Meguiar's Gold Class Leather & Vinyl Cleaner - Ruining my seats?

[DiZzyBonne]

First off, I have a 2008 Ford Shelby GT500, pointing that out so you know what type of leather seats I have. I recently went to the beach and when we got back into the car, we had sunscreen on us which rubbed off on the seats. I bought Meguiar's Gold Class Leather & Vinyl Cleaner at the store and it worked wonders. I left it in the car in 95 degree heat for about 2 days, until I finally remembered to bring it back inside. I'm pointing this out in case maybe this is why the rest of my story goes as follows...


Fast forward a few weeks later, and I just recently went to get food, and the bottom of the bag leaked grease all over my passenger side seat! I wiped it off, and the next day (I had left the product at work, so I couldn't use it at home,) I sprayed some on and wiped it off. However, this time the seat wiped off and left a LOT more black stuff on my towel than the first time I used it. It also left my seats looking a bit more white and feeling strange, a little sticky even. Also, if I rub my finger across the seat, it "peels." Take a look at these pictures and tell me what you think.



You can see where the slight discoloration is, and it's actually like that in a little bit more than that area, but the flash is pronouncing that particular spot. You can also see where it's "peeling." I put it in quotes because it might just be a lot of dirt - that is, in fact, right where the food grease hit. When I tried wiping down that same spot on the driver seat, it didn't leave it as bad, nor did it wipe off as black, but it still did leave it slightly discolored - different than when I first bought it a few weeks ago (from what I remember, at least.)



Here's another angle.



Another closeup of the "peel." Also, that spot towards the left of the picture (where the front of the seat meets the part of the seat with the holes in it) is where it hasn't fully dried, probably because I tried letting the product sit for about 45 seconds before wiping it off. It's really soaked in now, and I can't fully dry it out.



A closeup of my finger, and the "peel" on the paper in the background. When I grabbed that little piece to the right of my finger between my nails on both hands and pulled it apart, it was slightly stretchy before it ripped.


I'm really worried . What do you guys think it is? Did I ruin my seats? Can I fix it? Ahh! I broke my baby!

[Top Gear]

Re: Meguiar's Gold Class Leather & Vinyl Cleaner - Ruining my seats?

In short, yes. The leathers on our cars today are usually coated, which can come off (especially on steering wheels, for example). I also use GC Rich Leather spray, but you might get some Lexol cleaner and treatment to make the best of it. Once that cures or wears away, you can resume GC.

[Top Gear]

Re: Meguiar's Gold Class Leather & Vinyl Cleaner - Ruining my seats?

Sorry, Dizzy, just wanted to make clear that by "yes", I meant the hot food, sunscreen, etc. GC will NOT harm your leather

[The Guz]

Re: Meguiar's Gold Class Leather & Vinyl Cleaner - Ruining my seats?

Sounds like the combination of sunscreen, grease and possibly scrubbing to hard.

I have never had any issues with this exact product on leather.

[Selectchoice]

Re: Meguiar's Gold Class Leather & Vinyl Cleaner - Ruining my seats?

How exactly did you apply it? You say you sprayed it on and wiped it off but what did you use to apply it with, and did you rub/scrub the seat or simply apply the product and rub it off?

It's hard to tell in the pics but it almost looks like there's still leather cleaner residue on the seat. Might need more wiping to remove it. I'd try a slightly damp microfibre towel and go back over the seat to see if that clears it up.

Also, greasy food can leave a surprising amount of crud on the seat. Removing it will also discolour your towel like you mention.

I'd be surprised if there was permanent damage to the seat from the product itself.

[Blueline]

Re: Meguiar's Gold Class Leather & Vinyl Cleaner - Ruining my seats?

Sorry about your seat, but in my opinion, it probably was not the Leather cleaner that caused the problem. That said, a combination of the cleaner and grease might. I am afraid the damage is done and irreparable. Never, ever, put anything on auto leather seats except your "harse". Contrary to a comment above, hot food, especially if the bottom is greasy, will soften the vinyl coating on the leather. Would you spray WD-40 on your leather seats. I think not. Take out food should be put on the floor or in the trunk, not on your good leather seats. For undamaged areas, use either plain warm water, or Lexol on a damp cloth, and forget about conditioners. Unfortunately I don't think anything will help your passenger seat.