Amazing transformation of my leather interior

[t153]

Just picked up a new to me 2015 Model S. Car was a CPO with 31k miles from Florida, but the leather was looking a bit haggard. Steering wheel was extremely shiny, the seats were shiny also and had sunscreen stains on them. Unfortunately I don't have any good before shots, but here are a few from the CPO pic provided by tesla

After applying leatherique rejuvenator and letting it bake with the heater on hi for about 3 hrs while the car was parked in the garage, I removed it by spraying pristine clean on the leather and working it with a microfiber pad intended for wax and sealant application, rinsing and wringing it out in a bucket of warm, clean water and finally buffing them out with a clean microfiber towel.

The results are stunning! It may not be as dramatic of a change in the pics, but in real life there is a significant difference. The leather now looks and feels supple and matte like it's new again. The steering wheel probably experienced the most significant transformation, but the seats are not far behind. Wish I had better before shots, but I was not expecting this big of a change based on my experience with leatherique in my 911 turbo and various bmw interiors. Perhaps it's just because this one is black, but I felt like I had to share this with the rest of you; it only takes a bit of elbow grease to bring your interior back to life.

 

[aochoco]

I did the same last weekend on my CPO 85D except I let it sit out in the sun for a few hours. The results are astounding. A lot of the creases and wrinkles on the seats disappeared, or the appearance was softened. The leather was left with a supple matte finish that looked like it rolled off the showroom.

 

[glide]

Wow that looks great. My tan seats have seen better days and I think I’m going to give this a try.

 

[Haxster]

Nice!

Besides the seats and steering wheel, where else is there actual leather (dash, door panels, other)? I'd hate to use leather conditioner on leather-look vinyl.

 

[anthonyj]

Magic Eraser. Gently. You won't believe your eyes.

 

[t153]

I did the same last weekend on my CPO 85D except I let it sit out in the sun for a few hours. The results are astounding. A lot of the creases and wrinkles on the seats disappeared, or the appearance was softened. The leather was left with a supple matte finish that looked like it rolled off the showroom.

Congrats on the new ride. Glad to hear I’m not the only one with the same experience.

Wow that looks great. My tan seats have seen better days and I think I’m going to give this a try.

Give this a shot

Nice!

Besides the seats and steering wheel, where else is there actual leather (dash, door panels, other)? I'd hate to use leather conditioner on leather-look vinyl.

I have the premium upgrades package, so not sure if it’s different, but the upper section of the door panels and the center cards are definitely leather, arm rests in the center console too. I applied it to the whole door panel and center console though and it worked well; leatherique can be used on vinyl too, btw.

Magic Eraser. Gently. You won't believe your eyes.

Magic eraser is actually very abrasive. It may look like it works, but you’re damaging your seats.

 

[BerTX]

Magic eraser is actually very abrasive. It may look like it works, but you’re damaging your seats.

Agree with this. People don't realize that leather seats are not just leather -- they have a protective urethane coating. Remove the coating and remove the protection.

 

[Haxster]

I have the premium upgrades package, so not sure if it’s different, but the upper section of the door panels and the center cards are definitely leather, arm rests in the center console too. I applied it to the whole door panel and center console though and it worked well; leatherique can be used on vinyl too, btw.

Good info for my PUP MS. On the flat surfaces, it's hard to tell what is and isn't leather. Thanks!

Leatherique sounds like a good product...even better than used cooking oil.

 

[anthonyj]

Agree with this. People don't realize that leather seats are not just leather -- they have a protective urethane coating. Remove the coating and remove the protection.

If you are able to do it gently, it will not strip away the coating. Rubbing very hard with a microfiber cloth will strip away the coating too. Also try Lexol leather cleaner and apply with medium pressure in a microfiber cloth. Does wonders

 

[Simon21]

How do I find out if my car has leather seats or this new vegan leather plastic stuff?

 

[xveys]

Thanks for the tip for this product, didn't know it! my steering wheel is also very shiny and desperately needs a clean.

 

[t153]

I think the fake leather became available only on face lifted cars, but the easiest way has got to be by checking your car’s options. go to ev-cpo.com and click on ‘option code lookup’ in the nav bar and put your VIN in.

 

[t153]

Thanks for the tip for this product, didn't know it! my steering wheel is also very shiny and desperately needs a clean.

Sure thing! The 16oz pack is more than enough for several applications. I condition my leather shoes with Pristine clean also

 

[VaztheDad]

After applying leatherique rejuvenator

To make sure we are talking about the same product, is this the one you used?

https://www.amazon.com/Leatherique-Rejuvenator-Oil-16-oz/dp/B0002SPCAI

Thanks!

 

[t153]

You need the rejuvenator oil AND prestine clean. Looks like DI has a 20% off sale for interior care products going on right now also, so lucky you!

Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil - 16 oz
Leatherique Prestine Clean - 16 oz

 

[AustinP]

Our cars are the same age.
Bought Lexol kit two years ago, following advise from TMC owners.
Did a first pass then and was very happy with the result. Like having new seats.
Today once more, did the front seats and the steering wheel.
It’s indeed work, and not always easy to take time for this, but the result is great.
Will do the back seats... soon.
Plan to keep the car as long as I can, and it’s just great that the leather holds up so well.
Not to mention the car altogether

 

[S-ALSET]

Just bought this kit. Lets see how well it performs on my leather. Thanks for the tip! There is indeed a 20% discount with code MDAY19

 

[jonnyfive]

How many ounces of the cleaner did you use for your entire car?