S40 V40 Parts: Leather Cleaner

[Austin160]

Not sure if this helps, but as I understand it, being able to actually clean car leather interiors is not no what it used to be -say up to about 10 years ago. Prior to this you found some of the prestige manufacturers whose cars were normally only fitted with leather interiors, always made leather cleaners and conditioners available as "listed stock - part numbered packages", since the surface of the leather was more natural in its finish and as such could be. ( and needed to be) cleaned and the surface fed with moisturisers.
Now I believe the surface is treated - possibly lacquer coated- on an as for life basis and all you can do, and need to do as far as they are concerned, is to wipe the surfaces over with a mild soap/detergent. I would guess that the test whether it is actually cleanable is to ring The Volvo dealer and ask for leather cleaner for you actual year of car. If it's not available then it is not considered cleanable as apposed to wiping over only.
I wonder if what we see as dirt is in fact the surface lacquer understandably cracking and discolouring and as such it would need some considerable aggressive cleaning to bring it back as it was, and as you were able to do some years ago. It could be considered similar to not cleaning and polishing our lacquered paintwork for years - it's not going to look very good. Of course, this can be (and would need to be ) cut back and polished. Not possible with flexible surfaces.
All this may amount to leaving well alone or taking a chance that it could make it worse. Handing it over to some of our roadside valeters? I have seen cars going through some if these on a regular basis having the lacquer going milky in patches. We have some if the used ex car wash cleaner solution 40 gallon plastic drums on the allotment for collecting water. The small amount of remaining chemical will take you skin off!, so the dilution rate is critical if damage is to be avoided. It's always been hose, bucket and wax shampoo for me, and a wipe over of the leather with a damp cloth.
Kind regards, Austin160