F430 Cream Leather Interior Maintenance Advice

[allister]

I wonder if anyone can help?

I have an F430 Spider, Red / Cream (Manual Gearbox) which I bought about 3 months ago. It's a 2006 with 19k miles but the leather is still in pristine condition, no cracking or marks at all (apart from the drivers side edge bolster, which looks like it was professionally painted / covered up prior to purchase).

I want to do all I can to keep it this way, please can I ask other members what they use and what they have found to be best to protect and nourish their leather?

I don't know if it makes any difference to what can be used, but I did have the exterior and interior Swissvaxed (leather protection) by Ferrari prior to purchase 3 months ago.

Any advice on products would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Allister

[andyvdg]

I drive mine daily, and I think it's surprising how well the interior holds up given some of the comments I've read about how difficult it is to keep crema clean - I've had no problems at all (likewise with the Portland Grey interior of my previous TVRs which was almost white). I clean and nourish the interior every 3 months (I use Autoglym products) and I arrange a full detail inside and out every year. Oh, and wear clean clothes

[Mike Brown]

As last comment I use autoglym, not only wear clean clothes but watch out for studs etc in jeans, my 360 cream leather is pretty much like new, Mike

[Mike Brown]

As last comment I use autoglym, not only wear clean clothes but watch out for studs etc in jeans, my 360 cream leather is pretty much like new, Mike

[red_duke]

I use Dr Leather wipes which simply clean the leather without adding conditioners. Modern automotive leather is sealed with resins during the manufacturing process so doesn't need oil based conditioners. In fact residual conditioner can attract dirt and grit and do more harm than good.

Edited by red_duke on Saturday 15th August 21:09

[Summit_Detailing]

red_duke said:

I use Dr Leather wipes which simply clean the leather without adding conditioners. Modern automotive leather is sealed with resins during the manufacturing process so doesn't need oil based conditioners. In fact residual conditioner can attract dirt and grit and do more harm than good.

Edited by red_duke on Saturday 15th August 21:09

Spot on, excellent advice.

Dr Leathers Dye Block is also worthwhile considering to help with dirt transfer and more importantly on Crema interiors - dye transfer from jeans!

[allister]

Thank you all for your contributions, particularly Red Duke and Summit Detailing. Further research on these "Dr" products suggest you guys know your stuff, I googled and found several people raving on about Dr Leather. I will order some tomorrow.

Many thanks to all once again.

Allister

[allister]

Just one question Summit Detailing, if I apply the Dye Block in say a weeks time, will it interfere or clash with the Swissvax protection applied 3 months ago which claims to last 3 years?

Many thanks

Allister

[gcpeters]

I have crema in mine and I find glyptone to the be best cleaner/ conditioner, they have an "every day" cleaner which I use and then i treat it with the conditioner. It also gets very good reviews and great results

[GG33]

I've had a crema interior on my 2007 f430, it was pretty immaculate when I bought it 16 months ago and still looks the same today (6000 miles later) I try not to wear jeans, and just use leather wipes once every fortnight or so. Its holding up very well.

[paddy328]

To be fair, i doubt the swissvax leather protector will last anywhere near 3 years. Get some of this to clean the leather:

http://www.lttsolutions.co.uk/shop/auto/auto-foam....

and then this to protect it:

http://www.lttsolutions.co.uk/leather-guard-guaran...

I have the Dr leather protector and whilst it is good, its not worth £40

Depending on how clean the leather is, either use the cleaner on the seat and gentley work it in will a soft bristle shoe bush and wipe clean or if it looks quite clean anyway, just spray some of the cleaner on and then use a couple of cloths to wipe in it and then buff off.

when its completely dry, apply the protector with something like a microfibre applicator pad.

[Summit_Detailing]

allister said:

Just one question Summit Detailing, if I apply the Dye Block in say a weeks time, will it interfere or clash with the Swissvax protection applied 3 months ago which claims to last 3 years?

Many thanks

Allister

Hi Allister,

I've not experienced any leather protection product that lasts 3 years. A quick wipe down with the leather cleaner and you'll be good to go with the Dye Block.

Just as a side note - leather conditioners are counter productive on modern sealed leather. The conditioner just sits on the sealed surface attracting dirt.

cheers

Chris

[allister]

Hi Chris

I did think 3 years was a bit optimistic! They also claim the same on the Swissvax body work protection.

Thank you for taking the time to reply, seems good advice. I've found a UK website which sells both the wipes and the dye block, will order it over the weekend.

Many thanks once again.

Allister

[Yellow Devil]

Hi, Just my two penny's worth, this company http://www.liquidleather.com are fantastic, will colour match for restoring and other leather products to bring it back to new condition.

[YAHOO]

us a quick point ....
Remember never use a microfiber cloth on leather when cleaning ...

[Car Mad Dave]

YAHOO, what's the issue with using a microfibres cloth for leather cleaning?

[dvb247]

I can't find any information to say don't use MF cloths on leather? Back to the original question I to use Autogyn leather cleaner and leather care balm, the cleaner doesn't smell good but balm is neutral. Not been brave enough to try it on my Fez crema leather yet tho :-)