I'm assuming ArmorAll isn't loved here! Hi, all. Just got my first MINI last week - an 07 S in Pepper White. Love it! Anyway, I'm sure this has been asked a bazillion times, but is there a good product, available at WalMart, or Auto Zone, etc that will shine up the leather seats and plastic interior parts? Thanks so much!!

 

Yes, definitely stay away from armorall!

Plastic parts Aerospace303.

Leather... Not sure, I use Griots. . NE1?

 

I've had good luck with Zaino's leather cleaners and conditioners. One of my cars has a tan leather interior and the Zanio products really did a nice job of cleaning/conditioning the seats.

 

but he's looking for off-the-shelf stuff...

 

I know, but off-the-shelf can be tricky for Leather.

 

Lexol is good.

 

+ 1 on the Lexol but that may not be off the shelf, you can also try Turtle wax "Ice Total Interior" that works pretty good also

 

+3 on Lexol..... I see it on store shelves like Fred Meyers and auto parts stores..... Their website lists some stores.

http://www.lexol.com/

For plastic, rubber and vinyl, I have tried 303, Lexus, ArmorAll and on and on.....Gave them all away or used them up on the travel trailer. Best product out there is Meguiar's #40.....

http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/detail/MEG+RUB+16



I prefer the 2 part process of Lexol, 1 cleaner and 1 conditioner. But for the lazy I did try the 1 step cleaner that came with my Katzkin leather seats in my truck. It has worked fine, very thick, needs to be worked into a damp cloth first.

http://www.leathercpr.com/leather-care/

http://www.leathercpr.com/specialoffer/

And for the very lazy Meguiars has some mist spray products, but they contain aloe which does not belong on leather. We used it infrequently on a PT Cruiser for 6 years though, was easy and fast seemed to work anyways. What's up with Meguiar's anyways - they have SO many products that do almost the same thing - and are constantly coming out with more. Just hope they keep making the #40 and I love their Tech Wax and Tech Car wash.

The main thing is set a calendar and do it. It does not take long, vacuum the seats, wipe on the treatment(s), wipe off the treatment(s), done. My email calendar pops-up every 3 months to tell me to change the house furnace filter, and clean the leather seats.

Go to WalMart, dollar store or whatever and buy a pack of cheapy wash clothes to dedicate to car leather, rubber, vinyl cleaning. Organize it all on a shelf in the garage, with a plastic bin for the rags. Wash them for next time.

 

We use horseman's one step from a tack shop. I've also used Meguiars gold class rich leather for the leather and for the vinyl I also like 303 aerospace.
I do my interior almost as often as the exterior and it always looks good.

 

Thanks so much, everyone! Gonna go looking today.

 

Yeah, another vote here for Lexol for off the shelf stuff.

If you can bring yourself to order some stuff - Lexol cleaner + Prima Nourish is my favorite maintenance combo. Griot's Leathercare Spray is good for frequent use. Leatherique Rejuvinator and Prestine Clean for annual deep cleaning/conditioning.

 

I second the Nourish recommendation. It's much better than Meguiar's if you're looking for a true conditioner to soften the leather without leaving it shiny. But because it's a conditioner, a cleaner might be needed and either Lexol or my favorite is Leatherique's Prestine Cleaner used alone without the oil.

As BlimeyCabrio says....use the two part Leatherique system for annual cleanings.

You can find Nourish here
http://www.showcarsupplies.com/shopexd.asp?id=124&bc=no

Richard

 

Thanks, y'all!

 

If you use leatherique, WEAR GLOVES. lol

I literally just got through applying the third coat and my hand felt funny, and asked my wife if either looked swollen. She immediately pointed to my right, the one i was using to apply this stuff. Do i think think its harmful, honestly i do not. But i do feel assured that this stuff is working its way into the leather. T-minus 4 hrs until it is down baking in the sun, and then i get to see how well this stuff really works.

 

My hands were sooooooo soft for days after my leatherique treatment. I'll post an up date if I die later because of it.