I just picked up an 04 S this past weekend. Car is in great shape mechanically, and the exterior is near flawless. The same cannot be said for the interior for sure. . . especially the steering wheel. It looks completely smooth in several sections because there is so much gunk buildup. Anyone know what product(s) would work best to remove the nastiness? I've tried a cheaper Meguirs leather cleaner/conditioner but after three passes it still needs quite a bit of work. Hoping there is something out there I can get that'll work faster while still not damaging anything.

 

Try warm soapy water and lots of microfiber towels.

Touch it up with some Armor All Natural Finish detailer spray for the OEM satin finish look.



I've tried Lexol cleaner and conditioner, but it won't remove the shiny look very well.

 

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser did wonders for my steering wheel.

 

save your money! dont buy these fancy cleaners and junk that dont work. go into your garage/shop and get your normal hand cleaner with pumice. rub it on and wipe it off. leather is natural, skin, like our hands so it does the same thing. you can also use this on your leather seats and stuff, just be careful getting it in the perforated leather!

Doug

 

That actually makes a lot of sense. I'll try it when I get to work tonight since I don't have any at the house right now.

Thanks for the other suggestions as well. If the hand cleaner doesn't help I'll try the natural finish detailer. I hate products that leave an unnatural shine.

 

Same stuff as what's mentioned in countless prior leather care threads. I'd recommend Leather Master's line but you can use diluted Woolite.

Do NOT use abrasives on leather unless you're looking to damage the top coat. Again, refer to prior threads. See also the Magic Eraser thread.

Not quite. The skin on your hands grows and repairs itself. The leather on your steering wheel does not since it's no longer part of the cow.

 

Trust me. I have been doing custom Upholstery for a long time. If you scrub the heck out of the leather then yes,, it will destroy it. If you just rub it in and clean it up then you will NOT mess it up.. the pumice grains in the hand cleaners is less abrasive that Scotch brite pads and o have scribed the heck out of leather with thoes.