Just looking for some input/suggestions on leather care/cleaner. I searched a little and it seems like the Autoglym Interior Cleaner is a good cleaner for both leather and alcantara. Anyone know if this is save on Porsches' leather?

What are some good conditioner or protectant for Porsche leather and alcantara? my car is not a daily so i'm just looking for something easy to use, i do not need extensive care such as leatherique or maybe even leather masters.

thanks!

 

Leather Master Strong Cleaner, Leather Masters Vital Conditioner, Leather Masters Protection Cream (for leather) and Nubuk Cream (for alacantra/suede) are very good, but if you opt to not spend money on those, Lexol can be had OTC and is a very good cleaner/conditioner.

Good luck! Post up an more q's you have

 

hows the application process for leather master? i don't mind spending a little on quality stuff, but just not looking spend hundreds either.

btw, does leather master leave a satin finish? not looking for a shiney finish.

 

You can get the Leather Masters trio kit from DD for like $50. It comes with the cleaner, vital, and protection cream. It's pretty easy to apply, I suggest using a foam applicator pad for all three, the only annoying thing is waiting for the Cleaner to do it's magic (1+hours). And it does leave a very nice satin finish. Where in california are you located? I could show you my stuff if you're in the Bay Area . But it's definitely a good buy. Just don't forget the Nubuck for the suede/alacantra!

 

When choosing products, try and get things that have multiple uses, if possible. The reason Autoglym Interior Cleaner/Shampoo has been our cleaner of choice is because how safe and versatile it is. You can use it on vinyl, leather, carpets, plastic, alcantara, suede, etc. It truly is an amazaing cleaner. It won't leave a soapy residue or cake up the carpets.

As for leather conditioners, we've tried Leatherique, Leather Masters, Lexol, etc. It seems for the newer cars that are in relatively good shape leather-wise, nothing comes close to the simple ease of Zymol Treat. It applies easily, leaves a satin finish, has no offensive odor since it's a natural product, and you don't need to use it that often; average application is every 3 months, or once a month for daily driver.

Here are some photos:

 

i'm down in socal unfortunately. any suggestion on where to get Nubuck?

 

that's the finish i'm after! is it safe on alcantara?

btw, what's the difference between conditioner and leather master's protectant cream?

 

You don't treat suede or alcantara; simply clean it with the Autoglym Interior Cleaner. Conditioners and protectants are similar. If a synthetic protectant, it may have some ingredients that inhibit UV rays, etc. But most leather surfaces, as long as conditioned properly, will last years and years. They key is a proper cleaning and conditioning routine.

 

Why wouldn't you? It can wear just like the rest of the car. That's like saying you shouldn't protect the door jambs? It's still part of the paint?

That's what leather masters nubuck is for.. to protect alacantra/suede

 

Alcantara is man made and suede is a natural leather. These substrates do not need conditioning, just cleaning. The wear and tear is caused by friction and body oils penetrating the substrate. As long as you keep your body oils, which contain acids, away from the alcantara and suede, there's nothing that needs protecting. It's simple maintenance. as long as the acids and oils aren't allowed to sit on the substarte and penetrate and degenerate the material, you're in good shape. Some materials in automobiles just need cleaning while others, such as the door jams you suggested, need cleaning and conditioning.

In the case of alcantara and suede, your main concern is stripping body oils that can penetrate the hide.

 

wouldn't a layer of protectant help prevent the body oils penetrating the hide?

 

Not sure if these products do anything different than just cleaning with autoglym. Alcantara and suede aren't materials that stain or need conditioning. If you do spill coffee, tea, food, etc., simply cleaning it will get it back to where it was. They simply need routine cleaning depending on traffic.

 

You just contradicted yourself.. you said you don't have to condition or protect, as long as your body oils don't touch the fabric, but the fact of the matter is that it's a car, and there WILL be body oils contacting the alcantara, and therefore you need to protect it.

 

You misunderstood. By keeping oils away, I meant cleaning them routinely. The mere act of sitting on the seat or driving the steering wheel with alcantara doesn't hurt it. It's when these oils are left there over time. So, no contradiction.

What is so unique about the Leather Master Nubuck that you love it so much. I'm always open to new things and educating myself. I'm still not convinced that a protectant is needed if you simply clean the alcantara or suede routinly.

 

For what it is worth you can use the eco nubuck protector on alclantara with out issue. Or the more expensive spray version. all they are are florochemical based fabric protectors. What you would put on your headliner and carpet areas.

As for the strong cleaner, you need to massage it into a foam with the applicator or get a foam dispensing bottle. The foam limits the amount of product you use making it more efficient. Also strong cleaner is perfectly fine for most other surfaces in a vehicle. Glass and gauge clusters being the two I avoid.