[infiniteend]

So I did a few searches and I couldn't find anything specifically on this. So I have a leased 550i and I have nappa leather on it (seats and wheel). After about 1.5 years, it's started to get really shiny on the leather, especially on the wheel and I want to restore it back to it's original matte condition.

I found this thread on google: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=167085 and this guy mentions using Leatherique and Pristine Clean after but I think he also conditioned it before in the past with stuff and maybe that left some sort of residue?

I have never cleaned it before, the car wash has a few times but I dont usually condition it either. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with removing the shine and restoring the matte texture?

Thanks!

[gabypr]

Many members including myself use the Chemical Guys leather products. I have the cleaner, conditioner and the serum and they really make the leather healthier. To bring back that matte state you have to clean it deeply. I would recommend their horse hair brush and their leather odorless colorless cleaner.

[Stück]

You can use a host of special expensive cleaners but you know what works awesome?

Mr. Clean magic erasers. Saturate the eraser sponge with water and ring it most of the way dry. Wipe down the leather and yak in your mouth at the filth it lifts off. Wipe the leather dry with a soft towel as you go.

You'll be left with pristine matte/satin finish leather as when it was new.

[lsturbointeg]

Originally Posted by gabypr

Many members including myself use the Chemical Guys leather products. I have the cleaner, conditioner and the serum and they really make the leather healthier. To bring back that matte state you have to clean it deeply. I would recommend their horse hair brush and their leather odorless colorless cleaner.

+1! i've used Meguiar's Leather cleaning crap for years and just left a nasty glossy residue which would end up on my clothes. ever since switching to CG's i never looked back. the cleaner gets all the crud and stains and what not using CG's horse hair brush which when used with the cleaner generates a nice lather. than i'll wipe off using a microfiber towel. than i'll finish it off with the conditioner which makes the leather look overall nice and healthy and leaves the interior smelling like new leather!




i'm pretty sure there's a gazillion leather cleaning products out there like the one Stuck uses but it comes down to you trying a few different kinds and seeing what works for you...good luck!

[xxpanipuri]

Originally Posted by Stück

You can use a host of special expensive cleaners but you know what works awesome?

Mr. Clean magic erasers. Saturate the eraser sponge with water and ring it most of the way dry. Wipe down the leather and yak in your mouth at the filth it lifts off. Wipe the leather dry with a soft towel as you go.

You'll be left with pristine matte/satin finish leather as when it was new.

i'm going to try this out, i'm sure you can clean it using this method and then simply use a good conditioner like CG or 303 etc....

correct me if i'm wrong but the magic eraser only cleans it.

[Ickdeep]

I'm second, third, etc... Chemical guys leather cleaner. That's the only thing I use for my car. Plus it smells pretty good too.

[lsturbointeg]

Originally Posted by Ickdeep

I'm second, third, etc... Chemical guys leather cleaner. That's the only thing I use for my car. Plus it smells pretty good too.

smells damn good! pair it with some CG's Stripper Scent and it's a party!

[spielnicht]

If you want the best for your leather seats, then consider nothing but Swissvax. It's crazy expensive, but this is absolutely the only thing I'd trust on my nappa leather surfaces. 99% of leather cleaners/conditioners out there aren't recommended for nappa leather, so unless they clearly state it, stay away.

I use the Swissvax cleaner/conditioner combo 4x a year. For in between spot cleaning, I use the Rupes leather cleaner.

But yes, get those seats cleaned up because the oils contributing to the shine will only serve to further degrade the leather.

[TTG]

Before you go spend $$$ on any of the cleaners, you need to steam the crap out of your steering wheel if you want it to look new again.

Hit it with a steam cleaner and have the leather barf out all the dirt and oils which is causing to shine.

This is going to take multiple steps but can be done.

Once you get it all cleaned up, it is completely up to you as far as what conditioner you want to use.

I personally am a pretty big Zaino fan when it comes to treating leather.

[infiniteend]

Originally Posted by Stück

You can use a host of special expensive cleaners but you know what works awesome?

Mr. Clean magic erasers. Saturate the eraser sponge with water and ring it most of the way dry. Wipe down the leather and yak in your mouth at the filth it lifts off. Wipe the leather dry with a soft towel as you go.

You'll be left with pristine matte/satin finish leather as when it was new.

Doesn't this basically rub the eraser down? Or we trying to just rub away a thin layer (hopefully not going to deep down to the leather) ?

[infiniteend]

Originally Posted by TTG

Before you go spend $$$ on any of the cleaners, you need to steam the crap out of your steering wheel if you want it to look new again.

Hit is with a steam cleaner and have the leather barf out all the dirt and oils which is causing to shine.

This is going to take multiple steps but can be done.

Once you get it all cleaned up, it is completely up to you as far as what conditioner you want to use.

I personally am a pretty big Zaino fan when it comes to treating leather.

this is interesting, imma try this. also need a steamer for clothing too

[Quicksilv3r]

Careful with the Magic Eraser, you can do irreparable damage to the leather if used improperly.

I say use Leather Masters 'Rapid Cleaner S' foam. Then, come behind it with your preferred conditioner. I like Pinnacle's version, but there are several options out there. www.autogeek.net is your friend

[BMWrules7]

Originally Posted by Stück

You can use a host of special expensive cleaners but you know what works awesome?

Mr. Clean magic erasers. Saturate the eraser sponge with water and ring it most of the way dry. Wipe down the leather and yak in your mouth at the filth it lifts off. Wipe the leather dry with a soft towel as you go.

You'll be left with pristine matte/satin finish leather as when it was new.

F-ing Cool!

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by Quicksilv3r

Careful with the Magic Eraser, you can do irreparable damage to the leather if used improperly.
..

If I have read correctly, The Magic Eraser is a very fine sandpaper...

[DDD31]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

If I have read correctly, The Magic Eraser is a very fine sandpaper...

As others have said be extremely careful with the Magic Eraser. On my old E90 I had a black scuff on the back seat that I used the Magic Eraser to remove. It removed the scuff but unfortunately I was a little overzealous and removed some of the gray dye in the leather.

Now I don't get anywhere near leather with the Magic Eraser.
My preferred product for keeping Nappa Leather matte: Leatherique Prestine Clean

[Stück]

I've been using Magic Erasers to clean steering wheels and other leather for probably 10 years and never an issue....

The Dakota leather used in E90's is junk, maybe that was the issue...

[Aaron@Autosource]

Originally Posted by Stück

I've been using Magic Erasers to clean steering wheels and other leather for probably 10 years and never an issue....

The Dakota leather used in E90's is junk, maybe that was the issue...

+1 For Magic Eraser.

God damn I cannot even convey how much nicer the MSport wheel feels now in my hands compared to before.

Just like anything else, you just need to be careful and know what you're doing. I LOVE this thing, esp for the price.

Did the steering wheel and armrest/center storage compartment, made both feel new again.

Just lightly went over both the wheel and armrest with several light passes and then applied conditioner over immediately. Good as new.

[lsturbointeg]

do you guys have a link to this magic eraser you guys are using? just curious about this...thanks!

[Stück]

[Aaron@Autosource]

https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Clean-Eras...%2BEraser&th=1

[NV GUNS]

that thing will take paint of the wall. I would use it sparingly.

[Stück]

How is the hell are you taking paint off walls with these things? $6/gal Walmart paint? I'm seriously questioning you guys...

They are about as robust as angel food cake for christ sake.