Off black leather seats and leatherique (or other products)

[aslan]

My XC90 has off black leather seats (code C900). Checking its history with the dealer, it never had any leather treatment or cleaning done. And I think also unlikely the PO did any self cleaning or sent it to someone else to clean the seats. But good thing is that I have leather seats with its top coating still there ...

I'm thinking of rejuvenating the leather seats. This is what the driver's seat looks like after cleaning it a damp MF towel. The front passenger's seat has the same wear just a little bit less.

IMG_20140103_122304.jpg

The rears are fine as the PO did not use the rear seats much.

I'd like to ask advise from other owners as to the best way of tackling these seats? Probably never properly cleaned since 2009.

I have leatherique which I was using with good results with my old S80 with beige leather seats. It really transformed the seats on the S80. But when I used leatherique on my V40 with black leather seats, the results was not worth the effort. Any one here have used leatherique before?

Should I use a leather specific cleaning product on the seats? I've came across Gliptone in previous threads which was rated favourably. Besides the leatherique kit, I also have LTT ultrafoam cleaner which TBH I wasn't really impressed.

Or should I skip the cleaning process and go straight to redying the front seats using Scuffmaster which I stumbled upon searching the forum?

http://www.liquidleather.com/scuffs.htm

Thanks!

[binty]

Hi Aslan
Those seats look pretty good to me and are just developing their natural patina. I have read that volvo seats have a coating that makes feeding them difficult, however I have always looked after mine with Autoglym products and have been delighted with the results.
Leather cleaner just sprays on, and you wipe it off with a damp MF cloth, working round in circles, you can use a soft nail brush for deep creases. When its clean massage in Leather care cream, let it dry a few minutes and buff with a soft cloth, can also be used on the plastics to give a matt sheen, and smells nice too !! good luck

[bongodave]

I spent a long time stripping, and re-colouring some old Ferarri seats I once had. Got them cheap of ebay and were a bit of a state.

Anyway, speaking to a few experts about best way to do it was interesting. All leather seats have a protective varnish on to seal in the leather. This basically means any rejuvination product is both a waste of time and money.

The best way to clean leather is with PH balanced soap and water (like johnsons) which prevents further removal of protective lacquer, whilst cleaning the seats nicely.

Just noticed Binty has already alluded to this.

[aslan]

Originally Posted by binty

Those seats look pretty good to me and are just developing their natural patina. I have read that volvo seats have a coating that makes feeding them difficult, however I have always looked after mine with Autoglym products and have been delighted with the results.

First time I've heard of the term natural patina and leather car seats! Had to google it up LOL.

After reading about natural patina, it does kinda make sense with regards to Volvo leather seats.