How to Clean and Maintain Leather Car Seats (Detailed)
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
HOW TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN LEATHER CAR SEATS (DETAILED) On closer examination, it is clear to see that the cleaning and caring of car leather is a little more complex than just picking up and applying any cleaner or conditioner. Leather professionals, detailers and car enthusiasts usually ask us questions like “What leather do I have?”, “What is the best way to look aer my leather?”, “Does the product that prevents dye transfer also condition the leather?” and many more. We have put together the following information with the aim of answering most of these common questions. BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF AUTOMOTIVE LEATHER The use of leather in vehicles dates back to well before the first car was even built. Before the existence of our modern car, leather was used in horse carriages. Mercedes 300D Adenauer built in Lamborghini Espada built in 1970. Lancia Astura 4th Series Pinin Farina 1958. Cabriolet built in 1939. Besides the seats, leather was used for bonnet straps, belts, door panels, steering wheels and dashboards. Braided Leather Handle Mercedes Leather cuff and carpet edging Bonnet Strap The tanning process irreversibly preserves animal skins by turning them into leather. Leather is made of intertwined collagen fibres, consisting of protein, which together form a stable and tear-resistant material. Depending on the type of skin and tanning process, leather contains 45-75% skin substance (collagen fibres), 8-45% tannins, 1-25% fat, 3% dyes and pigments, and 8-15% moisture. The tannins prevent the disintegration of the leather, and the moisture and fat make the leather supple. The tanning drum Tannins: quebracho, chromium (III), Structure of the leather fibres: fine synthetic tanning and tear proof Leather is available from various animal species and in many forms. Since the dawn of motorised vehicles, the skin of cattle has been the preferred material to cover seats and other components of the vehicle. Cowhides have large surfaces and are also extremely robust. They can easily be dyed, embossed and stitched. It is a noble, natural and breathable commodity. Exotic examples of car leathers: Ostrich leather in Bugatti, cowhide in BMW, iguana leather in Mercedes. Traditionally, leather interiors were installed only in the more valuable vehicles. However, the use of leather in car interiors has increased steadily and continues to do so today. Medium-priced vehicles are now equipped with leather upholstery. Classic cars which didn’t have leather interiors are now exhibited at antique car shows with leather upholstery. It would be fair to say that vehicles with leather interiors have always had a noble aura and therefore a higher resale value. Gullwing: Original in fabric Nowadays almost exclusively in Beetle convertible upholstered in leather black with red piping Car leathers are 99.9% pigmented leather. This is leather with a colour layer sealing the surface. Vegetable tanning was the only tanning process known to mankind until, in recent decades, chrome-tanning and synthetic tanning methods had been developed. These new tanning methods are cheaper, less time-consuming and produce soer leathers. When cleaning and maintaining leather, the kind of tanning is not critical, but identifying the age and condition of the leather is highly important. THE SELECTION OF CLEANERS AND MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS, AUTOMOTIVE LEATHER There are a wide range of products available for the cleaning and care of leather. These are widely oered by car care suppliers who have a full range of car care products and usually have a leather cleaner and care product in their catalogue. By contrast, leather-specialised companies oen have several products for various leather types and conditions. This raises the question whether one type of leather conditioner is enough to maintain the beauty of new leather, or to keep the beautiful patina of old leather for as long as possible. Leather can be new or antique, matt or gloss, perforated or embossed or with decorative seams. Some leathers show heavy soiling as they are barn finds. These might be hard, dry and cracked. Others are perfectly clean and maintained. IS LEATHER CARE AND CLEANING IMPORTANT? Unfortunately for us, no one is legally obliged to do so, but it is important to regularly maintain leather to ensure the longevity of leather interiors. Dirt and dust make the surface dull over time. Grease stains and colour damage oen occurs on steering wheels, gear knobs and handles covered in leather. Not to mention that it makes total sense from a hygiene perspective to clean it occasionally. Leather is also made of fats & oils which maintain its suppleness. The appropriate care products will ensure adequate rehydration so the leather does not become dry and brittle, they will make the surface smooth, which in turn reduces the signs of wear. ARE THERE GOOD AND BAD CLEANING AND CARE PRODUCTS FOR LEATHER? Due to the large selection of manufacturers, there is oen uncertainty as to what is the right product, and whether cleaning and care products can possibly cause damage. Cleaning and care products have been tested oen in the recent decades, however, the results are varied depending on the parameters of these tests and the condition of the leather. This may have contributed to an increase in the uncertainty. A key error in the cleaning and maintenance of leathers is the use of unsuitable products. A Wheel Cleaner certainly makes soiled leather clean and spotless. But such cleaners are very alkaline and harm leather in the long term. Care products such as body lotions are also not optimal for preservation. A living skin has dierent needs than tanned animal hide, and perishable fats and oils oxidise (become rancid) and damage the leather, not to mention the hygiene factor. It is very rare to have products supplied by a reputed company inflict any damage to leather. While there are dierences in quality, a typical automotive leather in good condition is compatible with all commercially available agents. Providers of high quality leather care oen invest more in the optimal formula and ingredients in comparison to the cheaper providers who only pay attention to basic protection. All that aside, the worst care is not to care at all. WHAT IS THE BEST CARE FOR CAR LEATHER? Use it carefully! Whilst leather is extremely robust and durable, leaving it permanently in the midday sun with the top down will cause the colour to fade and the leather to become dry and brittle over time. With careful treatment and regular but not excessive cleaning and maintenance, leather will last a very long time. WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN CLEANING VEHICLE LEATHERS? If the type of leather is unknown, we recommend carrying out a small test. Rub a drop of water in a hidden area to see if it penetrates the surface. Almost all automotive leather is protected by a layer of paint/pigment, but some are porous (aniline leather, suede & nubuck). Porous leathers are very sensitive to water. Any water-based cleaners can cause a stain which cannot easily be removed. If water penetrates the surface, always ask a specialist for help. If water does not penetrate the surface, the leather can be easily cleaned with water-based cleaners. Protective layer of paint: water runs Porous leather: water penetrates Porous leather in vintage car - not off and leaves stains easily recognizable Does leather need to be cleaned when it looks clean? This is easy to test. Take some cleaner on a bright-coloured cleaning cloth and gently wipe the seat. If any soiling is visible on the cloth, a more thorough cleaning is necessary. If the cloth is clean, no special effort is necessary. This applies to all surfaces in the vehicle. Leather should not be cleaned too wet. Even if almost all automotive leather has a protective coat of paint, older leather is often brittle leaving certain areas porous. Hence, it is important to not soak them with cleaners. They should be cleaned using a foam cleaner. Any product residues can be removed with a slightly damp cloth. Do I need a cleaning brush? Leather usually has a recognisable grain structure and dirt collects in the graining and recesses. If a cloth or sponge is used, then you have to press down very firmly and rub to loosen the dirt. In such cases, a cleaning brush is a great help and a very handy tool. All brushes that are not harsh on your own skin, can be used. Wire brushes and scouring pads are not a good idea! Soiled cloth? Cleaning is necessary Dirt in the grain? Use the brush For barn finds, use a stronger cleaner Cloth or sponge? It is best to use a sponge to clean smooth surface areas and a cleaning brush to get into the graining. Remove all cleaning residues with a damp cloth. Always use a bright cloth, so you can see the degree of contamination. To maintain, a so cloth (such as a towel) is the best choice. Microfibre cloths are also good, but have a slightly abrasive eect which could cause damage only when cleaned intensively. But since there are enough alternatives, we always recommend using a softer cloth. When cleaning and applying any care product, always work in circular motions and work from seam to seam. This prevents any wipe marks. Mild Leather Cleaner or Strong Leather Cleaner? If the leather is very dirty, then the Strong Leather Cleaner should be used in conjunction with the cleaning brush. If it is just a routine cleaning with barely visible stains, then the Mild Leather Cleaner with a soft cloth or sponge should suffice. Why can’t I always use the Strong Cleaner? The golden rule for all cleaning applications: The gentlest cleaning agent is also the gentlest option.