Leather treating
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 949
Likes: 1
From: Oakdale CT
Leather treating
I need to treat my seats in the C5, and was wondering what some good products were to use. They need a DEEP cleaning and will need to be treated afterwards to hopefully regain a little softness. I just bought this car, so I gotta make it how I want it.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Vancouver
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
I have gone through a lot of leather products. Since one on my friends is in the detailing biz. And last year my wife's car was showing her neglect in cleaning the leather seats. So I got out all the stuff and tried it all. I was still not satisfied, so I brought out the Zaino Z9 and Z10 products which I keep for the Corvette. Well the cleaner was absolutely amazing. Without hard rubbing or anything it got what all the others failed to even touch. Then the Z10 Leather in a bottle to condition the leather afterwords and the seats look brand new. Check it out you won't be disappointed. Actually all the Zaino products are better than any competitive products out there. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,202
Likes: 3
From: somwhere Texas
Originally Posted by Stock Man
I have gone through a lot of leather products. Since one on my friends is in the detailing biz. And last year my wife's car was showing her neglect in cleaning the leather seats. So I got out all the stuff and tried it all. I was still not satisfied, so I brought out the Zaino Z9 and Z10 products which I keep for the Corvette. Well the cleaner was absolutely amazing. Without hard rubbing or anything it got what all the others failed to even touch. Then the Z10 Leather in a bottle to condition the leather afterwords and the seats look brand new. Check it out you won't be disappointed. Actually all the Zaino products are better than any competitive products out there.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,876
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From: Ghent
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Originally Posted by Stock Man
I have gone through a lot of leather products. Since one on my friends is in the detailing biz. And last year my wife's car was showing her neglect in cleaning the leather seats. So I got out all the stuff and tried it all. I was still not satisfied, so I brought out the Zaino Z9 and Z10 products which I keep for the Corvette. Well the cleaner was absolutely amazing. Without hard rubbing or anything it got what all the others failed to even touch. Then the Z10 Leather in a bottle to condition the leather afterwords and the seats look brand new. Check it out you won't be disappointed. Actually all the Zaino products are better than any competitive products out there.
Zaino wins, hands down!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,293
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From: Big Bear City CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
IMO the best treatment available is Mink Oil. I cleaned my Grey Leather with Tide Detergent mixed with water (mixed strong) then dampened a wash rag with the detergent solution. Scrubbed the dirt out of the seats, then Then rinsed with another damp cloth using only clean water. Followed with Mink Oil. You can buy Mink Oil at most shoe stores. Mink Oil has been used as a leather treatment for decades now. It replenishes the leather natural oils, thereby softening the leather to new condition. It also make them water repellent 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,876
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From: Ghent
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Originally Posted by C5VetteLS1
IMO the best treatment available is Mink Oil. I cleaned my Grey Leather with Tide Detergent mixed with water (mixed strong) then dampened a wash rag with the detergent solution. Scrubbed the dirt out of the seats, then Then rinsed with another damp cloth using only clean water. Followed with Mink Oil. You can buy Mink Oil at most shoe stores. Mink Oil has been used as a leather treatment for decades now. It replenishes the leather natural oils, thereby softening the leather to new condition. It also make them water repellent
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Paducah Ky
Originally Posted by Icemanskis
I just use the meguire's rich leather whipes that can be found at any auto parts store. The smell is excellent.
I will usually use them after I've parked it and then next time I drive it I'll take a cotton towel and wipe off any excess. Probably not what you're looking for on deep cleaning, but good for after that.
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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For a conditioner, I use Eagle One Leather Conditioner. Works well and keeps the leather nice and soft.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
These are two of the best kits, period ! That said we do offer them for sale, and with a forum discount, so please feel free to accept it as biased if necessary.
http://www.autogeek.net/le16ozkit.html
http://www.autogeek.net/colecakit.html
Call a local leather upholstery installer or tannery in the area, and ask about these products. Both names are instantly recognizable as one of the best !!!
And for those looking for a more "economical" but highly rated leather cleaner , Lexol.
http://www.autogeek.net/lexleatkit.html
http://www.autogeek.net/le16ozkit.html
http://www.autogeek.net/colecakit.html
Call a local leather upholstery installer or tannery in the area, and ask about these products. Both names are instantly recognizable as one of the best !!!
And for those looking for a more "economical" but highly rated leather cleaner , Lexol.
http://www.autogeek.net/lexleatkit.html
Last edited by Killrwheels@Autogeek; Jun 18, 2005 at 02:16 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Toronto
