so im cleaning my leather and what not tonight... and as i apply the stuff onto my seats (c55) with the perforations... how the hell do i get the conditioner stuff out of the tiny perforations? my microfiber just doesnt cut it!! ahhh its driving me crazy!
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From: Latitude 26.1695, Longitude -80.0997
my wife wild, but she loves every minute of it.
Here is what I reccommend to use leatherique. Buy Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil and Pristine clean, i suggest getting 32oz of each from www.leatherique.com This is by far the best leather product i have ever used, really cleans the leather very well, and makes the leather buttery soft. here is how i apply it.
1)Vaccuum loose dirt off leather
2)Put the Pristine clean in a clean spray bottle.
2)Massage 3-4 ounces of the rejuvenator oil onto the seats with your hands really working it in, i like to recline the front seats a little bit so the oil will soak into the back rests. Try and get every part of the seat, especially the seams. I like to do it when it is at least 65 degrees out. If it is colder out run the seat heaters but just make sure the sun isnt directly on the leather.
3)Let the rejuvenator oil sit on the seats for a full 24 hours for best results, minimum 8 hours. You cannot drive it during this time.
4)After the RO(rejuvenator oil) has sat on the leather for that amount of time, you should see a lot of dirt that has lifted to the surface and it will feel tacky. Spray the Pristine clean onto the leather (about 1-2 oz) and wipe off with a cotton terry cloth towel. Try and get every part of the seat. Do this to all the seats u did with the RO.
5) Now I like to take a damp (with water) new towel and wipe all the seats down again.
6) Buff the seats with a microfiber towel, and you are done.
You should have no shine on your seats now and if you want them even softer, start the process all over again. Good luck! Post results if u try it. Here is an example of this process done on a caddilac. The top pic is before (note the dirt and shine in the leather) the bottom is after and butter soft.
This pic is courtesy of gmblack3 on autopia
1)Vaccuum loose dirt off leather
2)Put the Pristine clean in a clean spray bottle.
2)Massage 3-4 ounces of the rejuvenator oil onto the seats with your hands really working it in, i like to recline the front seats a little bit so the oil will soak into the back rests. Try and get every part of the seat, especially the seams. I like to do it when it is at least 65 degrees out. If it is colder out run the seat heaters but just make sure the sun isnt directly on the leather.
3)Let the rejuvenator oil sit on the seats for a full 24 hours for best results, minimum 8 hours. You cannot drive it during this time.
4)After the RO(rejuvenator oil) has sat on the leather for that amount of time, you should see a lot of dirt that has lifted to the surface and it will feel tacky. Spray the Pristine clean onto the leather (about 1-2 oz) and wipe off with a cotton terry cloth towel. Try and get every part of the seat. Do this to all the seats u did with the RO.
5) Now I like to take a damp (with water) new towel and wipe all the seats down again.
6) Buff the seats with a microfiber towel, and you are done.
You should have no shine on your seats now and if you want them even softer, start the process all over again. Good luck! Post results if u try it. Here is an example of this process done on a caddilac. The top pic is before (note the dirt and shine in the leather) the bottom is after and butter soft.
This pic is courtesy of gmblack3 on autopia
I've had similarly good results using Lexol and Connolly's products, as well as Neatsfoot oil from a Tack Shop. One key is to determine if your leather is coated or not. If it's coated, the oils 'probably' cannot get to the leather.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Florida
2006 e350
What about the MB leather care foam. I use it. It doesn't seem to do much for my 2006 E350 and the leather stays sort of stiff. I used to use Armor all leather care, which made leather softer, but I didn't trust it so I decided to just use what dealer said to use. They said to use the MB foam only. What is in that? Anyone think it is protecting my leather. I am afraid that it will crack from the sun if I don't use something else or will the foam suffice?
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: MEXICO CITY/SAN DIEGO, CA.
SLK 350 DESIGNO 2007 SILVER/BLACK-MISTIC RED
MB foam its a cleaner that conditions the covered leather as well, and it has an "antistatic" property that avoids the dirt get into the leather. Since the leather has a vinyl/plastic top, it has menor treatment requirements: practically, this kind of (covered) leather is endless. MB says the leather will last the same period tha the car itself.
There is a italian product specially made for covered leathers, which is used extensively in Europe. It consist in 2 products: the cleaner and a protective cream. Chek the site http://www.uniters.com/
I have been using leatheerique, which is great product, but only on old english leathers/not covered leathers. Leather Masters products, are, in my opinion, the best product you can use on covered leathers: I have been using it for the last years and I like it more than leatherique.
Best regards fellows.
There is a italian product specially made for covered leathers, which is used extensively in Europe. It consist in 2 products: the cleaner and a protective cream. Chek the site http://www.uniters.com/
I have been using leatheerique, which is great product, but only on old english leathers/not covered leathers. Leather Masters products, are, in my opinion, the best product you can use on covered leathers: I have been using it for the last years and I like it more than leatherique.
Best regards fellows.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Canada
05 CLK 500 cab
I've used Hide Food to soften and clean a couple of MB gearshift boots with good results.
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79 300SEL
Great read/thread.
I'm interested in getting the Leatherique Prestine Clean and Rejuvenator Oil .
My question is, if I'm not planning on "rejuvinating" my leather, just regular cleaning and maintennace, what are the exact steps?
- Leatherique rejuvinator oil first ?
- Let rejuvinator sit on seats for 24 hours ?
- Then clean off seats with Prestine Clean to finish the process ?
Also there was mention that the pristine clean can be used on the rest of the interior (dash, grills, etc etc all the non-leather stuff) ?
Thanks for all the great info/feedback.
I'm interested in getting the Leatherique Prestine Clean and Rejuvenator Oil .
My question is, if I'm not planning on "rejuvinating" my leather, just regular cleaning and maintennace, what are the exact steps?
- Leatherique rejuvinator oil first ?
- Let rejuvinator sit on seats for 24 hours ?
- Then clean off seats with Prestine Clean to finish the process ?
Also there was mention that the pristine clean can be used on the rest of the interior (dash, grills, etc etc all the non-leather stuff) ?
Thanks for all the great info/feedback.
Silver Stitching
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Joined: Sep 2014
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C300
I have a 2010 c300 with the perforated seats ventilation so what are you guys saying I shouldn't have to clean them because the leather it is covered or I should clean them.
Last edited by GCURTIS1; Sep 25, 2014 at 12:36 AM. Reason: to add image
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From: North CA
2021 E63S and 2025 GT63
My 2c it works great, applied to my new car in January and today seats have look and feel as if I just picked up the car from dealer
Downside is car may not be usable for 24 hours, or so, while applying cleaner and conditioner.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Leesburg, VA
2017 C63S
I wish we could get all the current leather specialists to update this section. I see the thread started back in 2002. I am definitely no leather expert but I can tell the MB has used different materials on the various cars I have owned from the 2006-2009 range. My newer C63 seems much different than both my ML, C65, and E55. The other three all have the ventilated/active seats with the little holes all over them. I have been hesitant to put anything thick that could clog those. The C seems to be a different leather altogether and gets an odd shine on it (almost like it shouldn't have) using Meguiar's.
Do most of you guys use Lexol, Zymol, Griott's, something else?
Do most of you guys use Lexol, Zymol, Griott's, something else?
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Joined: Mar 2015
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s550
I wish we could get all the current leather specialists to update this section. I see the thread started back in 2002. I am definitely no leather expert but I can tell the MB has used different materials on the various cars I have owned from the 2006-2009 range. My newer C63 seems much different than both my ML, C65, and E55. The other three all have the ventilated/active seats with the little holes all over them. I have been hesitant to put anything thick that could clog those. The C seems to be a different leather altogether and gets an odd shine on it (almost like it shouldn't have) using Meguiar's.
Do most of you guys use Lexol, Zymol, Griott's, something else?
Do most of you guys use Lexol, Zymol, Griott's, something else?
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: North CA
2021 E63S and 2025 GT63
i have a s550 and my leather definately needs some care from steering wheel to seats. not really sure where to start. ive used the armor all leather cleaner and conditioner. but im sure theres alot more to it then that. i want my leather to be softer again and not sticky feeling.
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2009 E63
Maybe this will get fully updated, but doing details myself at one point and working with some professionals the consistent feedback I got was clean, not condition. Adding the oils/lipids in most products titled as conditioners simply turns seats into a dirt attractant. Like attracts like, and having a layer of what is essentially grease sitting on top of your seats is just going to pull oil, fats, and dirt from your body and anything that comes in contact with them. If you want your leather to stay in good shape keep it clean so that it doesn't build up grime and begin to dry out and crack from built up abrasions. There are some protectant options as well, but for the love of your leather, stay away from the gooey stuff.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 271
From: North CA
2021 E63S and 2025 GT63
Maybe this will get fully updated, but doing details myself at one point and working with some professionals the consistent feedback I got was clean, not condition. Adding the oils/lipids in most products titled as conditioners simply turns seats into a dirt attractant. Like attracts like, and having a layer of what is essentially grease sitting on top of your seats is just going to pull oil, fats, and dirt from your body and anything that comes in contact with them. If you want your leather to stay in good shape keep it clean so that it doesn't build up grime and begin to dry out and crack from built up abrasions. There are some protectant options as well, but for the love of your leather, stay away from the gooey stuff.
http://www.leatherique.com/products.html
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2009 E63
It's late so I probably should have been more clear rather than overly general, I was just bored. I mentioned most as I meant that. Most of what gets labeled as a conditioner is a hot mess that will leave leather worse in the long run. Most people here aren't going to need to drop C notes on products to restore completely dried out surfaces, and my comment is more directed at those who have a vehicle they're simply trying to maintain. As always, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keep leather clean and maintain its condition. I'm also not a fan of products that break down and soften leather, but to each their own.
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2017 C43
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2021 E63S and 2025 GT63
