Interior Detailing Products

[sjlversurfer]

What are you all using/recommending for detailing the interior of a 2019 S5? Nappa Leather, dash, center console, carbon trim, door panels, etc.? I've been doing some searching but it seems there is a lot of conflicting information out there. My interior is perfect, and I would like to keep it that way.

Thanks!

[Diokhan]

For leather I really like the Colourlock system. With a well maintained 2019, you'd want Mild Cleaner, Leather Protector (conditioner), Leather Sheild (sealant). I use it on the seats and steering wheel. If your alcantara door cards need attention, I really like Sonax Alcantara Cleaner.

For everything else, I like Griot's Interior Cleaner. It works very well and is unscented. Another one I like is P&S Xpress Interior. It works really well and has a mild scent. Neither of these leave anything behind, so you get just a matte factory look.

Some of your conflicting info probably says that automotive leather is coated and you don't need anything. It is coated, but it is also porous. The nappa leather really does benefit from maintenance. Other info probably says to just use APC on everything in the interior. This is generally stronger than is needed and leaves a film behind. There's nothing to neutralize it so it can cause problems in the long run. You really do want a dedicated interior cleaner of some sort.

I'm an IDA certified and skills validated detailer if that matters. I hope some of this was helpful to you.

[GoneQuantum]

For leather I really like the Colourlock system. With a well maintained 2019, you'd want Mild Cleaner, Leather Protector (conditioner), Leather Sheild (sealant). I use it on the seats and steering wheel. If your alcantara door cards need attention, I really like Sonax Alcantara Cleaner.

For everything else, I like Griot's Interior Cleaner. It works very well and is unscented. Another one I like is P&S Xpress Interior. It works really well and has a mild scent. Neither of these leave anything behind, so you get just a matte factory look.

Some of your conflicting info probably says that automotive leather is coated and you don't need anything. It is coated, but it is also porous. The nappa leather really does benefit from maintenance. Other info probably says to just use APC on everything in the interior. This is generally stronger than is needed and leaves a film behind. There's nothing to neutralize it so it can cause problems in the long run. You really do want a dedicated interior cleaner of some sort.

I'm an IDA certified and skills validated detailer if that matters. I hope some of this was helpful to you.

I will keep this alcantara cleaner in mind - this is my first vehicle with it so I have been looking for a good option to keep it clean.

Adding my personal product setup...

For leather, I have had good luck with Chemical Guys leather cleaner + conditioner. Its worth mentioning that the conditioner does leave a distinct leather smell (which I don't mind, but some people don't like it).

For all of the footwell plastics/rubber (door sills, floor mats, pedals) I have always used Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner diluted around 8-10:1. It's a great go-to and you can buy a 1 or 2 gallon jug of concentrate that will last you for years. It's also good for cleaning tires (may prefer a lower dilution for this) and the majority of surfaces in the engine bay.
For the leatherette/other interior surfaces, I have honestly just been using the leather cleaner because it is a very mild solution without any harsh chemicals or scent and it can clean up the majority of messes.

On any cleaned plastic/rubber surfaces (especially ones that are exposed to direct sunlight), 303 Aerospace Protectant does a great job of keeping them from fading. It also works equally well on textured exterior plastics (though our cars don't have much, if any of that).

For the glossy surfaces like piano black trim and carbon, I will generally use Meguiar's Quick Detailer or similar for a quick clean, and will even throw a coat of spray wax on them occasionally.

I'm by no means a professional, but have been my detailing my vehicles for around 15 years and these have always worked well for me. Interested to hear others input as well.

[VVG]

So many products out there that are really good. I am partial to Lithium products. Their Trim Serum is truly like nothing I have ever seen before. I use it on exterior and interior trim as well the engine bay. Expensive but a little goes a long away.

[jhAudi]

I bought the audi leather care spray from the dealer a couple years back. Not sure if it's better or worse than anything else but it does have cleaner conditioner and uv protection. Probably a couple bucks more than other stuff for a not huge bottle but it's been a couple years or more and I havn't used it all yet. I apply it every 3 months or so but not on the back seat every time as it's a coupe and nobody sits there and the car is in the garage at least 4 days of the week.

[Zombie5150]

As stated above, I use both the Griot’s and Chemical Guys products. I like the Griot’s leather cleaner and protectant on the seats and the interior cleaner from CG on the plastic areas. I use the CG orange detailer/sealant on both the outside and the gloss black/carbon fiber interior stuff. I also really like the super plush micro fiber towels from Griot’s.

[DisGrnS5]

Has anyone tried Optimum leather protectant plus?

[chip_]

For the leather I use Colourlock Leather & Textile Cleaning Brush and Lexol Leather Conditioner and Leather Cleaner Kit.

General interior I like 303 Aerospace Protectant.

[sjlversurfer]

Some of your conflicting info probably says that automotive leather is coated and you don't need anything. It is coated, but it is also porous. The nappa leather really does benefit from maintenance. Other info probably says to just use APC on everything in the interior. This is generally stronger than is needed and leaves a film behind. There's nothing to neutralize it so it can cause problems in the long run. You really do want a dedicated interior cleaner of some sort.

This is correct! Some say it is sealed, some say it isn't, aniline, semi-aniline, etc. I don't think there is a solid answer anywhere. I wonder if anyone has contacted Audi to get the truth from the source. So many variations of care and care products, and I quickly went down a rabbit hole.

When I took delivery of the car, the interior smelled like it was new, and I really liked that. That smell has faded so I asked the dealership what they used and they said it was Meguiars all purpose cleaner same as @GoneQuantum mentioned.

With the Colourlock method, how often does this need to be done - every couple weeks, a month, 3 months? Is it safe for the stitching and leather color (I have black interior with white stitching)? Any noticeable reside on the steering wheel? The shifter cover should be leather as well, correct?

For the vinyl surfaces (dash, door panels, etc.) should I clean those first, then apply a UV protector like 303 or Vinylex, maybe even a ceramic solution? Would the cleaner on a sponge be sufficient, or do I need some sort of brush? I'm assuming I could use the same product(s) on the center console and all parts of the dash (carbon trims, that weird grayish console panel that has that micro texture like fine lines in it, aluminum, etc.)

The Alcantara is in great shape, but I'll probably pick up some Sonax and have it on hand, maybe do those sections twice a year?

Sorry for all the questions, just want to make sure I'm treating this interior correctly! Thanks for indulging me.

[sjlversurfer]

For all of the footwell plastics/rubber (door sills, floor mats, pedals) I have always used Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner diluted around 8-10:1. It's a great go-to and you can buy a 1 or 2 gallon jug of concentrate that will last you for years. It's also good for cleaning tires (may prefer a lower dilution for this) and the majority of surfaces in the engine bay.
For the leatherette/other interior surfaces, I have honestly just been using the leather cleaner because it is a very mild solution without any harsh chemicals or scent and it can clean up the majority of messes.

On any cleaned plastic/rubber surfaces (especially ones that are exposed to direct sunlight), 303 Aerospace Protectant does a great job of keeping them from fading. It also works equally well on textured exterior plastics (though our cars don't have much, if any of that).

For the glossy surfaces like piano black trim and carbon, I will generally use Meguiar's Quick Detailer or similar for a quick clean, and will even throw a coat of spray wax on them occasionally.

Thanks for the input! Are you using the Meguiars APC on the dash and door panels as well, or another product? How does that cleaner smell? In my reply to Diokhan, I noted the dealer said this is what they used prior to me taking delivery of the car, and the interior smelled like new. I asked them if they used a fragrance, but they did not confirm this. 303 is awesome stuff, and I've used it before.

[sjlversurfer]

As stated above, I use both the Griot’s and Chemical Guys products. I like the Griot’s leather cleaner and protectant on the seats and the interior cleaner from CG on the plastic areas. I use the CG orange detailer/sealant on both the outside and the gloss black/carbon fiber interior stuff. I also really like the super plush micro fiber towels from Griot’s.

Ah, I need some good MF towels too. Thanks!

[ShiftyWolf]

+1 on the Lexol leather products and a bunch of microfiber towels.

[GoneQuantum]

Thanks for the input! Are you using the Meguiars APC on the dash and door panels as well, or another product? How does that cleaner smell? In my reply to Diokhan, I noted the dealer said this is what they used prior to me taking delivery of the car, and the interior smelled like new. I asked them if they used a fragrance, but they did not confirm this. 303 is awesome stuff, and I've used it before.

It depends - generally I will use the mildest cleaner possible and move up from there if there are things that won't come off. Usually that means just hitting everything with the mild CG leather cleaner and going from there.

But yes, I do use APC on the textured plastic of the door panels/top of dash when needed.

In terms of smell, it's a bit hard to describe. It's definitely not a "fruity" or intense smell like a lot of other cleaners on the market. It just kind of has a mild "clean" smell (horrible description I know lol) that varies in strength depending on how diluted your solution is.

Maybe it's just me being used to it from using it for so long, but I don't really notice it lingering in the car after using it.

Sent from my HD1905 using Tapatalk

[sjlversurfer]

It depends - generally I will use the mildest cleaner possible and move up from there if there are things that won't come off. Usually that means just hitting everything with the mild CG leather cleaner and going from there.

But yes, I do use APC on the textured plastic of the door panels/top of dash when needed.

In terms of smell, it's a bit hard to describe. It's definitely not a "fruity" or intense smell like a lot of other cleaners on the market. It just kind of has a mild "clean" smell (horrible description I know lol) that varies in strength depending on how diluted your solution is.

Maybe it's just me being used to it from using it for so long, but I don't really notice it lingering in the car after using it.

Sent from my HD1905 using Tapatalk

Awesome, thanks for the feedback!

[humphammer]

There are lots of great products out there that will get the job done. If you like a matte finish on the dash and door panels Nextzette cockpit premium is a great choice.
https://www.amazon.com/nextzett-9247...ve%2C83&sr=1-5


If you like a little more shine Poorboys World natural look is great.
https://www.amazon.com/Poorboys-Worl...ve%2C93&sr=1-7


For leather I use Zaino Z9 leather soft spray cleaner and Z10 leather in a bottle conditioner.
https://www.zainostore.com/category/interiortires.html

[kmarei]

i differ from all the detailers on tiktok/instragram/youtube (who all make a cut of the products they recommend)
i use steam to clean the leather seats and steering wheel, and a wrung damp clean microfiber towel to clean the dash and doors and rear side panels :)
hardly ever use any products inside the car
works great and i am not worried of any residue staying on the trim etc
i get the MF towels from costco and wash them on warm without anythign else in the washer, and use the low heat setting in the dryer

steam also workls great in engine bay
i spray on some degreaser and use a clean brush to disolve the oily spots, then rinse the whole thing with steam

advantage of steam is it doesnt have any chemicals etc
and leaves nothing behind, i use distilled water so there are no disolved salts like tap water

[Lstereo]

I use the Griot's products. Their interior disinfectant, cleaner and detailer products are amazing. Their leather cleaner is very good too. So too is the Lexol leather cleaners/conditioners.