Champagne nappa leather clean!!

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mr bump
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Joined: Mon Jun 28, 2010 3:47 pm

Champagne nappa leather clean!!

Post by mr bump » Sat Feb 19, 2022 12:56 pm

Morning all, its time to give the interior a dam good clean prior to selling B10 #803.
I've never cleaned a leather interior before, but it's not just the seats, the cabin is all leather! Door cards, handles, centre console, gear knob.... I've never seen so much leather in a car.
The door card pull handle has lost its colour as has the gear knob.
Is there a way to make these look near new again? I've seen a few YouTube videos but they all say you have to buy loads of products.
Any help would be great.
Never take flatulence to an excrement disagreement. Custodian of B10 V8 #803

AG
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Location: Cambs

Re: Champagne nappa leather clean!!

Post by AG » Sat Feb 19, 2022 4:51 pm

yep it'll take quite a few products to bring a worn interior back up to scratch, and it takes time.
If its lost its colour at any point then you'll need the dye to put that back, but although there are a few steps to follow, its all elbow work really, and needs a dry warm day ideally.
Former BMW CC 7 register chairman

2000 e39 B10 V8 Touring
1985 e23 B10 (sold)
1995 B3 saloon switchtronic (sold)

Fast3000
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Re: Champagne nappa leather clean!!

Post by Fast3000 » Sat Feb 19, 2022 6:40 pm

There are a number of options and as mentioned the leather may need to be recolonised due to age....some things just cannot be cleaned :D
I also have watched many YouTube videos and a good channel is forensic detailing, great watch. Overall if its super dirty and importantly you have time!! following usually works -

1) Disconnect battery (to stop the airbag sensors detecting an issue - I think e39s have them?)
2) take the seats out (cars of this era are easier to work on)
3) A good deep hoover of seats and carpets too!
4) Use a soft / medium bristle brush with either a specialist leather product found here - https://www.detailedclean.co.uk/Interior/Leather-Care/
5) or cheapskate option and works just as well, mix woolite (the detergent for wool clothes!) with water and go over the leather using a soft / medium brush gently. Wipe with a micro fiber cloth
6) the above will give your leather a nice matt finish
7) seal the leather with a specialist leather conditioner - any one of the ones in the link will be great. Personally have used Zaino leather products and are lovely. I have read gliptone is also good.
Last edited by Fast3000 on Sat Feb 19, 2022 7:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Current
2004 BMW B3S #156 (Keeper)
2015 BMW 320d F30 ED Sport (70mpg)
Previous
2011, 2016, 2018 - Kia Sportage (Rolls Royce customer care)
2007 BMW Z4M E86 Coupe (Animal)
2006 Audi A4 B7 2.0T (Good car)
2001 VW Golf GTI MK4 (Meh)
1994 Ford Escort 1.6 Zetec (light n dandy)
1992 Fiat Tipo GT (Fun car)
1991 Ford Orion 1.6 Ghia (beefy engine)
1984 Ford Fiesta 1.1L (Audio more expensive then car)

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