How to maintain the dash and seats leather

[moonroof]

Hi.

First, what is the material on the dash of a Toyota Avalon XLS (2000) exactly? Can I use the same thing to clean/condition it that I use on the leather seats?

I have bought a Meguiar's Gold Class Rich Leader Cleaner/Conditioner to clean the leather seats.

Also, I have also seen interior detailing products that are either for a shine or for a matte finish. Which one of these is recommended for this car? And, how to tell?

Thanks.

[TrailDust]

The interior materials and the products to clean them are generic. I'm moving this thread to the Car Care forum so a wider body of people can reply. Also, you'll want to search the Car Care forum since this subject has been covered in numerous threads...lots of info there for you.

[moonroof]

Thanks for moving the thread.

I just finished doing the seats with the leather cleaner/conditioner I mentioned earlier. It was my first time and I learned as I went along. I hope it have done it right.

Now, for the plastic parts, what should I use? I am still not sure why there are matte, natural finish and glossy cleaners.

[CTB727]

Originally Posted by moonroof

Thanks for moving the thread.

I just finished doing the seats with the leather cleaner/conditioner I mentioned earlier. It was my first time and I learned as I went along. I hope it have done it right.

Now, for the plastic parts, what should I use? I am still not sure why there are matte, natural finish and glossy cleaners.

For plastic parts, there's all kinds of options to clean them properly and safely. The best ones I would recommend are Griot's Interior Cleaner , 1Z Plastic Cleaner , or Optimum Power Clean APC which can be diluted and still work just as effectively to save money.

For a protectant, my favorite one is 303 Aerspace Protectant. It's best to dress it to a matte finish, and avoid any shine. Matte finish makes it looks like it just rolled out of the factory, before dealers apply their cheap greasy dressings.

[moonroof]

Originally Posted by CTB727

For plastic parts, there's all kinds of options to clean them properly and safely. The best ones I would recommend are Griot's Interior Cleaner , 1Z Plastic Cleaner , or Optimum Power Clean APC which can be diluted and still work just as effectively to save money.

For a protectant, my favorite one is 303 Aerspace Protectant. It's best to dress it to a matte finish, and avoid any shine. Matte finish makes it looks like it just rolled out of the factory, before dealers apply their cheap greasy dressings.

I am still trying to understand various steps in a DIY detailing. The tree cleaners you mentioned, how do they compare with Meguiar's detailers (which apparently have a cleaner + a protectant in them)?

Do cleaners not have a protectant in them? In other words, is it always that the steps involve cleaning followed by a protectant?

The 303 protectant you mentioned, can that be applied to all surfaces (clear pastic, glass, leather, plastic, vinyl), or just opaque plastic and vinyl?

Thanks.

[CTB727]

Originally Posted by moonroof

I am still trying to understand various steps in a DIY detailing. The tree cleaners you mentioned, how do they compare with Meguiar's detailers (which apparently have a cleaner + a protectant in them)?

They are all excellent products no doubt. Meguiar's makes great products, but the ones I mentioned like 1Z are easier to use for quick interior cleaning. That's about it. Just a personal preference.

If you like Meguiar's products and you're on a budget, and you clean your car often, then check out Meguiars APC+. Dilute it in a spray bottle at 10:1 for light cleaning, and 4:1 for heavier cleaning, and you can use it on interior, rims, tires, engine bay, etc. Just avoid it on paint. It's great stuff, and I love it. 1 gallon lasts a long time. [/COLOR]

Do cleaners not have a protectant in them? In other words, is it always that the steps involve cleaning followed by a protectant?

If it doesn't mention that it has protectant in the description, then there is no protectant and you'll need a separate product.
The 303 protectant you mentioned, can that be applied to all surfaces (clear pastic, glass, leather, plastic, vinyl), or just opaque plastic and vinyl?

It can be applied to anything besides glass, paint, metal surfaces, or carpet. It's excellent for exterior trim, leather, plastic, vinyl, rubber, etc. If by clear plastic you mean the plastic on the instrument cluster, I'd say no. I personally wouldn't use it on there, and it's not entirely necessary.
Thanks.

[moonroof]

I see.

I have no strong leaning towards Meguiar's products. I mentioned those only because they were fresh in mind from a trip to the auto aisle in a store.

I was asking about matte and glossy products since I would rather not have a glossy shine on my dash to avoid any reflection off wind shield during bright sunny days. I was not sure if a certain kind of dash material demands either of those finishes.

In my case, the dash of my 2000 Avalon has a top covered with dark colored leather (unless I am quite wrong). The beige plastic is on the steering column and other interior parts. I have wiped the dark leather top and I am next choosing which product to use to clean the beige plastic. I think I will go with a matte finish product.

Regard the 303 Protectant, it doesn't give a glossy or shiny finish, does it?

Thanks for the explanations. Much appreciated.

Regards.

[CTB727]

Originally Posted by moonroof

I see.

I have no strong leaning towards Meguiar's products. I mentioned those only because they were fresh in mind from a trip to the auto aisle in a store.

I was asking about matte and glossy products since I would rather not have a glossy shine on my dash to avoid any reflection off wind shield during bright sunny days. I was not sure if a certain kind of dash material demands either of those finishes.

In my case, the dash of my 2000 Avalon has a top covered with dark colored leather (unless I am quite wrong). The beige plastic is on the steering column and other interior parts. I have wiped the dark leather top and I am next choosing which product to use to clean the beige plastic. I think I will go with a matte finish product.

Remember that 303 doesn't necessarily clean, it just protects. So you'll need one of the other cleaners I mentioned to clean it.

Regard the 303 Protectant, it doesn't give a glossy or shiny finish, does it?

As long as you wipe it off completely, it doesn't give a glossy finish. More like a satin finish I guess you could say.

Thanks for the explanations. Much appreciated.

Regards.

Hope this helps!