Hi all - my current car has leather seats with suede inserts. Now I realize that suede is effectively leather, but can I simply use the same cleaning/conditioning products that I would use on "traditional" leather?
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Hi all - my current car has leather seats with suede inserts. Now I realize that suede is effectively leather, but can I simply use the same cleaning/conditioning products that I would use on "traditional" leather?
I don`t think its recommended to use regular leather conditioners and cleaners on it. I use a soft brush on mine, and occasionally use a slightly moist cotton cloth. Check out:
http://www.alcantara.com/en/experien...anuale_eng.pdf
Also, the following search in Google will give you a lot of good info:
alcantara cleaning site:autopia.org
Suede is leather but is extremely rare on care seats unless you have a very hi end spec interior. The `suede` areas are more likely to be alcantara, buffalo or some equivalent and should not be cleaned with leather care products. They can be cleaned by HWE as a fabric.
Solvents should be avoided as they will cause the fabric to delaminate.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjfrehe
Yes you can simply use the same cleaning/conditioning products that you would use on “traditional” leathers – since you realize that suede is effectively leather (the reverse of leather is suede).
But the products you used has to be leather-safe (pH 3-5).
Otherwise these are the likely signs of damages to the suede.
1] Streaks and rings.
2] Browning
3] Stiff like Sandpaper.
When done with a leather-safe system the benefits will be as follows:
1] Simplicity of application to both leather and suede – all in one cleaning and conditioning process.
2] With a pH 3.8 cleaning, pH 3.0 rinse, pH 3.3 hydrating and a pH 5.0 fatliquoring – you will see the suede color bounds back and the suede naps softer than before after renapping with either a suede brush or suede eraser.
Have you seen the link I PM you?
Check out how these people in Detroit - USA cleans, hydrate and fatliquor their suede and nubuck beautifully.
Roger Koh
Leather Doctor
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjfrehe
Your seats are probably Alacantara, not suede. Alacantara is a fabric that just looks like suede and should be treated accordingly. See Bairum`s link.
http://www.alcantara.com/en/experien...anuale_eng.pdf
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjfrehe
Post some pictures please, we will help you identify it!
So there is no regret!
Roger Koh
Leather Doctor