Leather Care

[mal]

Hello,
It has been nearly a year since I finished the frame Off restoration of my 280SL. The Leather interior was totally replaced from GAHH.
My question is, What do I need to do to protect and clean the leather seats?
Many Thanks

Malek Mrowa - Beirut, Lebanon.
280SL 71- Light Blue-/Blue
190SL 61 - Silver/Red

[norton]

This is the best I'v found, It can even make "Chevy" leather soft.
http://www.leatherique.com/

Mike Halleck
Chesterfield Mi
71 280SL
68 250SL (parts car)
94 E320 Coupe

[Jonny B]

Everyone probably has a favorite, so I will add mine. I have had good luck with the products from Griot's Garage (www.griotsgarage.com, the interior cleaner and leather care). I am now trying the zymol leather treatment (www.zymol.com). The main point is to keep it clean and use a good quality treatment.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[gwuisman]

I was advised to use (horse) saddle fat. Cheap and effective.

Gerard Wuisman
1970 280sl

[hauser]

I've been pondering this question myself.  In the past I've used Conolly Hide Food on my previous cars.  Any thoughts?

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[Chad]

BTW, which product from leatherique was believed to be great for re-dying headliner in a hardtop.  Was it the "white dye?"

-CD-
1967 230SL, 113.042 10
1983 300TDT, 123.193

[n/a]

Connely hide food has been mentioned and it the conditioner of choice often spoken of by Jaguar owners.  An american product called Lexol is a very good cleaner and conditioner.  Do not use Neats Foot Oil, prefered by horse saddle owners.  The problem is that the oil will rot the synthetic stitching in the seats, even though it does a beautiful job on the leather.  Also, IMO, avoid products such as Armor-All.  Finally, leatherique is a great product.
Best regards,
Don

[graphic66]

I use Lexol with great results

[JOS]

The must important thing that you can do to protect your leather is to keep your car covered when not in use, keep the car away from the sun, UV rays will kill your color in no time,even inside your garage and heat will dry out all the natural oils in the leather.

I vacuum and clean my leather every 3 months, the same day I change my motor oil and check all the fluids. Regardless of the cleaning product that you use, always test the cleaner before using it,some cleaners will change your color.(kick panel is a good place to test.)

[mal]

Thank you all for your helpful responses,

I keep my car in an undergroung parking and use it once or twice a week.

So do I start Treating/Feeding the leather from now even though it is lesss than a year old?
Thanks

Malek Mrowa - Beirut, Lebanon.
280SL 71- Light Blue-/Blue
190SL 61 - Ivory/Red