Interior cleaning advice/tips

[nebojsa_o]

What do you guys use for interior cleaning/maintenance? On my previous cars there was a lot less leather inside. Do you use leather cleaner and conditioner on door panels and dash? Or is there a good all purpose cleaner you would recommend? What about all the plastic trim, and buttons? Don't want anything that will make it all greasy and gross. And steering wheel. Leather cleaner, conditioner, or is there something better to keep the leather in good shape as long as possible? Anything I should stay away from? So far I've mostly just used a damp cloth to wipe down dust, but I would like to give it a slightly nicer cleaning as I've had the car for a while now. Thanks

[beav626]

I've been using Leather Wipes weekly or every few days in the summer. Then A good cleaning and condition on all leather surfaces monthly.

Armorall Wipes
Lexol Conditioner and cleaners...

Enjoy

[Ilya]

Is armorall still oily and greasy or did they fix their products? People used to hate their stuff because it looked like an Italian Mobsters hair after you were done...so oily and shiny you could see your reflection lol.

[nebojsa_o]

Haha, nice description. I had Armorall in my old car once, and that was done by a body shop after doing some work on the exterior. Just as a bonus. I hated it. Haven't given it another chance since. I don't know if it's any better or not these days.
And Lexol is what I used on my Maxima leather interior. It's a good product as far as I am aware. Maybe a little pricy, but as long as it performs, it's probably worth it.

[Debonair]

Dry microfiber wipe down for light dust. Damp microfiber wipe down when a little more dirty/dusty.
For mini details I use a interior cleaner with a semi-gloss sheen. For the top of the dash spray it on a microfiber and wipe it down. For the doors, lower dash, center console I spray both the panel and the microfiber and wipe it down. I use a detail brush to get it the seams. Spray them heavily, brush out the dust and debris and the wipe dry. I am using several brands currently and have not settle on one yet.



For the leather I spray on the cleaner, agitate it with a horse hair brush, and then wipe it down. Then I apply the conditioner per it's instructions. Different brands call for different amounts of time before wiping off.



I am currently using Mothers leather cleaner and conditioner. The more I use it the less I like it. I think I will be switching back to Zymol leather products or maybe back to Lexol.

[Ilya]

I've used Lexol and Mothers...both were fine. I need to do this...haven't done it in ages and my seats are showing the lack of care lol.

[Debonair]

You definitely shoul. Use a light colored microfiber cloth for wiping off the cleaner like I do so you can be grossed out with what comes off your seats.

[M37xfan]

Actually, amorall has some cleaning wipes that are non oily that I think are pretty good. I like to use the wipes on the steering wheel and they do an awesome job.

I use Mequiar leather wipes on the seats for cleaning and conditioning and then I wipe the seats down with a clean lint free cloth.

But the dealer I got my car from did such a darn good job on cleaning and detailing the interior that for the most part I only have to dust and vacuum..

[InfinitiAce]

Never use Armor All. I learned the hard way a few years ago. If you are looking for something you can purchase anywhere, Lexol is your best choice. If you want a premium cleaner, try these:

http://adamspolishes.com/shop/interior/ ... eaner.html

If you really want to get into car detailing, there is a great sub over on Reddit (check the sidebar) here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/AutoDetailing/

[CRV_33]

For everyone that uses Lexol, Are these the actual steps you guys use?

[Ilya]

Nope, never did the 'pre-wet' before lol. Will try it when I get my car back.

[dmclone]

I've used 303 instead of Armor All for the last 5 years or so.

[Debonair]

For everyone that uses Lexol, Are these the actual steps you guys use?

These are pretty much the same instructions for all the cleaners. I used to keep hot water in a spray bottle to help suds up the cleaner. But with our perforated seats I would stay away from gettin it too wet. Especially knowing how much of this cars electrical is not fuse protected.

[Debonair]

Also one mistake he made was not brushing away large debris and vacuuming up smaller partials from the seams of the seats before wetting it with the cleaner. You don't want dirt and food turning to mud and slop in your seams.

[Ilya]

For everyone that uses Lexol, Are these the actual steps you guys use?

These are pretty much the same instructions for all the cleaners. I used to keep hot water in a spray bottle to help suds up the cleaner. But with our perforated seats I would stay away from gettin it too wet. Especially knowing how much of this cars electrical is not fuse protected.

This. Was thinking the same thing while watching...how would our perforated seats do with this. This is great for solid seats though...

LOL @ fuse dig. I like.

[M37xfan]

I have the dark chrome factory wheels, I am wondering what I can use to clean them with without damaging the finish?? any suggestions??

[Debonair]

I have the dark chrome factory wheels, I am wondering what I can use to clean them with without damaging the finish?? any suggestions??

Regular carwash soap and water if they are not super filthy. All-wheel/finish safe wheel cleaner and a soft wheel brush if they are filthy. I use the same style detail brush I posted above for the crevices on my wheels. Spray, agitate, rinse. Do not let it dry on the wheels. Once they are clean wax them so they stay cleaner and are easy to wipe down.

[armybrat]

You definitely shoul. Use a light colored microfiber cloth for wiping off the cleaner like I do so you can be grossed out with what comes off your seats.

And off of your steering wheel too.

[mrnix]

I've used 303 instead of Armor All for the last 5 years or so.

I just recently got a couple of bottles of 303, 1 of cleaner, one of protectant. do you use it on the seats/dash/doors/center console?

[CRV_33]

I'm going to look into 303 but in the meantime I found this video about caring for perforated leather car seats:

[Debonair]

I'm going to look into 303 but in the meantime I found this video about caring for perforated leather car seats:

I love his videos. Very informative guy.

[mrnix]

I have the dark chrome factory wheels, I am wondering what I can use to clean them with without damaging the finish?? any suggestions??

Regular carwash soap and water if they are not super filthy. All-wheel/finish safe wheel cleaner and a soft wheel brush if they are filthy. I use the same style detail brush I posted above for the crevices on my wheels. Spray, agitate, rinse. Do not let it dry on the wheels. Once they are clean wax them so they stay cleaner and are easy to wipe down.

wait a second... you put wax on your wheels? I have never heard of that.

[ArmedAviator]

I've waxed wheels on previous cars (my M's wheels are too scratched up to care much for). It helps keep brake dust and other road grime off. Makes cleaning way easier too.

[Debonair]

wait a second... you put wax on your wheels? I have never heard of that.

Yup. There are actually waxes marketed specifically for wheels. I remember reading a test article on them which found Collinite 845 performed the best. I already owned it and have used it ever since then. Wax the wheels and clean them often with a spray detailer and a microfiber. This keeps the grime from building up.

EDIT: Found the article, click HERE to read it if you wish. It's from 2011 so there are probably new brands and gimmicks available. But the Collinite is still working well for me.

I should mention that I also wax the inner barrels of the wheels so they can also be cleaned easily and to make road tar, grime, etc. from sticking.

[JHC828]

I'm going to look into 303 but in the meantime I found this video about caring for perforated leather car seats:

I use this same method, essentially, along with a steamer. I use the Lexol cleaner and a boars hair brush with hot water in a bucket, but I do not use conditioner. From my understanding most automotive leather is a sealed surface, similar to a painted surface, when it's finished and installed. The conditioner will only sit on top of the leather instead of "soaking in." Also, I don't like the feel the conditioner give it (I bought cleaner and conditioner both from Lexol) and I feel like it will just attract more dirt. I clean our seats often as we frequently wear dark denim which transfers onto the seats. I always turn on the seat heaters when I'm finished to dry out any excess moisture.

[dmclone]

I've used 303 instead of Armor All for the last 5 years or so.

I just recently got a couple of bottles of 303, 1 of cleaner, one of protectant. do you use it on the seats/dash/doors/center console?

I don't use it on the wood or seats.

[nebojsa_o]

Thanks for the info everyone. I just got some 303 Aerospace protectant for my other cars, but not sure if I should use it on the dash in the M.

[Debonair]

Thanks for the info everyone. I just got some 303 Aerospace protectant for my other cars, but not sure if I should use it on the dash in the M.

There is nothing particularly special about the M dash. The 303 should be fine.

[nebojsa_o]

It just feels soft and like leather, at least the shroud above the instrument cluster, so I wasn't sure if it's a good idea. Also, I got some lexol cleaner but it came in a spray bottle. Is that already diluted then, or should seats still be wet/damp before applying?

[kenslen]

https://www.amazon.com/Connolly-Leather ... ly+cleaner
I Used this on my Jag but also on the new Q70. Works great!