Extreme Leather Upholstery and Carpet Cleaning.

Lately we have been getting some extremely worn and tired interiors from customers. Customers have been bringing us cars that they would like to sell or just bring some life back into, hence paint corrections and now even interior corrections. On the below examples we tried just about everything on them. We even used steam, however we achieved the best results with the tools listed below.



Griot's 3 inch Random Orbital Polisher
Uber Ultra Interior Brush for Orbital Polishers
Uber Microfiber Applicator Pad
Uber Interior Microfiber Towel
1Z einszett Plastic Deep Cleaner

Description: 1Z einszett Plastic Deep Cleaner is a concentrated deep cleaning detergent that removes stubborn grime, grease, scuff marks, stains, soot and polish residue without harsh or abrasive cleaners.

Use on the dashboard, steering wheel, shift knob, arm rests, finished leather and pedals. Leaves a clean, no-shine finish.

- Removes stubborn grime from all interior trim
- Removes scuff marks
- Non-caustic formula won't harm surface
- Leaves an anti-static finish

1Z einszett Leather Care

Description: 1Z einszett Leather Care is specifically formulated for treating both semi-aniline and pigmented leather. einszett worked with local European leather suppliers to produce a product that effectively cleans the surface, removes oxidation, and maintains the suppleness of the finish without it looking unnaturally glossy or greasy. In addition, einszett Leather Care does not leave a powdery residue around the stitching, does not clog the pores of perforated leather, does not contain harsh chemicals that can strip the pigmented dye, and has a pleasant fragrance. The overall objective is to maintain the appearance of the leather as it was the day it came out of the factory.

- Cleans, conditions and protects in one simple step
- Restores suppleness to dry leather
- Can be used on leather saddles, boots and furniture
- Grease free, natural finish
- Pleasant lavender and sandalwood fragrance

Helpful Hints: Since the leather hide has a clear coat finish, when treating the leather, you are actually treating the clear coat and not the actual leather hide so you'll need to use a product that is formulated to treat the clear coat and not the hide itself as with 'unfinished' aniline leather.

Products specifically formulated to treat the finished coating contain special cleaners that remove oxidation, grime, body oils and sweat salt while conditioners maintain the flexibility of the finish so that the leather remains supple, not dry and brittle. (above from 1Z einszett USA)

Subject: Lexus LX470 - a daily driven vehicle that sees off road use.
Requirements: Interior Correction - The customer gave us the okay to go extreme on the interior. He wanted to see if we could get it to "LIKE New" condition, he had already planned on picking up new leather skins for it.

Just so you know its the real deal off road set up (full write up coming soon)


Let's take a look at what these products can do.

Griot's 3 inch was set between speed 5 and 6 throughout the complete process on the leather. Very little pressure was used to clean up the leather.



50/50 shot of the what the Griot's 3 inch with the Uber Ultra Brush Attachment and 1Z einszett Plastic Deep Cleaner can do.

Rear seat shots you can see the difference between the seat on the left and the middle seat


The contrast between the left and right is noticeable



Close up


Before: Driver's seat



This here is a side by side shot of the driver's seat. If you take a look you will see a drastic difference. Just in case you didn't know the left side is clean and the right side years of built up dirt, grime, grease.


A 50/50 shot of the center console



This is a close up shot of the center console. You really never realize how dirty it can get.


No words really needed at this point we know the formula works. Armrest shots

Before


50/50


Afters: The interior came out great with the tools and products above. The customer was trilled with the results and will no longer need to pick up replacement leather skins for his LX.

Leather was finished off with 1Z einszett Leather Care









Next example:

Subject: Lexus IS300
Requirements: Prep the car for sale - do what you can to improve the resale value - (full write up soon)



Griot's


50//50 shots of the driver's side bolster


50//50 shots of the driver's side seat - as you can see the products used are safe on vented seats



50/50 shot of the driver's side seat back


Close up



50/50 on the center armrest



We also used the Uber Ultra Soft Brush Attachment on the carpets.

Griot's 3 inch was set between speed 5 and 6 throughout the complete process on the carpets/mats. Light to moderate pressure was used to clean up the mats/carpets.

Before - Grease, grime, dirt, were all present. The Griot's 3 inch Random Orbital Polisher, Uber Ultra Soft Brush Attachment, and 1Z einszett Plastic Deep Cleaner were used to clean it all up.



After - all cleaned up but just one spot - still a very big improvement.


After shots -





Important Notes: You can damage the leather by going thru the clear coat with the machine (very much like paint), so make sure you take EXTREME CAUTION when working with the tools above - primarily the Griot's 3 inch Random Orbital Polisher and Uber Ultra Soft Brush Attachment

The above was for coated leather. Please NOTE this is NOT for suede, alcantara, or non coated leather.

You can buy this complete kit by Clicking Here

 

Great tutorial Phil. That brush can be used on PC7424XP?

 

Thanks for a great write up Phil! Awesome before and after shots. I've removed a lot of grime with Plastic Deep Cleaner. Doesn't take a whole lot to get the job done.

 

Very nice Phil. So the Deep Plastic Cleaner is safe on coated leather? What about uncoated leather?

 

yes it can be used on a Porter Cable or even the 6 inch Griots.

 

coated leather for sure.

 

Coated leather only. Very little out there is uncoated. In a case like that, you'll have to stick with a leather soap such as Lexol pH Cleaner or other product specifically formulated for unfinished leather.

 

Michael,

:thumb: It's always a class-act when a vendor references another vendor in goodwill. It makes me want to purchase more Einszett products! I have Lexol products too that I use and enjoy.

 

Phil,
Thanks for the great write up and pics ! Amazing work on that beautiful Lexus leather !

Einszett Deep Plastic Cleaner has been my "go to" product for years on things like this.And as you stated, sometimes, even after everything else, including steam, this product will help remove stuff you thought would never come out. The disclaimer is needed - it is aptly named for a reason - but it has always worked for the hard stuff and really breezed through the ordinary cleaning as needed.
The fact that it is truly a 1-step, clean, wipe, and you are done product makes it even more helpful to me. I like that it can be purchased in a big jug too.

The Einszett Leather Conditioner is also one of my choices ( I only have 4) for leather conditioning and it works especially great on BMW leather and Mercedes leather.

And as all Einszett products work, there is a pleasant, not overpowering scent, that fades away in 24-36 hours after application. No bad after-smells, just the smell of the hides, and a clean light scent. All my Clients who request a light, leather-type scent just love it.
Dan F

 

never thought about useing deep clean on carpet

 

Brush for my GG3 is already in the cart... I'll go ahead and throw the deep clean in there as well!

 

Is the brush soft? it can be use on seats, then carpet?

 

I love Deep clean, use it on almost everything. I have been using it with a hand held steamer to lift out alot of stains without scrubbing. I pretty much have been using only this and sonax carpet for all interior work now.

I do however want that brush,Looks like a much quicker way to clean seats.

 

@phil: that brush can be used also on dashboard? also can you tell me some car models with uncoated leather? or how can i make the difference between coated and uncoated?

 

its soft and yup we used it on the carpets and the seats.

 

Awesome job, Phil. I'm looking to doing the same to my parents 2003 Cadi. Escalade. The Einszett plastic deep cleaner is the best. love it! Might have to pic up that brush and polisher.

 

Wow, great turn around guys!!

 

If my leather isn't it that bad of condition like the ones shown, what would be a milder product for the black leather in a ISx50?

 

ordered this kit from Phil yesterday (monday) and it arrived this morning (Tuesday am, Phil you and Sue rock) just before I was headed out to an appointment. used it and it worked great. the unit is small so its great to work around the seats. the brush is very soft and really gets into the crevices easily. I did notice that the brush needed to be run over my had for a bit first b/c it shed a little but that cleared quickly. The deep plastic cleaner easily pulled the dirt and grime out of the seats and the seats felt brand new. it was great to feel the different between the clean section and the tacky uncleaned sections from dirt and oils. The stuff makes the car smell good to which is a plus.

I should've taken pictures maybe next vehicle i will remember, i was too anxious to get it out of he box and try it.

quick question phil, how much product are you guys using to clean each seat? about how many sprays of the deep plastic cleaner?

 

If it's not that bad Leather Care should be enough. But if you need more cleaning power without going the route of Plastic Deep Cleaner, try Blitz which is our go to upholstery cleaner. It's milder than Plastic Deep Cleaner and can be used on sensitive fabrics. I personally use it to wash microfiber towels.