C63 leather cleaning and protecting

[Jas C63]

I have a 2012 '62' C63 with red leather, I only picked the car up yesterday and the seats look fine but I want to give them a clean and stay on top it in the future. Ive had a look about online and on detailing world and I am struggling with what to buy as some say never use microfiber cloths but others use them, some say don't use conditioners as they don't penetrate the top coat and just attract dirt but obviously many other use a conditioner so I was wondering what others used.
I am currently thinking swissvax leather cleaner with brush and wiping with a white 100% cotton cloth to make sure I am not removing any dye and using a protector which I haven't decided on yet, any thoughts, suggestions or ideas welcome.

 

[whitenemesis]

First question, are you sure its leather? Could it be Artico (vinyl)?

If Artico, then just mild soap and water will suffice.

If leather do a drop test. Place a drop of water on the seat surface. If it just sits there the leather is sealed and can be treated as Artico. If the drop absorbs into the leather then its naked and will benefit hugely from conditioning.

Liquid Leather's Gliptone is excellent, both the cleaner and conditioner. MB own offering is good and made by Meguires.

 

[Blue Moon]

The leather won't be 'naked' If any liquid is absorbed into the leather, it will mean the PU coating has worn off, and any liquids will quickly leave a stain. The pigmented top coat should be replaced quickly.

All leather in modern cars is what is known as 'protected leather'. This means it has a PU type topcoat that gives it its hard wearing qualities. Conditioner won't penetrate through this to the leather effectively, what you need is a leather protector (which may contain some conditioner ) This is applied to the surfaces of the leather, simply wiped over and left to dry. Each application should last around 3 to 4 months.

Most top quality products should do the job satisfactorily, but I use special sponges that pick up dirt from the natural creases in leather that can lead to cracking and splitting if left. If you use a brush, make sure it is one with the correct bristles so as not to damage the leather. Mercedes Designo and BMW Nappa are particularly susceptible to surface scratches and scuffs.

HTH

 

[whitenemesis]

The nappa leather in my 203 was naked but then it was specialist retrimmed. It did take a regular clean/condition regime to keep it looking good.

 

[kamalpatel12448]

Jas_C63,

I got my C63 with Stargard, which is Supagard and the leather cleaning and conditioning liquids supplied do a good job in my opinion. There are many other opinions and alternatives, which may be better, but I've stuck with this for now. My Leather looks nearly new and had retained the original matt finish for the most part.

K

 

[Blue Moon]

My Leather looks nearly new and had retained the original matt finish for the most part.

K

Good point, leather really only shines when's it's dirty

 

[Jas C63]

First question, are you sure its leather? Could it be Artico (vinyl)?

I was under the impression the C63 came with 'nappa' leather as standard???

 

[Jas C63]

I watched a clip on YouTube from swissvax using a brush they do for £7 along with their cleaner on an M3 and the results were effortless and fantastic that's why i was thinking about using that plus a protective product.

 

[J LAD]

ALL! and I mean all modern day cars have a PU coating on the leather, its how its coloured, they may use " Nappa" leather, but even this will be PU coated.
If it were not, then the smart repair leather guys would not be in business.
The Swissvax product should be very good, as will the Gliptone, just make sure you do not use too much if its a cream, as too much will sit in the cracks and attract dirt, then you will increase wear!
Personally I like the products from LTT of Harrogate, they are one of the industrys leading experts on leather, honestly give them a ring for advice on what to use on your cars leather.
1. Vacuum the seats every week.
2. Use a mild leather cleaner ( its a bit like gentle baby hair shampoo),diluted in water, wipe away any dirt with plenty of clean cloths or dry paper towel.
3. Apply a leather PROTECTOR! once the seats have fully dried.

 

[Jas C63]

Thanks for the advice

 

[tonysmb]

First question, are you sure its leather? Could it be Artico (vinyl)?

I was under the impression the C63 came with 'nappa' leather as standard???

So did i; i've checked in a 2012 brochure and it states nappa leather standard on c63. Of course, no doubt MB would probably fit 'Artico' if the original owner was prepared to pay extra

 

[RussMCC]

The Swissvax Leather Cleaner and brush is ideal for your seats - just wipe the excess away with a clean, new microfibre towel and repeat as required.

The brush seems very coarse but is very gentle and ideal for deep cleaning leather.

 

[Jas C63]

Ordered the swissvax leather cleaner, swissvax cleaning brush and Gtechniq L1 leather guard

 

[Apowers]

Also looking to clean and protect mine, doing a lot of short trips so in and out of the car, bolsters starting to look a little worn

Would the Gtechniq L1 stop this?