Detailing & Interior care products

[jc1surf]

Originally Posted by MINIz guy

I use Lexol leather cleaner and Surf City Garage leather conditioner. I dilute Meguiars APC+ to 10:1 and use that for scuffs on the kick panels. Otherwise, I'll use a damp rag or a steam cleaner (rarely as I'm too lazy to bring it out) to wipe down the rest of the interior.

Hi Miniz, i was looking into these two products.
How's the result and scent of the SCG leather conditioner?
what's the wait period between using the cleaner and then the conditioner?

Also, did you use the Meg APC also on the dashboard, leather seats, door panel, or just the dash and panel?
lol, thanks sorry for the million Questions

[MINIz guy]

I just apply the Lexol cleaner to all seats and then buff the excess off. Then I go around and do the SCG conditioner afterwards. I don't time anything out. The conditioner scent isn't repulsive, but not the best smelling thing in the world. It just gives a leather smell.

I just use APC+ on soiled areas. The dash never gets dirty, only dusty. The only place where your foot could kick and scuff is where I use APC+. Otherwise, a steam cleaner or just a damp rag and elbow grease is enough to clean the interior for me. APC+, when diluted 10:1, is safe on any interior surface, including leather, so you can use it for any type of cleaning if you so desire.

[StephenVA]

I have been using Griot's products for the last 15 years and would recommend them as they provide consistant results with normal applications.
Car Care Products, Detailing Supplies, Auto Accessories - Griot's Garage 800-345-5789

Recommendations
Interior
General Cleaning
Interior Cleaner. Works great on everytype of surface in our cars. Cleans carpets and door panels.
Leather Care - Great stuff
Vinyl & Rubber Dressing- no greasy residue like ArmorAll and no over shiny results.
Blue Detail Sponges- how to apply
Speed Shine® Use on all the shiny trim peices, like shifter console area, etc.

Tooth brushes for all the carpet around the stationary parts- foot rests, gas pedal, seat tracks, etc.

Steam cleaner is the only way to go if your interior looks like a 8 year old minivan that had scoccer duty one too many times. Miracle worker.

Use detailers supply to get your grit guards for your wash buckets. Everyone has their own thought so pick out the products that make sense to you and get scrubbin'.

I hate these postings as I went and ordered another $100 bucks worth of stuff after looking at everyone's postings. Wash, dry, drive, repeat.

[Salty_Dog]

Can i ask what you guys use on the upper dash of the X5?
Its a textured finish and matt finish.

I went to use ArmourAll on it, then realised it was going to make it a glossy mess.

[StephenVA]

Salty

As posted before:

I have been using Griot's products for the last 15 years and would recommend them as they provide consistent results with normal applications.
Car Care Products, Detailing Supplies, Auto Accessories - Griot's Garage 800-345-5789

Recommendations
Interior
General Cleaning
Interior Cleaner. Works great on every type of surface in our cars. Cleans carpets and door panels.
Leather Care - Great stuff
Vinyl & Rubber Dressing- no greasy residue like ArmorAll and no over shiny results.
Blue Detail Sponges- how to apply

The Vinyl & Rubber Dressing works PERFECT on our dashes as it will not create a sticky dirt collection site and the finish looks like Factory clean not oily. It has UV protector in it also.

On the Armor All side, there is a trick to make it work correctly.
Apply a heavy coat of product, allow it to soak in for 24 Hrs. Re spray until all the areas are evenly coated. May take 2-3 coats.

Mist Spray one last time and wipe down with a Microfiber cloth. These steps will provide a mat finish. Works GREAT underhood also on all that plastic covers and hoses.

[Salty_Dog]

Thanks Stephen, i appreciate the explanation.
I did read the whole thread and your previous post.

Just wasn't 100% sure regarding the textured dash.
Great, now to find that product in Oz

DO you have a link for the exact product for the dash, your post has me a little confused still.
Not sure if you are mentioning 5 products or 1?

[StephenVA]

Sorry for the delay. I was reading the post on an IPad and did not see the last line. here is the link to Griots.
Vinyl and Rubber Dressing - Griot's Garage

[mistermetoo]

i have a pair of 8oz leatherique bottles waiting to get used. we need another hot day or two for me to get them cracking. but from what i read, the effects are astounding. too bad they're expensive - 35 bucks or so for the 8oz variant

[BMWX5CHI]

+1 on Griots Garage products. I use Leather Care for the Leather and their Interior Cleaner is excellent. Been using their products since I got my X. The leather care leaves an awesome leather smell. I've gotten so many compliments on the smell, I've even got the "your car has that new car smell" a few times. I also use a bit of Meguiar's Ultimate Protectant on the dash and other vinyl surface.

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by Salty_Dog

Can i ask what you guys use on the upper dash of the X5? Its a textured finish and matt finish.

In the 10 years of ownership on the dash i've used nothing but a dry microfiber cloth.
For the rest of the interior it's Lexol leather conditioner and Lexol 1215 Protectant
for the areas that are not Leather. Finally I use it on the black bumper, door guards, and wheel well trim.