Blonde Leather - easy to keep clean?

[Baxlin]

My 2011 C70 only had 29000 miles on it when I bought it at just over 5 years old, several years ago, and the front seats’ cream leather needed a good clean in the ‘stipples’ (nipples?) in the grain, it obviously hadn’t been cleaned for a very long time, if at all.

I have yet to find any way of completely cleaning it. I’ve used AG cleaners, Dr Leather, other branded cleaners, and various general cleaners diluted, etc. I’ve tried following the instructions slavishly (unusual for me, I admit), I’ve tried using a nailbrush, leaving products to ‘soak’, removing them immediately. I’ve come to the conclusion the only answer is to have them re-painted/died or whatever - the colour renewed anyway, however it’s done.

And yes, I’m a member on Detailing World.....

It’s frustrating, as the rest of the car is immaculate.

[Bonefishblues]

It does seem to be the case with that colour on Volvos - we have two and our experience is much the same, you can take it so far in terms of cleanliness, but no further.

[James77]

I use DoDo Juice leather cleaner and sealant on the Blonde leather and it's still as good as new.

[RussJ759]

Originally Posted by Director76

T8 is your friend! It was the only way I could cope after 6 years driving that lovely torquey VAG 3 litre V6 lump in 2 x Touaregs 🙂

What sort of fuel consumption do you get when towing?
Is the engine noise any more bearable that the diesel XC?
Russ

[bornmiddleaged]

Originally Posted by James77

I use DoDo Juice leather cleaner and sealant on the Blonde leather and it's still as good as new.

Second that vote for the Dodo Juice cleaner and sealant. Just bought a 2018 V60 with 20,000 on the clock. The driver's seat and central armrest were both a bit grubby but have come back to new (well, they look as good as the other seats since I obviously don't know what it looked like new!)

[Director76]

Originally Posted by RussJ759

What sort of fuel consumption do you get when towing?
Is the engine noise any more bearable that the diesel XC?
Russ

I’ve only ever towed utility trailers - people do tow caravans with T8 but whilst it’s very powerful heavy use of the petrol engine does hit the fuel consumption hard.

But as for noise - Petrol engine noise almost non-existent in most circumstances (especially when it’s off!)

Audible under strong acceleration, but not an unpleasant sound and quite smooth

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by bornmiddleaged

Second that vote for the Dodo Juice cleaner and sealant. Just bought a 2018 V60 with 20,000 on the clock. The driver's seat and central armrest were both a bit grubby but have come back to new (well, they look as good as the other seats since I obviously don't know what it looked like new!)

I wonder if the newer pale leather is better than the older stuff?

[Baxlin]

OK, James77 and Bornmiddleaged. See my post #11.......

I’ve just bought 500ml of Dodo Juice Supernatural Leather cleaner online on your recommendation ........

Malcolm

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by Baxlin

OK, James77 and Bornmiddleaged. See my post #11.......

I’ve just bought 500ml of Dodo Juice Supernatural Leather cleaner online on your recommendation ........

Malcolm

Report back please!

[Baxlin]

Whatever the result? 👹