993 seats - backs are sticky
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
993 seats - backs are sticky
The backs of my 993 OEM leather seats are sticky. I tried Lexol to clean and condition them, but it didn't make any difference. When I have the top down and it's very hot, it's really bad. I lift my back away from the seat, and my shirt is stuck to it. I would like to stop the stickiness and then protect them. Any suggestions?
#2
Burning Brakes
Try a cleaner
Try a leather cleaner before using the leather conditioner. You may need to clean the surface a few times. it may be that someone applied some product that becomes sticky on the heat. I guess it could be leather dye although that should not get sticky and usually only the fronts of the seats are re-dyed. Does any color come off on the cloth when you treat them with conditioner?
#3
Race Car
You may want to try Leather Masters Strong Cleaner and follow up with their Vital which leaves a very nice, matt finish. Even in this heat, my seats have never felt sticky.
#4
Rennlist Member
Try a leather cleaner before using the leather conditioner. You may need to clean the surface a few times. it may be that someone applied some product that becomes sticky on the heat. I guess it could be leather dye although that should not get sticky and usually only the fronts of the seats are re-dyed. Does any color come off on the cloth when you treat them with conditioner?
I think it is not only the leather condition. Some people simply sweat more. Perhaps a bath towel in between the seat and your back is the best option, if your A/C cannot cope that is.
Chris
#5
First thing - don't use a leather cleaner. These cleaners contain oils and waxes and will contribute to the problem. Leather cleaners are meant to be used on dry leather whereby the dirt is removed and softeners lubricate the leather at the same time. Depending on what the surface condition is like, I'd suggest trying the following..... 1) soap and water with microfiber cloth..... 2) Goo gone (small area).... 3) Vinegar and water with clean cloth. If it comes clean - then use a leather conditioner and buff into the leather to protect the outer surface. Looks like you have a cab so you may want to put a small container of "Damp Rid" behind the seat. This will remove a great deal of cabin moisture and may help you.
#6
Race Car
First thing - don't use a leather cleaner. These cleaners contain oils and waxes and will contribute to the problem. Leather cleaners are meant to be used on dry leather whereby the dirt is removed and softeners lubricate the leather at the same time.
But a pure leather cleaner like Leather Master's Strong cleaner is a water based cleaner that can be used on most aniline and pigmented leathers. It'll help any residue left by other conditioners rise to the surface and be wiped away.
Do not use Goo Gone. Their website specifically says "Goo Gone should not be used on fine materials such as leather, silk, or suede."
Last edited by 95_993; 07-25-2011 at 12:26 PM.
#7
Drifting
Thread Starter
It is the front of the seat where my back touches. I do not sweat excessively, but I would agree any sweating may exaggerate the problem. I'll look into the Leather Master's. I want to try the least invasive method first, as the seats are not in bad shape. I think I’m going to try some mild soap and water on a clean cloth first. Then some type of protectant. I’ve had great luck using 303 protectant. Any thoughts on using this on the leather? My thoughts are that it dries fast and doesn’t leave a residue. It says it’s ok to use on leather. I guess I'm not too sure I want to add another product that may make it sticky all over again.
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#8
It's crucial to remove the residue before applying any type of finishing product. If not - it will make it worst most likely. The Leather Masters product sounds pretty good too. I'd suggest trying a microfiber cloth instead of cotton. The loops in microfiber will collect and trap any loose dirt. Good luck
#9
Race Car
I do have experience with 303 on leather so I can't comment.
I wanted to pass along this thread which may be of some help.
https://rennlist.com/forums/concours...e-leather.html
I wanted to pass along this thread which may be of some help.
https://rennlist.com/forums/concours...e-leather.html
#10
Nordschleife Master
I'll second this, it will remove anything that is in the leather. Chances are some one used a silicone product on the seats & the heat it brining it out of the leather.
#12
Instructor
I had the same thing happen on my wife's X5 after using Lexol Cleaner. It really sucked. I found no solution other than time.
I have since become friends with a leather specialist. He will not use anything other than a solution of dove soap and water.
Good luck!
I have since become friends with a leather specialist. He will not use anything other than a solution of dove soap and water.
Good luck!
#13
Rennlist Member
I think the collective wisdom of RL over time is that leatherique is one of the best 2 part cleaner / conditioner available. many of us have used it to really recondition the leather on our seats. its great at removing residue from past applications that don't work well. (no affiliation, etc. etc)
http://www.leatherique.com/
may take a couple of applications
http://www.leatherique.com/
may take a couple of applications
#15
+1 for Letherique - its a real professionals choice. No marketing, no expensive sales pitches. If you follow the directions on the web site and use both the rejuvenator oil and the pristine clean properly, you will not only safely remove all the goo but your seats will get back to that clean, non shiny new car look. You wouldn't believe the schmaltz and shine it removes. Now is a good time to use it as it requires you to apply it the oil and let it sit in the sun and create a green house for about 12 hours. Best product I have ever used.