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      04-06-2021, 05:13 PM   #1
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First off, I've been reading around (plenty of posts already) and I'm thinking a weekly or biweekly wash with warm, soapy water and is in order.

There's a bunch of suggestions but I guess I'd just like to know if someone out there has kept the leather almost new over the years and would like to share how they did it.

Where I fall on my face is what protectant/cleaner to use, or if it's even recommended. I've used leatherique on my seats a couple times and it worked well, although the seats are not in the best condition and it did take some dye off.

I bought a F10 shift knob two years ago and it's kinda shiny already so either I wasn't washing it enough or using the wrong products or both.

This was a little longer than I anticipated, but appreciate any feedback, thanks!
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      04-06-2021, 09:37 PM   #2
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I use driving gloves to prevent shining up the steering wheel, since I usually drive long distances in the M6.
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      04-07-2021, 07:43 PM   #3
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Subscribed. I don't have much to add, but I try to wash my hands before I drive, if possible.
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      04-07-2021, 08:26 PM   #4
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warm water
magic eraser

light pressure. scrub a dub dub.
wipe dry.
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      04-07-2021, 08:27 PM   #5
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option 2 is sonax leather cleaner spray- spray. let it sit for 5 minutes, and use a brush to scrub it. wipe dry.
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      04-07-2021, 10:51 PM   #6
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I would be very careful with the magic eraser. It works well but also slowly takes off the top clear coat on the leather.
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      04-07-2021, 11:13 PM   #7
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Yeah don't use magic eraser.

Use a leather cleaner.

I used Adam's polishes leather cleaner. P&S also makes a great interior detail spray.
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      04-07-2021, 11:20 PM   #8
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Find a good leather cleaner and clean regularly with a colourlock brush. Gently agitate the cleaner into the leather and wipe clean with a clean microfiber. If your wheel is in good shape and still matte, any cleaner will work: Adam's, Chemical Guys, Sonax, etc... Don't overthink it.

Leave things like a magic eraser and restoration kits for repair duty.

If my hands are sweaty I try to point the air vents right at my hands to keep them dry.

If you want to go crazy, wear gloves.
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      04-08-2021, 09:19 AM   #9
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Awesome, thanks for all the suggestions, I just bought it new last week and it looks so great I want to keep it that way.

I do wipe may hands with a microfiber if they're sweaty, haha. Glad I'm not the only one!

I'll probably try the sonax and Adam's products too along with warm water. It's funny, I actually just agreed to get my neighbor's Mercedes 560 SL convertible on the road again and the leather needs a bit of cleaning so looks like I'm going off the deep end with this stuff.
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      04-08-2021, 12:32 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ajolives View Post
Awesome, thanks for all the suggestions, I just bought it new last week and it looks so great I want to keep it that way.

I do wipe may hands with a microfiber if they're sweaty, haha. Glad I'm not the only one!

I'll probably try the sonax and Adam's products too along with warm water. It's funny, I actually just agreed to get my neighbor's Mercedes 560 SL convertible on the road again and the leather needs a bit of cleaning so looks like I'm going off the deep end with this stuff.
Actually, if it's brand new and you want to protect it, this may be of interest to you:

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      04-09-2021, 10:24 PM   #11
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Leatherique Prestine clean and Leatherique Rejuvanator

Clean your wheel monthly with the pristine clean. Use the Rejuvanator once every 6 months.

Steps:
Apply the rejuvenator liberally to the wheel (don't get it in any electronics)
Wrap with a plastic steer wheel cover
Let sit 24-48hrs
Wipe pristine clean and microfiber until its all removed

You will be impressed

Do this in the hotter months where you live and park the car outside until the interior is hot. Helps it work
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      04-13-2021, 02:16 AM   #12
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step one is preventative- keep your hands clean. sonax leather cleaner and a microfiber also works well.
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      04-16-2021, 01:43 PM   #13
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NEVER. NEVER. Use magic eraser on leather surfaces. It will take the dye out of the leather.
I use swissvax leather cleaner. Restores the wheel to matte, repeat treatment if needed or every 2-3 months.
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      04-16-2021, 03:02 PM   #14
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I am a fan of Meguiars Leather Cleaner from their Detailer line. That and a natural hair brush are all you need.
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      04-20-2021, 06:04 PM   #15
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No one mentioned if you use a warm water microfiber that is wrung out, it removes the oils pretty quickly. If you keep doing this during your car washes, it should keep it nice and matte too.
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      04-20-2021, 08:25 PM   #16
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Griots Garage Interior cleaner gives my steering wheel that matte finish. I use it on the seats too, very good stuff
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      04-21-2021, 02:53 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by derbo View Post
No one mentioned if you use a warm water microfiber that is wrung out, it removes the oils pretty quickly. If you keep doing this during your car washes, it should keep it nice and matte too.
Agree, this goes a long way. Occasionally clean it of with a brush but again regular wipe down is good.
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      04-29-2021, 09:49 AM   #18
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I use chemical guys leather cleaner/conditioner every 6 months. Car has 60k on it, and the steering wheel looks mint.

Also as others have mentioned, hand washing is good. If my hands are anything less than totally clean, or I went out to eat, I will always wash my hands before I touch the steering wheel.

Despite this, when I use the leather cleaner/conditioner, there's always a shocking amount of grime and oil that comes out of the wheel.

Moral of the story is condition your leather, at least once every 6 months.
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      05-16-2021, 12:36 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by b4hand View Post
I am a fan of Meguiars Leather Cleaner from their Detailer line. That and a natural hair brush are all you need.
I used some Meguiars Gold Class Leather conditioner and warm water and it turned out fantastic. Feels like I just pulled it out of the box.
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      05-16-2021, 12:38 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SoCalRPM View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ajolives View Post
Awesome, thanks for all the suggestions, I just bought it new last week and it looks so great I want to keep it that way.

I do wipe may hands with a microfiber if they're sweaty, haha. Glad I'm not the only one!

I'll probably try the sonax and Adam's products too along with warm water. It's funny, I actually just agreed to get my neighbor's Mercedes 560 SL convertible on the road again and the leather needs a bit of cleaning so looks like I'm going off the deep end with this stuff.
Actually, if it's brand new and you want to protect it, this may be of interest to you:

I'm sold, that's exactly what I'm looking for as far as protection goes, thanks for sharing that!
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      05-16-2021, 01:05 PM   #21
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I use Leather Master Soft Cleaner and that's it.
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      05-16-2021, 03:03 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ando View Post
I use Leather Master Soft Cleaner and that's it.
That's it right there. I like how the textured leather (pleather?) is just as matte as the actual leather. I'm guessing you used it on everything?
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