Best Leather Cleaner/Conditioner for the 458?

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

I recommend Swissvax leather cleaner

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

Took me 11k miles though. LOL

 

Lexol ...still nothing compares

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!!!

 

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.