I just picked up my S last week and I want to take every precaution I can to keep it looking nice. I've searched and read through a lot of old posts on the topic of leather care and I just want to make sure I don't do something to ruin it. Are there some general rules of thumb when it comes to what kinds of things can come into contact with leather? I mean, if it's raining when I get into my S and water gets on my seats should I dry them immediately? Or is a little bit of water not going to hurt them? What about if my interior is a little dusty...is it ok for me to just use a damp cloth to wipe everything down? I thought I heard somewhere that water was bad for leather, or is that incorrect? I'm going to order the leather products from zaino to keep everything in good shape, but I'm more interested now in do's and dont's for everyday leather care. If anyone has any tips then I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

 

best not to get any water on leather...
be sure to use a good preservative after you clean the leather too. this will help if you get some rain (and yes, you should wipe it off asap... i carry a towel under my seat for this as well as unexpected droppings on my car).
so you need to get some good leather cleaner and some good leather preservative-

 

Most people on the boards will vouch for Lexol and/or Zymol cleaners and preservatives. Gee, where could I get some of that?

 

you should be able to find Lexol at any West Marine store

 

Thanks guys. So, I'm assuming wiping down a dusty seat with a damp cloth wouldn't be a good idea, correct? I guess a dry one would be best? As far as products go, I'd want something that doesn't look shiny after being applied.... I don't want that greasy look in my interior.

 

Thanks, I'll save myself a trip and buy it from me.

 

I've seen cows stand out in the rain before, what's the big deal with getting leather wet?

...research...research...research...

Ok, here's something interesting: "It is a good practice before you dampen leather is to test an inside seem to see if the leather has a finish. Water will bead on finished leather but will cause unfinished leather to spot. "

I would be willing to be that auto leather is "finished." Does anyone know what this means or if this is correct?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by usace
[B]Thanks guys.

 

Auto leather usually has some type of "clear coat" on it.

I just wipe the leather down with a damp cloth, and follow up with Zaino leather conditioner. My leather looks great. Its such an easy way to do it, too.

 

Thanks guys, keep the info coming. I, too, would be willing to bet that auto leather does have a finish on it to keep it somewhat water resistant. But better safe than sorry. Is a leather cleaner always necessary before using a conditioner, or is it more for when you get a spot from dirt, a spill, etc. on the leather?