BoxsterG

Does anyone have techniques to clean the perforated seats with ventilation? I have the seat ventilation option and these seats are the ones with the many holes in them. I couldn't locate a photo with the seats but if you have vented seats then you have seen them.
What is the best way to clean them without getting excess residue in them? I usually just take a damp towel and wipe them off. I can't really apply any type of conditioner because it will get in the holes and show easily. I have black seats so they show much easier.

DRJMK

I use the leather wipes...works great! I have the black perforated seats as well. Then i use the cleaner and conditioner on the non-perforated parts. Works for me!

BoxsterG

Thanks! You will need them on your Cayenne as well when you get it.
No residue correct?

DRJMK

Yes, they work great and no residue! The Cayenne is a big 'if' right now. Check out the new baby one, the 'Cajun'....

pilfjd

Which leather wipes do you use?

Edgy01

Absolutely avoid any product that is in the form of a cream or you will bugger them up. In time you will find that the leather perforations weaken the leather substantially and the service life of the leather will be significantly lower than the normal seats. Everything is a compromise.

Try the leather wipes or simply a damp washcloth.

TooSixy

I am using Meguiars Rich Leather Wipes. You can get these at Autozone, Walmart, Advance Auto Parts, and many other auto accessory places.

LlBr

Apply a Porsche approved cleaning/conditioning goop to a small clean towel, rub it into the towel nicely, THEN wipe seat with the goop-dampened towel. Turn frequently of course. Make sure you use the "approved" stuff or you can ruin the painted leather.

kosmo

i darkened my passenger seat when i used conditioner on it. Pissed me off to say the least. now i'm very careful. I usually apply a THIN FILM onto a damp cloth and apply very gently.
While its easier to use wipes, i find the separate cleaner/conditioner works better for me.
Keeping the leather from drying and cracking is the key to longevity. tks

BTW the darkened spots are slowly dissappearing.

Chaos

If you fart on perforated air seats does it come out the other seat ?

DRJMK

Meguair's...see post#7....work very well. I've using swissvax leather cleaner and conditioner for the other areas. Expensive, but worth it!

PRM97401

I can tell you what NOT to do...

After 14 years of 996 ownership (2000 C2 Cab) a few months ago I bought a 2009 997.2 C2S cab with black heated/vented seats. And whilst hastily detailing my car a few weeks ago I slathered on the leather cream just like I had done 100 times in my old 996. And it took me about a nanosecond to realize my idiotic mistake. You guessed it...

About 20% of the holes are now clogged with dried white cream and they look horrible and of course are less effective. Has anyone else made this mistake and if so, is there any way out of it? At this point I think I am going to confess to the Porsche dealer and order a new driver's seat.

PRM97401
'09 997.2 CS2 Cab Meteor Gray/Black
'00 996 C2 Cab, Arctic Silver/Black

MUSSBERGER

I would try to vacuum it out of the holes after it has dried then try the wipes.

number9ine

You'll be fine. Get a bottle of leather cleaner and a terrycloth towel. Just like wax, leather cleaner is meant to be applied and buffed off. Lather it between those steps and your caked-on conditioner will go away.

Use less conditioner next time and apply to your towel. Make sure to buff that off too, no one likes a greasy seat! Had ventilated seating in my 981 and a monthly clean/condition regimen kept it looking and smelling new. It was just as durable as my older Porsche leather, but nicer in my opinion because it was less prone to wrinkling.

Wayne Smith

One other thought, turn the ventilation on when working on the seats.