The Magic Eraser for maintaining leather? Who knew?

Sedan_Clan · 09-27-2011, 04:28 PM

I think that I may have found a viable method for maintaining "like new" leather condition. I introduce.....The Magic Eraser. Yes enthusiasts, I am dead serious. Allow me to share how my experience has led me to this conclusion.

People have many opinions on how to maintain the interior and exterior of an automobile, and BMW enthuiasts are no different (..aside from exhibiting slightly more obsessive compulsive tendencies than your average person ). In my many years of owning BMW's (..and being a member of majority of the most popular BMW forums), I have tried most of the methods and products suggested by members whom, without any doubt, truly care about the well being of their BMW's. Some of these methods (..i.e..exterior cleansing) I still employ to this day! Many of the products recommended, however, have ultimately resulted in a bit of dissatisfaction on my part. Some products "change" the texture of the leather while others cause the leather to shine, which is unlike its original appearance. I could be nit-picking, but like many of you I also exhibit some obsessive compulsive tendencies.

My prior experience with leather care products caused me to try some unorthodox cleaning methods such as bar soap and water (..yeah, I know!), but that method was unsuccessful where dirt and leather shine was concerned. The dawn of a new day was ahead however, and my morning shower led to a startling revelation. As I looked around the shower while scrubbing my unmentionables, there lay Mr Clean's Magic Eraser. I thought to myself, "Hmmm! This eraser is good at erasing all sorts of shit. I wonder if it can erase the dirt off of my driver's seat!!??!" Keep in mind that I wipe my seats down with a slightly damp microfiber towel after every wash, and I cover the seat bottom when I'm driving the car (..OCD much? ), so my seats are in very, very good condition. I have Silver Novillo leather, so maintaining it is of huge importance to me. It doesn't take much at all for lighter colored leathers to begin looking unsightly.

I hopped out of the shower with vigor, destined to embark on a new leather maintenance journey. I grabbed a damp microfiber towel, a damp Magic Eraser, my garage door opener and my key, and headed downstairs. Smiling like a teenage boy who just lost his virginity, I went to work on my driver's seat. Erase!....Wipe!....Erase!...Wipe! The results were astonishing! Not only was ALL of the dirt on the side bolsters no longer present, neither was the gloss from sweat/contact with clothing (..most noticeable on the upper portions of the seat where your shoulders would rest). The driver's seat looked just like my regularly empty passenger seat again. The restorative nature of the Magic Eraser had impressed me yet again, and I will continue to utilize its effectiveness on my leather seats from this day forward.

Just thought I would share.......

....flame suit on!

ec_E92 · 09-27-2011, 04:34 PM

You're not crazy, used it on my S4's silver nappa leather years ago. Worked like magic!

THE TECH · 09-27-2011, 04:39 PM

Interesting. Wonder if there are any negatives regarding the eraser and leather?

Jaypod · 09-27-2011, 04:39 PM

You should have just searched - this was discovered a long time ago....and even discussed in this forum before I believe.

Good to hear you had success. Just be careful - it is abrasive. A buddy of mine messed up his drivers seat a bit. Light beige leather.

Krozi · 09-27-2011, 04:39 PM

Be very, very careful with that. It's like extremely fine sand paper and you'll take the dye off your leather in a heart beat if you use it too much. It can fuck shit up.....trust me. lol

Sedan_Clan · 09-27-2011, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaypod

You should have just searched - this was discovered a long time ago....and even discussed in this forum before I believe.

Good to hear you had success. Just be careful - it is abrasive. A buddy of mine messed up his drivers seat a bit. Light beige leather.

Damn! That was a thread that I definitely missed. Did your buddy just not wet it enough?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krozi

Be very, very careful with that. It's like extremely fine sand paper and you'll take the dye off your leather in a heart beat if you use it too much. It can fuck shit up.....trust me. lol

I did spot check the eraser, and I continued to check to make sure that it wasn't becoming the same color as my leather. LOL! I suppose you learned this from experience?

Jaypod · 09-27-2011, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Damn! That was a thread that I definitely missed. Did your buddy just not wet it enough?

He did, but maybe too much vigor.

Probably good for stubborn stains etc. Just not sure I would use it with any regularity.

jqsmooth · 09-27-2011, 05:31 PM

Good to know! I think all of us are a little OCD when it comes to our M3s.

Mr. ///M3 RD · 09-27-2011, 05:49 PM

thanks for the tip ... I will try to do this during my restoration project on our 1987 e28 the interior is black leather.

However, I recommend that after the treatment you describe you use a leather conditioner. I think this is important have you done this?

Sedan_Clan · 09-27-2011, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rolf-Dieter

thanks for the tip ... I will try to do this during my restoration project on our 1987 e28 the interior is black leather.

However, I recommend that after the treatment you describe you use a leather conditioner. I think this is important have you done this?

I will sometime this evening.

Malek@MRF · 09-27-2011, 07:22 PM

You should not use Magic Eraser on your leather at all as you are wearing away the protective coating over your leather.

Our leather is coated, and a simple experiment can show you this. Water beads on the surface, it does not soak through.

When you use magic eraser on the surface, you are essentially wearing down the "clear coat" for the lack of a better way of putting in of the leather.

The best way to clean your leather is with a pH balanced cleaner and a leather brush.

JerryK73 · 09-27-2011, 08:49 PM

I've actually used this method on my steering wheel when I had my E46 M3. I would be very reluctant to use this on my seating surfaces due to how abrasive it can be if used for to long in a single spot. For seating surfaces I would highly recommend Leathertique.

kmarei · 09-27-2011, 09:35 PM

where was this when Bill Clinton was in office?

Ateam · 09-27-2011, 11:04 PM

This is the beginning of the end of your leather if you continue this. It is nothing more than sandpaper, wrapped in a nice little package for marketing and called Magic. The reason it initially works as its sandpaper and you do not notice the wear. Use it a few times and irriversible damage is done

Sedan_Clan · 09-28-2011, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malekreza

The best way to clean your leather is with a pH balanced cleaner and a leather brush.

What would you suggest Malek?

Username, I know what you mean. Every interior that I've seen where leather cleaner/conditioner was used looks shiny and horrible.

8_is_enough · 09-28-2011, 01:59 AM

I learned my lesson with Magic Eraser and leather after cleaning my sneakers with it. Took the dye right off in some cases.

shendrick · 09-28-2011, 02:06 AM

Although I am a magic eraser fan for my flat white walls at home, rub your fingers togther after using it and the abrasive nature of it becomes all too clear. I would never use it on leather. However, if you get high quality leather cleaner and conditioner from Coach or some other high end store - you will get excellent results without any of the down side of ME.

positiveions · 09-28-2011, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmarei

where was this when Bill Clinton was in office?

it wasn't a leather; rather a fabric dress.

Don't be a happy gilmore with that stuff.

just be careful not to overuse it.

positiveions · 09-28-2011, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rclee337

I learned my lesson with Magic Eraser and leather after cleaning my sneakers with it. Took the dye right off in some cases.

though sneakers don't have the same quality dye as in leather seats, but yes, one should be careful

Sedan_Clan · 09-28-2011, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eatrach73

it wasn't a leather; rather a fabric dress.

Don't be a happy gilmore with that stuff.

just be careful not to overuse it.

You've got my word!

Has anybody used the leather cleaner from Coach?

Dieselino · 09-28-2011, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Smiling like a teenage boy who just lost his virginity, I went to work on my driver's seat.

MuttGrunt · 09-28-2011, 12:15 PM

NNNOOOOOO!!!!!! Another horrible leather thread? ANOTHER???

Seems like these pop up at least once a month with bad advice, bad techniques, and lack for clear information being spread.

DO NOT use something abrasive on your leather. The urethane coating shouldn't be treated in this matter. The best thing you can do for leather is to simply keep it clean. Monthly wipe downs of something like Leatheriqe Prestine Clean, Leather Master Soft Cleaner, or even 20:1 diluted Woolite should help a lot. Ditch all the garbage "conditioner" products you normally find which actually increase wear on your seat. Your leather is coated and doesn't need "conditioning."

If anything, do a little research and read one of the other dozen threads on proper leather care, and DO NOT use a magic eraser on your seats!

09-27-2011, 04:28 PM	#1
Sedan_Clan Capoeirista Extraordinaire! Drives: AW E92 M3 (prev. an E90 IB M3) Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: The Twilight Zone! Or running your plates... Posts: 4,433 iTrader: (10)	The Magic Eraser for maintaining leather? Who knew? I think that I may have found a viable method for maintaining "like new" leather condition. I introduce.....The Magic Eraser. Yes enthusiasts, I am dead serious. Allow me to share how my experience has led me to this conclusion. People have many opinions on how to maintain the interior and exterior of an automobile, and BMW enthuiasts are no different (..aside from exhibiting slightly more obsessive compulsive tendencies than your average person ). In my many years of owning BMW's (..and being a member of majority of the most popular BMW forums), I have tried most of the methods and products suggested by members whom, without any doubt, truly care about the well being of their BMW's. Some of these methods (..i.e..exterior cleansing) I still employ to this day! Many of the products recommended, however, have ultimately resulted in a bit of dissatisfaction on my part. Some products "change" the texture of the leather while others cause the leather to shine, which is unlike its original appearance. I could be nit-picking, but like many of you I also exhibit some obsessive compulsive tendencies. My prior experience with leather care products caused me to try some unorthodox cleaning methods such as bar soap and water (..yeah, I know!), but that method was unsuccessful where dirt and leather shine was concerned. The dawn of a new day was ahead however, and my morning shower led to a startling revelation. As I looked around the shower while scrubbing my unmentionables, there lay Mr Clean's Magic Eraser. I thought to myself, "Hmmm! This eraser is good at erasing all sorts of shit. I wonder if it can erase the dirt off of my driver's seat!!??!" Keep in mind that I wipe my seats down with a slightly damp microfiber towel after every wash, and I cover the seat bottom when I'm driving the car (..OCD much? ), so my seats are in very, very good condition. I have Silver Novillo leather, so maintaining it is of huge importance to me. It doesn't take much at all for lighter colored leathers to begin looking unsightly. I hopped out of the shower with vigor, destined to embark on a new leather maintenance journey. I grabbed a damp microfiber towel, a damp Magic Eraser, my garage door opener and my key, and headed downstairs. Smiling like a teenage boy who just lost his virginity, I went to work on my driver's seat. Erase!....Wipe!....Erase!...Wipe! The results were astonishing! Not only was ALL of the dirt on the side bolsters no longer present, neither was the gloss from sweat/contact with clothing (..most noticeable on the upper portions of the seat where your shoulders would rest). The driver's seat looked just like my regularly empty passenger seat again. The restorative nature of the Magic Eraser had impressed me yet again, and I will continue to utilize its effectiveness on my leather seats from this day forward. Just thought I would share....... ....flame suit on! Last edited by Sedan_Clan; 09-27-2011 at 04:37 PM.
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09-27-2011, 04:34 PM	#2
ec_E92 Enginerd Drives: another AW Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: cbus, oh Posts: 244 iTrader: (1)	You're not crazy, used it on my S4's silver nappa leather years ago. Worked like magic! __________________ 2008 E92 AW 6MT ///eibach's///ARC-8///Muffler Delete

09-27-2011, 04:39 PM	#3
THE TECH BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Kansas Posts: 11,936 iTrader: (39)	Interesting. Wonder if there are any negatives regarding the eraser and leather? __________________ Check us out on Facebook at BPMsportLabs

09-27-2011, 04:39 PM	#4
Jaypod BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: Frozen M3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 4,681 iTrader: (7)	You should have just searched - this was discovered a long time ago....and even discussed in this forum before I believe. Good to hear you had success. Just be careful - it is abrasive. A buddy of mine messed up his drivers seat a bit. Light beige leather. __________________ \| Alpinestars \| OMP \| HANS \| Pagid \| AiM \| Stilo \| JRZ \| Brembo \| Stoptech \|

09-27-2011, 04:39 PM	#5
Krozi Deutsche Jung aus Kölle Drives: 2008 E92 ///M3 Alpine White Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: SoFla - Bonita Springs Posts: 2,699 iTrader: (20)	Be very, very careful with that. It's like extremely fine sand paper and you'll take the dye off your leather in a heart beat if you use it too much. It can fuck shit up.....trust me. lol __________________ 2008 E92 ///M3 Alpine White//Fox Red//6MT// Florida Bimmer - Join us on FaceBook!

09-27-2011, 05:31 PM	#8
jqsmooth Lieutenant Drives: M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 514 iTrader: (1)	Good to know! I think all of us are a little OCD when it comes to our M3s. __________________ 2011 E92 l SSII l Fox Red l ZP2 l ZCW l ZCV l 19" l 6MT l DDC l EPS 2012 Toyota Prius C(my new daily). 2002 Nissan Pathfinder - 301.6K and Junked. 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport - Rolled & Totalled. 1995 Cadillac Fleetwood - RIP.

09-27-2011, 05:49 PM	#9
Mr. ///M3 RD Major General Drives: M3 Summer & C350 4MATIC Winter Join Date: May 2010 Location: GTA, Ontario - Canada Posts: 7,572 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 M3 Coupe e92 [3.00] 2011 Benz 350 4MATIC [1.00] 1969 Restored Merce ... [0.00] 1987 BMW 535is [0.50] Cars from the Past [1.50] The ///M3 Engine S65 [3.50]	thanks for the tip ... I will try to do this during my restoration project on our 1987 e28 the interior is black leather. However, I recommend that after the treatment you describe you use a leather conditioner. I think this is important have you done this? __________________ Cheers, Rolf-Dieter Life will take us to some interesting places, fortunately The ///M3 will too with a many of us know this very well ---> Click here for some good stuff I found

09-27-2011, 07:22 PM	#11
Malek@MRF BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: E92 ZCP Melbourne 6MT Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Irvine, California Posts: 2,832 iTrader: (5)	You should not use Magic Eraser on your leather at all as you are wearing away the protective coating over your leather. Our leather is coated, and a simple experiment can show you this. Water beads on the surface, it does not soak through. When you use magic eraser on the surface, you are essentially wearing down the "clear coat" for the lack of a better way of putting in of the leather. The best way to clean your leather is with a pH balanced cleaner and a leather brush. __________________ MRF on Facebook Southern California's largest & most reputable E9x M3 forced induction & suspension facility. *"Performance; Uncompromised."*

09-27-2011, 08:49 PM	#12
JerryK73 Second Lieutenant Drives: 2009 LeMans Blue Coupe Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: New Jersey/New Orleans/Houston Posts: 216 iTrader: (3)	I've actually used this method on my steering wheel when I had my E46 M3. I would be very reluctant to use this on my seating surfaces due to how abrasive it can be if used for to long in a single spot. For seating surfaces I would highly recommend Leathertique.

09-27-2011, 09:35 PM	#13
kmarei Major General Drives: 1988 M3 Evo II Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Reston, VA Posts: 6,044 iTrader: (32)	where was this when Bill Clinton was in office? __________________ "There are two opinions in this world. Mine and the wrong one." -- Jeremy Clarkson

09-27-2011, 11:04 PM	#14
Ateam Banned Drives: M3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: USA Posts: 1,111 iTrader: (0)	This is the beginning of the end of your leather if you continue this. It is nothing more than sandpaper, wrapped in a nice little package for marketing and called Magic. The reason it initially works as its sandpaper and you do not notice the wear. Use it a few times and irriversible damage is done

09-28-2011, 01:59 AM	#16
8_is_enough Lieutenant Drives: '11 E92M Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: san francisco, ca Posts: 407 iTrader: (8)	I learned my lesson with Magic Eraser and leather after cleaning my sneakers with it. Took the dye right off in some cases.

09-28-2011, 02:06 AM	#17
shendrick Second Lieutenant Drives: 08 e90 M3, 05 e46 zhp, 07 X3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Near Boston MA Posts: 252 iTrader: (0)	Although I am a magic eraser fan for my flat white walls at home, rub your fingers togther after using it and the abrasive nature of it becomes all too clear. I would never use it on leather. However, if you get high quality leather cleaner and conditioner from Coach or some other high end store - you will get excellent results without any of the down side of ME.

09-28-2011, 12:15 PM	#22
MuttGrunt Banned Drives: beater;) Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 872 iTrader: (0)	NNNOOOOOO!!!!!! Another horrible leather thread? ANOTHER??? Seems like these pop up at least once a month with bad advice, bad techniques, and lack for clear information being spread. DO NOT use something abrasive on your leather. The urethane coating shouldn't be treated in this matter. The best thing you can do for leather is to simply keep it clean. Monthly wipe downs of something like Leatheriqe Prestine Clean, Leather Master Soft Cleaner, or even 20:1 diluted Woolite should help a lot. Ditch all the garbage "conditioner" products you normally find which actually increase wear on your seat. Your leather is coated and doesn't need "conditioning." If anything, do a little research and read one of the other dozen threads on proper leather care, and DO NOT use a magic eraser on your seats!

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