Interior Upkeep
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2020 G63, 2021 E450 All-Terrain Wagon
Do you have leather or MB-tex? This makes a big difference when it comes to cleaning the interior. If you have any pics of the damage, post them. Which products have you been using?
Here's how I clean my cars:
Leather - Leatherique is great if you really want the interior looking new and if you have a lot of time, but for cleaning up a mess quickly, use MB's leather cleaner or Lexol. Before using those, I would go over the leather with a very, very damp microfiber to remove any crumbs, dust, loose dirt, etc and then vacuum afterwards. After I go over with the damp microfiber, I use Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer and spray away. After wiping that off, I use Lexol pH with glycerin, since it doesn't add shiny oils to the leather, it just cleans.
MB-Tex - Use a damp microfiber with a little mild dishwasher detergent or Woolite to get everything clean. Vacuum any crumbs, then use Meguiar's Quick Interior Detailer. Then, you should be fine since MB-Tex is easy to clean. If you want to make the seats soft( which if you're cleaning the interior, you might as well take extra steps anyways), then use some Leatherique's Prestine Clean on the seats, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then use a damp microfiber to remove the residue. If you don't have Leatherique on hand, then finish up with Mercedes Benz's Interior Cockpit Spray, which adds softness and UV Protection. This is available at the dealership. If by some chance you have Aerospace 303, you can finish up with that on tex, but it will give the seats a Armorall glossy look (at least it does on black MB-Tex, but you have tan).
Cloth - Use a damp microfiber, I think. I've never cleaned the headliner.
COMAND Screen - You might as well clean the screen if your interior got dirty. DON'T USE WINDEX OR ALCOHOL! Only use a dry or damp microfiber to clean fingerprints, dust, etc.
Wood - The wood scratches very easily in the E class. I clean the wood panels with a damp microfiber first, then since it's clear coated, I apply wax to make it glossy and fill in any micro swirls in the wood.
Here's how I clean my cars:
Leather - Leatherique is great if you really want the interior looking new and if you have a lot of time, but for cleaning up a mess quickly, use MB's leather cleaner or Lexol. Before using those, I would go over the leather with a very, very damp microfiber to remove any crumbs, dust, loose dirt, etc and then vacuum afterwards. After I go over with the damp microfiber, I use Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer and spray away. After wiping that off, I use Lexol pH with glycerin, since it doesn't add shiny oils to the leather, it just cleans.
MB-Tex - Use a damp microfiber with a little mild dishwasher detergent or Woolite to get everything clean. Vacuum any crumbs, then use Meguiar's Quick Interior Detailer. Then, you should be fine since MB-Tex is easy to clean. If you want to make the seats soft( which if you're cleaning the interior, you might as well take extra steps anyways), then use some Leatherique's Prestine Clean on the seats, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then use a damp microfiber to remove the residue. If you don't have Leatherique on hand, then finish up with Mercedes Benz's Interior Cockpit Spray, which adds softness and UV Protection. This is available at the dealership. If by some chance you have Aerospace 303, you can finish up with that on tex, but it will give the seats a Armorall glossy look (at least it does on black MB-Tex, but you have tan).
Cloth - Use a damp microfiber, I think. I've never cleaned the headliner.
COMAND Screen - You might as well clean the screen if your interior got dirty. DON'T USE WINDEX OR ALCOHOL! Only use a dry or damp microfiber to clean fingerprints, dust, etc.
Wood - The wood scratches very easily in the E class. I clean the wood panels with a damp microfiber first, then since it's clear coated, I apply wax to make it glossy and fill in any micro swirls in the wood.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,800
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
Do you have leather or MB-tex? This makes a big difference when it comes to cleaning the interior. If you have any pics of the damage, post them. Which products have you been using?
Here's how I clean my cars:
Leather - Leatherique is great if you really want the interior looking new and if you have a lot of time, but for cleaning up a mess quickly, use MB's leather cleaner or Lexol. Before using those, I would go over the leather with a very, very damp microfiber to remove any crumbs, dust, loose dirt, etc and then vacuum afterwards. After I go over with the damp microfiber, I use Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer and spray away. After wiping that off, I use Lexol pH with glycerin, since it doesn't add shiny oils to the leather, it just cleans.
MB-Tex - Use a damp microfiber with a little mild dishwasher detergent or Woolite to get everything clean. Vacuum any crumbs, then use Meguiar's Quick Interior Detailer. Then, you should be fine since MB-Tex is easy to clean. If you want to make the seats soft( which if you're cleaning the interior, you might as well take extra steps anyways), then use some Leatherique's Prestine Clean on the seats, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then use a damp microfiber to remove the residue. If you don't have Leatherique on hand, then finish up with Mercedes Benz's Interior Cockpit Spray, which adds softness and UV Protection. This is available at the dealership. If by some chance you have Aerospace 303, you can finish up with that on tex, but it will give the seats a Armorall glossy look (at least it does on black MB-Tex, but you have tan).
Cloth - Use a damp microfiber, I think. I've never cleaned the headliner.
COMAND Screen - You might as well clean the screen if your interior got dirty. DON'T USE WINDEX OR ALCOHOL! Only use a dry or damp microfiber to clean fingerprints, dust, etc.
Wood - The wood scratches very easily in the E class. I clean the wood panels with a damp microfiber first, then since it's clear coated, I apply wax to make it glossy and fill in any micro swirls in the wood.
Here's how I clean my cars:
Leather - Leatherique is great if you really want the interior looking new and if you have a lot of time, but for cleaning up a mess quickly, use MB's leather cleaner or Lexol. Before using those, I would go over the leather with a very, very damp microfiber to remove any crumbs, dust, loose dirt, etc and then vacuum afterwards. After I go over with the damp microfiber, I use Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer and spray away. After wiping that off, I use Lexol pH with glycerin, since it doesn't add shiny oils to the leather, it just cleans.
MB-Tex - Use a damp microfiber with a little mild dishwasher detergent or Woolite to get everything clean. Vacuum any crumbs, then use Meguiar's Quick Interior Detailer. Then, you should be fine since MB-Tex is easy to clean. If you want to make the seats soft( which if you're cleaning the interior, you might as well take extra steps anyways), then use some Leatherique's Prestine Clean on the seats, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then use a damp microfiber to remove the residue. If you don't have Leatherique on hand, then finish up with Mercedes Benz's Interior Cockpit Spray, which adds softness and UV Protection. This is available at the dealership. If by some chance you have Aerospace 303, you can finish up with that on tex, but it will give the seats a Armorall glossy look (at least it does on black MB-Tex, but you have tan).
Cloth - Use a damp microfiber, I think. I've never cleaned the headliner.
COMAND Screen - You might as well clean the screen if your interior got dirty. DON'T USE WINDEX OR ALCOHOL! Only use a dry or damp microfiber to clean fingerprints, dust, etc.
Wood - The wood scratches very easily in the E class. I clean the wood panels with a damp microfiber first, then since it's clear coated, I apply wax to make it glossy and fill in any micro swirls in the wood.
Using a microfiber will turn MB tex shiny, Aerospace 303 won't.
Last edited by CEB; Jan 8, 2012 at 01:19 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 561
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From: New Mexico
2014 E350, 2012 SL550
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 151
Likes: 2
From: Indiana
2016 GL63 AMG, 2012 E550 4 matic
Also, I've never tried the Aerospace product. I'll give that a shot. If I like it, I'll add it to my inventory.
Thanks for the tips. I always like hearing about new thing pertaining to detailing.
e
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 151
Likes: 2
From: Indiana
2016 GL63 AMG, 2012 E550 4 matic
You know, I bought these special towels for the interior. They are micro fiber. Guess I'll have to use them for something else.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,300
Likes: 127
2020 G63, 2021 E450 All-Terrain Wagon
Although the owner's manual argues against the use of microfibers, the only reason they say not to use them is because it may abrade the top surface of the MB-Tex by creating friction.
However, our clothing acts like microfiber cloths in that we also create this friction by rubbing against the top surface of the seats. Yes, repeated use of microfiber can damage the cover by removing the top chemical coating, but only after using microfibers for a very, very long time.
If you use them once in a while and apply light pressure, it won't matter.
Sitting in the seats will cause more damage than microfibers because we weigh more and thus apply more pressure. When we get in and out of the car, we also create more friction than microfiber cloths.
FACT: Anything that touches our seats, whether it be microfiber, cloth towels, or clothing will damage the covers after repeated use. Same thing with the paint. Anything we put on the paint or any towel we use will affect the exterior after repeated use. We can't keep the seats brand new unless we put the car in a glass display box, with a sign that says, "DO NOT TOUCH."
FACT: Microfibers create less damage to the seat covers than our clothes and other towels.
Also, in WIS-Net documents (meant for dealers; these documents are for washing cars and prepping them), Mercedes says to use MB's cleaners with microfibers, so I don't know why they are telling customers in the owner's manual something different. The manual doesn't even say what to use, if not microfibers! In fact, the WIS-Net documents say to clean interior materials with microfibers and nothing else. They just say to use light pressure.
Plus, what else are we supposed to use?
By the way, I love using Prestine Clean on my tex. It adds softness and doesn't add any shine like 303 does.
However, our clothing acts like microfiber cloths in that we also create this friction by rubbing against the top surface of the seats. Yes, repeated use of microfiber can damage the cover by removing the top chemical coating, but only after using microfibers for a very, very long time.
If you use them once in a while and apply light pressure, it won't matter.
Sitting in the seats will cause more damage than microfibers because we weigh more and thus apply more pressure. When we get in and out of the car, we also create more friction than microfiber cloths.
FACT: Anything that touches our seats, whether it be microfiber, cloth towels, or clothing will damage the covers after repeated use. Same thing with the paint. Anything we put on the paint or any towel we use will affect the exterior after repeated use. We can't keep the seats brand new unless we put the car in a glass display box, with a sign that says, "DO NOT TOUCH."
FACT: Microfibers create less damage to the seat covers than our clothes and other towels.
Also, in WIS-Net documents (meant for dealers; these documents are for washing cars and prepping them), Mercedes says to use MB's cleaners with microfibers, so I don't know why they are telling customers in the owner's manual something different. The manual doesn't even say what to use, if not microfibers! In fact, the WIS-Net documents say to clean interior materials with microfibers and nothing else. They just say to use light pressure.
Plus, what else are we supposed to use?
By the way, I love using Prestine Clean on my tex. It adds softness and doesn't add any shine like 303 does.
Last edited by newyorktoLA; Jan 8, 2012 at 05:39 PM.
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 561
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From: New Mexico
2014 E350, 2012 SL550
FACT: Also, in WIS-Net documents (meant for dealers; these documents are for washing cars and prepping them), Mercedes says to use MB's cleaners with microfibers, so I don't know why they are telling customers in the owner's manual something different. The manual doesn't even say what to use, if not microfibers! In fact, the WIS-Net documents say to clean interior materials with microfibers and nothing else. They just say to use light pressure.
Plus, what else are we supposed to use?
Plus, what else are we supposed to use?
"Clean artificial leather covers with a cloth
moistened with a solution containing 1%
detergent (e.g. dish washing liquid)."
The Owner's Manual recommends the use of microfiber on other interior surfaces, even the wood trim. It also recommends it for fabric seat covers.
Regards,
Don
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 6
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2010 E350
Thanks for all of the great tips! Don't even know what MB-Tex is but I have premium leather (I'm a chick, forgive me). Wouldn't say it's damaged just super dirty with soot from driving with the sunroof/windows open.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
In any case, vacuum well first. It is the dirt that causes damage to leather.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 561
Likes: 2
From: New Mexico
2014 E350, 2012 SL550
"Clean genuine leather covers carefully
with a damp cloth and then wipe the
covers down with a dry cloth. Make sure
that the leather does not become
soaked. It may otherwise become rough
and cracked. Only use leather care
agents that have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. You can
obtain these from a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service
center."
Regards,
Don
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 14
1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
Again from the Owners Manual:
"Clean artificial leather covers with a cloth
moistened with a solution containing 1%
detergent (e.g. dish washing liquid)."
The Owner's Manual recommends the use of microfiber on other interior surfaces, even the wood trim. It also recommends it for fabric seat covers.
Regards,
Don
"Clean artificial leather covers with a cloth
moistened with a solution containing 1%
detergent (e.g. dish washing liquid)."
The Owner's Manual recommends the use of microfiber on other interior surfaces, even the wood trim. It also recommends it for fabric seat covers.
Regards,
Don
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
E350 Coupe
Since you have premium leather you need to be much more cautious. There are very good products Leatherique, Leather Masters and Connolly are three that come to mind. They are all somewhat expensive and require more than spray on...wipe off. I suggest you find a good trustworthy detailer and have your interior professionally done. Since you've already spent the extra $$$ for premium leather the extra dollars for a professional job would be worth it.
Last edited by steelgrey; Jan 8, 2012 at 08:12 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I use a damp chamois on practically everything. Been doing it "forever" and always have had perfect results. For things I need to dry up in order for the water to not leave spots (wood, aluminum, plastics, etc.) I follow up with a dry Microfiber.
Also I never use detergents to clean my interior, as I've found that keeping it clean and keeping on top of the maintenance never requires for any abrasives.
And I am a HUGE advocate for "Miracle Juice" aka Aerospace 303. Although I feel that the interior materials of the W212 are quite durable in the sense that no prolonged sun exposure and general wipedowns should keep it looking good for as long as the car lasts.
MB-Tex makes keeping the interior clean a breeze really. The only product I've used on mine so is the occasional Aerospace 303 or Wax on the wood (this car I've only used 303 so far on that).
Also I never use detergents to clean my interior, as I've found that keeping it clean and keeping on top of the maintenance never requires for any abrasives.
And I am a HUGE advocate for "Miracle Juice" aka Aerospace 303. Although I feel that the interior materials of the W212 are quite durable in the sense that no prolonged sun exposure and general wipedowns should keep it looking good for as long as the car lasts.
MB-Tex makes keeping the interior clean a breeze really. The only product I've used on mine so is the occasional Aerospace 303 or Wax on the wood (this car I've only used 303 so far on that).
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
Some cheap MF cloths are made from polyester. These will damage just about anyting with a nice finish (paint included). Use a good quality 100% cotton microfiber or cloth and you will be fine. Keep in mind that some of the edging stitches on cheap MF can be polyester as well. In well over 100K miles of VW Leatherette (similar to MB-Tex) I never had an issue with the finish.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 561
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From: New Mexico
2014 E350, 2012 SL550
Some cheap MF cloths are made from polyester. These will damage just about anyting with a nice finish (paint included). Use a good quality 100% cotton microfiber or cloth and you will be fine. Keep in mind that some of the edging stitches on cheap MF can be polyester as well. In well over 100K miles of VW Leatherette (similar to MB-Tex) I never had an issue with the finish.
"Microfiber or microfibre refers to synthetic fibers (fiber) that measure less than one denier. The most common types of microfibers are made from polyesters, polyamides (e.g., nylon, kevlar, nomex, trogamide), and or a conjugation of polyester and polyamide.
Microfiber is used to make non-woven, woven and knitted textiles. The shape, size and combinations of synthetic fibers are selected for specific characteristics, including: softness, durability, absorption, wicking abilities, water repellency, electrodynamics, and filtering capabilities.
Microfiber is commonly used for apparel, upholstery, industrial filters and cleaning products.
Material
Microfiber is a fiber with less than 1 Decitex per filament (Source: Textile Terms and Definitions, 11th Edition, published The Textile Institute). Decitex is a measure of linear density and is commonly used to describe the size of a fiber or filament. Ten thousand meters of a 1-decitex fiber weighs one gram. Some commercial producers may use a value of less than 1.3 Decitex to define microfibers. Fibers are combined to create yarns which are knitted or woven in a variety of constructions. While many microfibers are made of polyester, they can also be composed of polyamide or other polymers."
Regards,
Don
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,800
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
Some cheap MF cloths are made from polyester. These will damage just about anyting with a nice finish (paint included). Use a good quality 100% cotton microfiber or cloth and you will be fine. Keep in mind that some of the edging stitches on cheap MF can be polyester as well. In well over 100K miles of VW Leatherette (similar to MB-Tex) I never had an issue with the finish.
I'm not sure why this is up for discussion - Mercedes has stated in their owner's manual not to use microfiber cloths. You do so at your own risk.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 333
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From: Sacramento, CA
E350 BT
For the MB Tex, I've lately really been enjoying the 1Z cockpit premium and the deep cleaner (for scuffs, etc.). It has a great smell and is matte. Like CEB detailed, vacuum is very important before rubbing anything onto the material.
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From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
Although the owner's manual argues against the use of microfibers, the only reason they say not to use them is because it may abrade the top surface of the MB-Tex by creating friction.
However, our clothing acts like microfiber cloths in that we also create this friction by rubbing against the top surface of the seats. Yes, repeated use of microfiber can damage the cover by removing the top chemical coating, but only after using microfibers for a very, very long time.
If you use them once in a while and apply light pressure, it won't matter.
Sitting in the seats will cause more damage than microfibers because we weigh more and thus apply more pressure. When we get in and out of the car, we also create more friction than microfiber cloths.
FACT: Anything that touches our seats, whether it be microfiber, cloth towels, or clothing will damage the covers after repeated use. Same thing with the paint. Anything we put on the paint or any towel we use will affect the exterior after repeated use. We can't keep the seats brand new unless we put the car in a glass display box, with a sign that says, "DO NOT TOUCH."
FACT: Microfibers create less damage to the seat covers than our clothes and other towels.
Also, in WIS-Net documents (meant for dealers; these documents are for washing cars and prepping them), Mercedes says to use MB's cleaners with microfibers, so I don't know why they are telling customers in the owner's manual something different. The manual doesn't even say what to use, if not microfibers! In fact, the WIS-Net documents say to clean interior materials with microfibers and nothing else. They just say to use light pressure.
Plus, what else are we supposed to use?
By the way, I love using Prestine Clean on my tex. It adds softness and doesn't add any shine like 303 does.
However, our clothing acts like microfiber cloths in that we also create this friction by rubbing against the top surface of the seats. Yes, repeated use of microfiber can damage the cover by removing the top chemical coating, but only after using microfibers for a very, very long time.
If you use them once in a while and apply light pressure, it won't matter.
Sitting in the seats will cause more damage than microfibers because we weigh more and thus apply more pressure. When we get in and out of the car, we also create more friction than microfiber cloths.
FACT: Anything that touches our seats, whether it be microfiber, cloth towels, or clothing will damage the covers after repeated use. Same thing with the paint. Anything we put on the paint or any towel we use will affect the exterior after repeated use. We can't keep the seats brand new unless we put the car in a glass display box, with a sign that says, "DO NOT TOUCH."
FACT: Microfibers create less damage to the seat covers than our clothes and other towels.
Also, in WIS-Net documents (meant for dealers; these documents are for washing cars and prepping them), Mercedes says to use MB's cleaners with microfibers, so I don't know why they are telling customers in the owner's manual something different. The manual doesn't even say what to use, if not microfibers! In fact, the WIS-Net documents say to clean interior materials with microfibers and nothing else. They just say to use light pressure.
Plus, what else are we supposed to use?
By the way, I love using Prestine Clean on my tex. It adds softness and doesn't add any shine like 303 does.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...seat-wear.html
Perhaps it is due to your ill-advised microfiber cleaning regimen?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Was it you who was on the GL forum complaining about shiny MB-Tex seats in your GL?
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...seat-wear.html
Perhaps it is due to your ill-advised microfiber cleaning regimen?
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...seat-wear.html
Perhaps it is due to your ill-advised microfiber cleaning regimen?
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 151
Likes: 2
From: Indiana
2016 GL63 AMG, 2012 E550 4 matic
DAYAAM!!!!!
