Best Leather Cleaner/Conditioner for the 458? | FerrariChat

Best Leather Cleaner/Conditioner for the 458?

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by Clutch5150, Nov 1, 2013.

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  1. Clutch5150

    Clutch5150 Karting

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    If this a dupe, sorry my search gung foo is weak today.

    Just wanting to know what the consensus is. Would like a spray type. I've heard the Meguiar's Gold Class Rich Leather conditioner is good as well as Leatherique?

    Any real world feedback on these leather conditioning/cleaning products? Thanks!
     
  2. Noblesse Oblige

    Noblesse Oblige F1 Veteran

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    Because Ferrari leather is so easily worn, I use leather conditioners that leave a slippery surface to facilitate easy sliding when getting in and out. I learned the hard way that ones that leave the surface more grippy may be good for the leather but will wear much more quickly from friction. I have been happy with Mothers Leather Conditioner for some years now. It leaves a very slippery surface that may not be good for cornering grip but will be great for wear. Something to consider.
     
  3. arcangel

    arcangel Formula Junior

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    Do you use cleaner first and then apply the conditioner ? Or using conditioner alone ? Thnaks .
     
  4. big_guy

    big_guy F1 Rookie

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    I use cleaner and conditioned by Leatherique on my 430. Easy to apply, works extremely well.
     
  5. Noblesse Oblige

    Noblesse Oblige F1 Veteran

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    Cleaner once in awhile. Conditioner very often, at least once a month if not every two weeks.
     
  6. RBK

    RBK F1 Rookie

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    How long before you see wear without using conditioner? Anyone else have experience. I have owned 2 different Ferrari's for more than 6 years each and found little wear even though I seldom condition leather. Best
     
  7. maomaoferrari

    maomaoferrari Karting

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    has anyone used high end shoe cleaning cream/cleaners for their interior? It would be nice to achieve a patina over time for the interior of these cars, although I guess most people don't keep their cars for years to get there.
     
  8. wlt

    wlt Karting

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    When I was speccing my car, my sales person took me to the area where they keep the cars of preferred customers (a large number of 458s and some older models, as well as a few classics), so I could see the various color combinations in the flesh. The leather in an F430 looked like polished shoes, a glossy oily look, I couldn't help it and the word yikes came out of my mouth. The response of the sales person was: "this is what happens when people overdo it with leather care". His suggestion was to not use anything on the leather and wipe any dust with a soft, slightly moist cloth. This is what I am doing and it helps that my interior is all black.
     
  9. Clutch5150

    Clutch5150 Karting

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    I've heard DI water on a moist cloth as well. Thank you for the post and to the others. It does seem "once in awhile" is the appropriate suggestions in regards to any cleaner/conditioner.
     
  10. jipettersen

    jipettersen Karting

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    I recommend Swissvax leather cleaner :)
     
  11. Migas

    Migas Formula Junior

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    I use soft baby wipes. It allows easy cleaning, not too much humectant and low residue. Just get sure it hasn't silicone blends in its composition.
     
  12. AndrewJM

    AndrewJM Formula Junior

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    Leatherique is the best leather conditioner hands down, IMO. Leather Master Vital is also very good. For cleaning I use 1z Einszett Cockpit.
     
  13. Noblesse Oblige

    Noblesse Oblige F1 Veteran

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    Haven't run that experiment, but the 458 I bought off the floor had 1000 miles on it and its bolster was already badly shot. I had it partially rewrapped.

    Am not taking any chances. There are lots of reports about premature wear though I think it is a strong function of ingress/egress motion etc.
     
  14. forgeahead

    forgeahead F1 Rookie Owner

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    That must have been one large arse rubbing on that bolster upon entry and exit.
     
  15. rennspeed

    rennspeed Formula Junior BANNED

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    I use Woolite diluted 1:10 ratio put it in a spray bottle and use it to clean the seats and interior, works great
     
  16. BluNart

    BluNart Karting

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    Leatherique Prestine Clean when applied as instructed will keep the OEM matte finish and maybe more important reduce shrink if you haven't treated routinely. Won't get out dirt or light stains but partnering product Rejuvenator Oil does with a solid 48hr soak.

    I've also used and have found the Mother's product as noted earlier to be a solid leather conditioner too - but will leave a gloss finish unlike the Leatherique. In between look you can try Leather Master Protection Cream or Luxor Leather Conditioner.

    For a Ferrari, Leatherique has proven to be a preference of owners as it keeps the OEM matte finish.
     
  17. Noblesse Oblige

    Noblesse Oblige F1 Veteran

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    That is exactly what I was told by the dealer. LOL

    But seriously, it seems to make a difference how you get in and out. Some have a problem... some don't. It is beautiful leather though. The Italians are good at this.
     
  18. PhilNotHill

    PhilNotHill Two Time F1 World Champ Owner

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    Took me 11k miles though. LOL
     
  19. jaxxonr8

    jaxxonr8 Karting

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    Lexol ...still nothing compares
     
  20. wlt

    wlt Karting

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    Leatherique, I'll keep that in mind. I have a coupe and after 850 miles and no cleaner/conditioner application, the leather looks and smells as it did the first day. I think a spider would require some care, but the coupe should be fine without any as long as I'm careful.
     
  21. luvair

    luvair Formula 3 Owner Rossa Subscribed

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    I always try to put my left hand behind my left butt with seat all the way back, so my hand gently goes against the leather, rather than have my pants rub directly on the leather. Seems to work OK without scratching leather.

    For the leather conditioner, I use an leather oil and apply in sun while leather is warm, and let it absorb with the pours of the leather open for a few hours. Then dry off in the shade the next day. Seems to work well and stays matte.
     
  22. Afonsolaw

    Afonsolaw Formula 3

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    I have tried everything the best is zymol leather cleaner and conditioner does a perfect job and leaves the leather smelling like a brand new pair of Ferragamos!!!
     
  23. Mo T

    Mo T Formula Junior

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    I used almost everything out there, Lexol, Leathrique, Leather Master, Zymol, Meguiars, Mothers .... nothing really compares to Leatherique, the thing works really good but it is a hassle to work with, I say clean it with a moist cloth every week or two and use Leatherique once or twice a year to keep the leather soft and in good health.

    Edit: I once used Leatherique, Zymol and Lexol side by side on different spots of the seat to examine the differences, Leatherique kept the best impression, so soft and natural.
     

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