I did a general leather care search on this forum and didn't come up with much. So I am throwing this topic out there.

What products are you using to clean and condition the leather in your BMW? Seats, door panels and dash.

I currently use the BMW leather wipes. But those just clean. And they go quick. I haven't found a conditioner I am confident enough in to smear on my Oyster seats. I am considering the BMW cleaning/conditioning set.

AZM40i wrote

I did a general leather care search on this forum and didn't come up with much. So I am throwing this topic out there.

What products are you using to clean and condition the leather in your BMW? Seats, door panels and dash.

I currently use the BMW leather wipes. But those just clean. And they go quick. I haven't found a conditioner I am confident enough in to smear on my Oyster seats. I am considering the BMW cleaning/conditioning set.

Most modern car leather has a painted top layer, so unless it's old/cracked conditioning is no longer required.

Use a good quality coating to minimise dye transfer and aid future cleaning.

The best product I've used is Dr Leather (Also produce dye block for premium OEM) and Colourlock.

https://www.drleather.com/leather-cleaner

"By contrast, modern day leathers are much more advanced and tested to much higher specifications. The lubricants used are almost always synthetic, they are modified so that they lock on to the fibres and so do not migrate, contain humectants to maintain a natural balance of moisture in the leather (this is very important), and the coatings used are now multi-strata highly crosslinked polyurethane and acrylic blends that provide extremely high performance levels of abrasion resistance, flexibility, cold crack resistance, etc., giving much more durable leather.

 
The Myth of Conditioners...
As a consequence, the way to clean and maintain your leather has also changed. The old style regime of ‘clean and feed your leather’ is outdated. The cleaning is still very important, but the feeding is now a bit of a myth, because these so called ‘conditioners’ cannot get into the leather any longer due to the tough coating systems used. Typically, conditioners are based on natural ingredients such as beeswax, lanolin, etc. and their chemical make-up cannot truly penetrate into modern leathers through the coatings. Most applications say to apply the conditioner, leave for a period of time and then wipe off any excess. This shows a real issue in that the conditioner, if wiped off will appear to be gone, but actually it will still be there on the surface to some degree, and in the ‘valleys’ between the grain pattern, and will actually pick up dirt and soiling more quickly. Which then forces you to clean the leather sooner, and then recondition, ultimately creating the ‘quick-soiling’ scenario all over again. Also other brands say their conditioners are required for maintaining softness, but the moisture content of the leather is the most critical aspect, and that is controlled through the humectants and special fatliquors used in modern leather manufacture.

The Truth...
The truth is that modern-day leathers still require maintenance, but through regular cleaning. However, a lot of cleaners are very generic, and their formulations can actually cause minor damage to the coatings if used in excess or not cleaned off properly. That is why Dr Leather Ltd created a specifically designed cleaning product, based upon our experience of actually making and designing new leathers for many OEM brands where we actually know and utilise all the latest leather technology years ahead of its actual launch in products to the general public.

Through our field testing with professional detailers, we quickly realised that a product range in either pre-impregnated wipes or liquid format. Since creation, many detailing and leather maintenance companies have moved across to our product, realising the following benefits: A far simpler, more time effective solution to the usual two-stage products, allowing the detailer to save money in a faster cleaning procedure and only having to control the need for a single all-in-one product. A genuine polymer formulation specific to the modern-day leather coatings, and which specifically avoids the use of any silicone-based materials. Easy to dispose of wipes, avoiding the need for multiple cleaning cloths, which require regular washing."

I use Gyeon Q2M Leather Cleaner Mild for maintenance and Gyeon Q2 Leathershield as a ceramic protectant.

As mentioned, virtually all leather used in automotive seating is 'coated', so upkeep is pretty simple, regular wipe down with damp sponge or cloth to clean, then if you like apply a protectant-

Another vote for Dr Leather, that stuff is incredible.

AZM40i wrote

I did a general leather care search on this forum and didn't come up with much. So I am throwing this topic out there.

What products are you using to clean and condition the leather in your BMW? Seats, door panels and dash.

I currently use the BMW leather wipes. But those just clean. And they go quick. I haven't found a conditioner I am confident enough in to smear on my Oyster seats. I am considering the BMW cleaning/conditioning set.

Just used some leather cleaner and conditioner the other day. I've been using this stuff for awhile in my cars now. The left side of the driver seat was getting a bit shiny from in and out. Didn't get a before pic but it wasn't too bad. Used this stuff and I'd say it literally looks brand new again. Nice clean and matte leather. I have 22k miles if anyone's wondering. Also cleaned the leather and Alcantara on the wheel but using different cleaner for the Alcantara.

AZM40i wrote

I did a general leather care search on this forum and didn't come up with much. So I am throwing this topic out there.

What products are you using to clean and condition the leather in your BMW? Seats, door panels and dash.

I currently use the BMW leather wipes. But those just clean. And they go quick. I haven't found a conditioner I am confident enough in to smear on my Oyster seats. I am considering the BMW cleaning/conditioning set.

Adam's Polishes has very good products.

https://adamspolishes.com

I tried different products in the past 20 years and had good results with Lexol and Gliptone.

I would look at Colorlock: https://www.colourlock.com/?___store=usa?___store=usa they make the best Leather Care Products.

comptr wrote

I would look at Colorlock: https://www.colourlock.com/?___store=usa?___store=usa they make the best Leather Care Products.

+1

This is imho the best product you can get. I did not mention it because it's a company from Germany and I was not aware it's also available in the USA.

BMW recommends cleaning and conditioning. I would check with your dealership about your particular leather for their input.

Ravenous666 wrote

+1

This is imho the best product you can get. I did not mention it because it's a company from Germany and I was not aware it's also available in the USA.

My personal choice! There are two versions btw, one for new leather and one for leather that is more than 3 years old.

As you are researching, I like the products from Blackfire (interior cleaner/protectant). I also use their products for exterior care.
https://www.blackfirewax.com/blackfire-interior-protectant.html
https://www.blackfirewax.com/blackfire-interior-cleaner.html

DenverSteve wrote

BMW recommends cleaning and conditioning. I would check with your dealership about your particular leather for their input.

In my market, BMW also recommends Guardx for interior and exterior. They even provide a consumer pack with "wash sponge" to maintain the exterior.

Guess they ran out of brillo pads lol.

Personally, I'm swayed towards companies that specialise in automotive leather and can back up their claims with industry recognised testing processes, particularly around dye transfer protection.

Thank you to everyone for the replies. I appreciate all of the feedback. I really had no idea what to use. I am going to check this stuff out and give one a shot. I will follow up once I have tried something. Thanks again!

I steam clean my interior about every 6 months to get rid of whatever grim/dirt traditional sprays can't remove. I also coat it with a ceramic coating specifically for leather interior and I keep it up with chemical guys leather kit.

I came across this BMW information for leather care.

https://www.bmwblog.com/2019/12/23/know-your-leather-here-are-the-different-types-of-bmw-leather-options/

DenverSteve wrote

I came across this BMW information for leather care.

https://www.bmwblog.com/2019/12/23/know-your-leather-here-are-the-different-types-of-bmw-leather-options/

Thank you for this. There are even some recommended cleaners at the bottom. I have yet to try anything. My baby is at the dealer right now... We miss it...

AVI8 wrote

I use Gyeon Q2M Leather Cleaner Mild for maintenance and Gyeon Q2 Leathershield as a ceramic protectant.

I use this as well. Alternative is gtechnic

Griot's 3 in 1 Leather Care. It even smells like leather.