[big_c]

I have terra dakota interior on my E90- and the seats are in great shape but have somewhat of a shiny hard appearance in areas. Whats the best product to get the original matte finish?

I've been reading and I'm torn on using baby wipes to clean, water and MF cloth, or diluted lexol cleaner.

The consensus seems to be that any conditioner is useless and will do nothing.

[gaza01]

Swissvax do a matting product in their range. Ive never used tho so cant say whether its good or not but swissvax are a reputable name.

[SLOWER]

I use Lexol and wipe dry. Then 303 wipes, and wipe the leather dry with paper towels. Looks like brand new.

[BMWinAZ]

I am beginning to feel like a broken record or like some quack hawking "snake oil" but using a steamer really does wonders to many interior parts. Wrap the brush nozzle in a clean microfiber towel and have at it. Takes most of the shine right out and restores the original mat finish.

[ashmostro]

Originally Posted by BMWinAZ

I am beginning to feel like a broken record or like some quack hawking "snake oil" but using a steamer really does wonders to many interior parts. Wrap the brush nozzle in a clean microfiber towel and have at it. Takes most of the shine right out and restores the original mat finish.

Sweet, I'm going to try this as I have one at home with a long nozzle and hose attachment!

Good thread topic, OP.

[Casca]

If you're not happy with the steam cleaner, look into trying einszit cockpit cleaner.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002Z...110_SY165_QL70

[Otruba_843]

Swissvax Leather Brush coupled with either Swissvax Leather Cleaner or Leather Master Rapid Cleaner S will yield amazing results.

[Detailers Domain]

any photos of the current state of the leather seats?

be careful with steam you can melt and damage the clear coat on the leather.

[insane79]

my seats which are saddle brown were also shiny & look old, i got it clean't with autoglym leather cleaner & then applied some leather balm, they are all matte & look new again..

[big_c]

Cool-

Im gonna try a 10:1 water to woolite mix and a shoe shine brush to see if that cuts down on the shiny appearance. Ill get pics up tomorrow

[GetSomeE92]

I use the Zaino leather cleaner and leather conditioner (Z-9 and Z-10, I believe) and they leave the leather soft and not shiny at all.

[Dr. G]

Originally Posted by big_c

Cool-

Im gonna try a 10:1 water to woolite mix and a shoe shine brush to see if that cuts down on the shiny appearance. Ill get pics up tomorrow

You will be very happy with the outcome.

[spoolin]

Clean the leather with a good brush and product. I use gliptone. Then apply gliptone conditioner with a sponge. Wait five minutes and buff the leather with a microfiber. I top it with 303 or 1z cockpit for protection. I use gliptone because it is cheap on amazon and gives it that leather smell.

[NiVeDh]

I've had great luck with Leatherique.

[big_c]

Used the woolite at about 10:1 and a shoe shine horsehair brush...looks fantastic and cut down on the shine almost completely. Theres still a couple areas where its shiny on the upper bolsters so I will try another cleaning .

Highly recommended though, cheapest easiest method to clean your seats. No conditioner needed as its a sealed material

[Detailed Image]

Below is a reply I posted to another BMW forum recently to a very similar question and it applies here perfectly.

I think most of us with lighter interiors suffer from this issue to some extent. Normally it's your driver seat that takes most of the wear and tear, so you may not have to clean and condition the entire interior when you see the dirt build up on the driver seat.

I personally use Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil followed by Leatherique Prestine Clean to clean and protect my leather. This usually cleans it really well and protects for a while. There are two very good articles on the DI Ask-A-Pro Blog that highlight Leatherique treatments... One is the general Leatherique Leather Care How-To and the other a more specific Leatherique Prestine Clean Product Review.

For more info on maintaining leather and the interior, we have a good Interior Detailing Guide on our website.

Hope that helps!

Ivan @ DI

[big_c]

What is the purpose of any oils or protectants on a sealed type of leather like dakota? No substance will be able to penetrate the coating and as a result it will just sit on top of the leather.

[Detailed Image]

Originally Posted by big_c

What is the purpose of any oils or protectants on a sealed type of leather like dakota? No substance will be able to penetrate the coating and as a result it will just sit on top of the leather.

There really is no purpose for really oily products as it will just come off on your clothes, but some stuff can protect the surface well, sort of like protecting the clear coat that protects the base coat. I like the Leatherique products because they are sort of inverse of the norm, in that you apply the Rejuvenator Oil and then remove it, along with the dirt, with the Prestine Clean, leaving a nice, clean and matte looking surface.

[MDesmond]

Originally Posted by BMWinAZ

I am beginning to feel like a broken record or like some quack hawking "snake oil" but using a steamer really does wonders to many interior parts. Wrap the brush nozzle in a clean microfiber towel and have at it. Takes most of the shine right out and restores the original mat finish.

Yep.

Steamer, and then natural detail brush, leather clean spray in brush and spread it patiently. Wipe lightly. Steam again. Conditioner. I use Zaino Cleaner and Conditioner - nice leather-like smell.