Leather conditioning and protection
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Rob4092xx (10-07-2020)
10-06-2020, 11:59 PM
#22
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I would follow what the owner's manual states. What it recommends works very well.
10-07-2020, 06:46 AM
#23
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BUT it's not exactly like many "Forum Experts" insist that only a mild soap and water should be used! Here is what the C8 Owner's Manual states (page 280 of the PDF under Interior Care Heading; )After the "use mild soap and water" it states: "Use cleaners specifically designed for the surfaces being cleaned to prevent permanent damage. Apply all cleaners directly to the cleaning cloth. Do not spray cleaners on any switches or controls. Remove cleaners quickly. Before using cleaners, read and follow all safety instructions on the label. While cleaning the interior, open the doors and windows to get proper ventilation."
My experience with my wives' white leather interior in her BMW X5 SUV. She would wear designer Jeans and had a blue stain on the driver's side seat bolster. She could not get it off. She asked me what I use on my Vette (unusual for her to ask me about cleaning anything!) I applied the Zaino Leather Spray Cleaner (indicates good and safe for leather or vinyl) to a microfiber cloth and got it back to white. Could not see any blue.
As I mentioned in the about post used the same Zaino Leather Cleaner on a black 1/2 inch long spot on my C8 Natural Dipped passenger door panel. Worked great!
TO EACH THEIR OWN!
Last edited by JerryU; 10-07-2020 at 06:55 AM.
10-07-2020, 07:24 AM
#24
BUT it's not exactly like many "Forum Experts" insist that only a mild soap and water should be used! Here is what the C8 Owner's Manual states (page 280 of the PDF under Interior Care Heading; )After the "use mild soap and water" it states: "Use cleaners specifically designed for the surfaces being cleaned to prevent permanent damage. Apply all cleaners directly to the cleaning cloth. Do not spray cleaners on any switches or controls. Remove cleaners quickly. Before using cleaners, read and follow all safety instructions on the label. While cleaning the interior, open the doors and windows to get proper ventilation."
My experience with my wives' white leather interior in her BMW X5 SUV. She would wear designer Jeans and had a blue stain on the driver's side seat bolster. She could not get it off. She asked me what I use on my Vette (unusual for her to ask me about cleaning anything!) I applied the Zaino Leather Spray Cleaner (indicates good and safe for leather or vinyl) to a microfiber cloth and got it back to white. Could not see any blue.
As I mentioned in the about post used the same Zaino Leather Cleaner on a black 1/2 inch long spot on my C8 Natural Dipped passenger door panel. Worked great!
TO EACH THEIR OWN!
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JerryU (10-07-2020)
10-07-2020, 08:00 AM
#25
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^^^
Yep, agree. Since I use Zaino products on the exterior bought their cleaner and conditioner when I had my 2014 C7 with 3LT Kalahari (tan) interior.
SIDEBAR
For the C8 use their products in a simple way, approved by Sal at Zaino. I use Zaino Z-5 polish "without mixing with their activator so zero waste." Can only apply one layer and then as Sal states, "set it immediately with their Z-CS (clear seal.)" Love Clear Seal as it's apply and let dry- no removing or rubbing! Thanks 5 minutes. It can be used just by itself as I do for wheels, side skirts and some plastic parts. Sal says you can apply their Z-6 immediately on top to get even more "pop." I occasionally use it between polish applications.
They key to using Zaino products is hard to overstate, "have to use very little!" Sounds crazy but if you don't follow their "one small dime size spray" using their a cotton pad applicators it's harder to remove the Polish and The Clear Seal will streak. Used properly it's very quick and a small bottle will last several years!
Understand there are many good products available. To Each Their Own!
Yep, agree. Since I use Zaino products on the exterior bought their cleaner and conditioner when I had my 2014 C7 with 3LT Kalahari (tan) interior.
SIDEBAR
For the C8 use their products in a simple way, approved by Sal at Zaino. I use Zaino Z-5 polish "without mixing with their activator so zero waste." Can only apply one layer and then as Sal states, "set it immediately with their Z-CS (clear seal.)" Love Clear Seal as it's apply and let dry- no removing or rubbing! Thanks 5 minutes. It can be used just by itself as I do for wheels, side skirts and some plastic parts. Sal says you can apply their Z-6 immediately on top to get even more "pop." I occasionally use it between polish applications.
They key to using Zaino products is hard to overstate, "have to use very little!" Sounds crazy but if you don't follow their "one small dime size spray" using their a cotton pad applicators it's harder to remove the Polish and The Clear Seal will streak. Used properly it's very quick and a small bottle will last several years!
Understand there are many good products available. To Each Their Own!
Last edited by JerryU; 10-07-2020 at 08:12 AM.
10-07-2020, 08:38 AM
#26
Le Mans Master
BUT it's not exactly like many "Forum Experts" insist that only a mild soap and water should be used! Here is what the C8 Owner's Manual states (page 280 of the PDF under Interior Care Heading; )After the "use mild soap and water" it states: "Use cleaners specifically designed for the surfaces being cleaned to prevent permanent damage. Apply all cleaners directly to the cleaning cloth. Do not spray cleaners on any switches or controls. Remove cleaners quickly. Before using cleaners, read and follow all safety instructions on the label. While cleaning the interior, open the doors and windows to get proper ventilation."
My experience with my wives' white leather interior in her BMW X5 SUV. She would wear designer Jeans and had a blue stain on the driver's side seat bolster. She could not get it off. She asked me what I use on my Vette (unusual for her to ask me about cleaning anything!) I applied the Zaino Leather Spray Cleaner (indicates good and safe for leather or vinyl) to a microfiber cloth and got it back to white. Could not see any blue.
As I mentioned in the about post used the same Zaino Leather Cleaner on a black 1/2 inch long spot on my C8 Natural Dipped passenger door panel. Worked great!
TO EACH THEIR OWN!
10-07-2020, 08:48 AM
#27
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Actually as I posted, the C8 Owner's Manual does say use a mild soap and water BUT unlike the many "Forum Experts" does NOT say that is all that can be used!It says when using a cleaner, be sure it's safe and put on a cloth don't spray directly!
Last edited by JerryU; 10-07-2020 at 08:50 AM.
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10-07-2020, 11:31 AM
#28
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OM probably doesn't say to NOT clean your windshield with a hammer or to remove bugs from the paint with a blow torch, either.
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10-07-2020, 11:40 AM
#29
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I proved it worked and was needed on my wifes' white leather in her BMW and yesterday getting a dark black mark off my "Natural Dipped" C8 interior with my Zaino Leather Cleaner.
"Forum Experts" would be wearing the "GM Soft Touch" material (whatever it is on the door panel) scrubbing with "mild soap" and water to perhaps get it off!
Problem giving everybody rides in my C8, few ever asked with my C7s etc!
Last edited by JerryU; 10-07-2020 at 11:43 AM.
10-07-2020, 04:46 PM
#30
Le Mans Master
These threads were a mess on both the C6 and C7 forums. Looks like most C8 owners get it. No wars about which conditioner is best NONE LOL.
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Skid Row Joe (10-10-2020)
10-10-2020, 05:17 PM
#31
The principle of "just use is a damp towel" has been correct for years. I got sucked into the cleaner/conditioner stuff a long time ago for probably the same reason most people do. You want to feel like you're doing something good for your car by using these products. It's the same idea with people putting premium gas in a car that calls for regular. There are no additional benefits, but it somehow "feels better" to the owner. And don't underestimate the power of marketing!
10-10-2020, 06:01 PM
#32
I'm planning to go with the gray seats in my C8, but SO MANY people on this forum are saying that the gray seats will show dirt, and importantly, jeans will stain them. But if the seats are not real leather, then will this staining really occur? And can good soap remove the staining if it does occur? Thanks, experts 
10-10-2020, 07:04 PM
#33
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After the "use mild soap and water" it states: "Use cleaners specifically designed for the surfaces being cleaned to prevent permanent damage. Apply all cleaners directly to the cleaning cloth. Do not spray cleaners on any switches or controls. Remove cleaners quickly. Before using cleaners, read and follow all safety instructions on the label. While cleaning the interior, open the doors and windows to get proper ventilation."
My experience with my wives' white leather interior in her BMW X5 SUV. She would wear designer Jeans and had a blue stain on the driver's side seat bolster. She could not get it off. She asked me what I use on my Vette (unusual for her to ask me about cleaning anything!) I applied the Zaino Leather Spray Cleaner (indicates good and safe for leather or vinyl) to a microfiber cloth and got it back to white. Could not see any blue.
My experience with my wives' white leather interior in her BMW X5 SUV. She would wear designer Jeans and had a blue stain on the driver's side seat bolster. She could not get it off. She asked me what I use on my Vette (unusual for her to ask me about cleaning anything!) I applied the Zaino Leather Spray Cleaner (indicates good and safe for leather or vinyl) to a microfiber cloth and got it back to white. Could not see any blue.
I'm planning to go with the gray seats in my C8, but SO MANY people on this forum are saying that the gray seats will show dirt, and importantly, jeans will stain them. But if the seats are not real leather, then will this staining really occur? And can good soap remove the staining if it does occur? Thanks, experts
The C8 Owner's Manual states you can use "cleaners" designed for the purpose and put on a rag, don't spray directly. OR you can follow the "Forum Experts" who say it's not needed. I've read that BS for years and find "cleaners" work and are better than soap and water. If you're going to worry get black! Your choice!
Last edited by JerryU; 10-10-2020 at 07:08 PM.
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thatsmydog (10-10-2020)
10-10-2020, 07:52 PM
#34
Drifting
Cleaners definitely work and do not harm the seats so long as you use something gentle. Zaino cleaner probably works good. I use Woolite at 20 to 1 with water. Just be sure no matter what you use that you wipe it off with a clean, fairly damp towel. You want to get all the cleaner residue off. As far as blue jean transfer, it is impossible to get all of it off. You will just have to live with some of it.
Read the above! After my wife tried to remove her Blue Jean stain from her BMW white seats I used Zanio Cleaner. It work great- she was surprised. It works on Leather, Vinyl or GM's faux "leather" they call Mulan.
The C8 Owner's Manual states you can use "cleaners" designed for the purpose and put on a rag, don't spray directly. OR you can follow the "Forum Experts" who say it's not needed. I've read that BS for years and find "cleaners" work and are better than soap and water. If you're going to worry get black! Your choice!
The C8 Owner's Manual states you can use "cleaners" designed for the purpose and put on a rag, don't spray directly. OR you can follow the "Forum Experts" who say it's not needed. I've read that BS for years and find "cleaners" work and are better than soap and water. If you're going to worry get black! Your choice!
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thatsmydog (10-10-2020)
10-10-2020, 08:01 PM
#35
Cleaners definitely work and do not harm the seats so long as you use something gentle. Zaino cleaner probably works good. I use Woolite at 20 to 1 with water. Just be sure no matter what you use that you wipe it off with a clean, fairly damp towel. You want to get all the cleaner residue off. As far as blue jean transfer, it is impossible to get all of it off. You will just have to live with some of it.
Last edited by Alea_Iacta_Est; 10-10-2020 at 08:06 PM.
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thatsmydog (10-10-2020)
10-10-2020, 09:55 PM
#36
Read the above! After my wife tried to remove her Blue Jean stain from her BMW white seats I used Zanio Cleaner. It work great- she was surprised. It works on Leather, Vinyl or GM's faux "leather" they call Mulan.
The C8 Owner's Manual states you can use "cleaners" designed for the purpose and put on a rag, don't spray directly. OR you can follow the "Forum Experts" who say it's not needed. I've read that BS for years and find "cleaners" work and are better than soap and water. If you're going to worry get black! Your choice!
The C8 Owner's Manual states you can use "cleaners" designed for the purpose and put on a rag, don't spray directly. OR you can follow the "Forum Experts" who say it's not needed. I've read that BS for years and find "cleaners" work and are better than soap and water. If you're going to worry get black! Your choice!
10-10-2020, 10:21 PM
#37
I'm planning to go with the gray seats in my C8, but SO MANY people on this forum are saying that the gray seats will show dirt, and importantly, jeans will stain them. But if the seats are not real leather, then will this staining really occur? And can good soap remove the staining if it does occur? Thanks, experts
Last edited by Skid Row Joe; 10-10-2020 at 10:22 PM.
10-11-2020, 11:34 AM
#38
I have read on this forum and other places that some people are putting ceramic coating on their seats. One person with a Tesla and the white leather seats, swears by it. He said it made wiping up the blue dye from his denims pants easy.....