Hi All,
I've recently purchased a the above low mileage Portfolio edition car (charcoal leather), its spent its life in Hawaii and California, its a clean car but I doubt the leather has ever been treated as it shiny and in the Minnesota cold temps harder than you would like.

Its currently stored in my heated (50 degree) garage waiting for spring, when I will get it out and give is a thorough clean. In the pas on other cars I've used Leatherique, whilst a bit of a PITA to use and you need the temps to be warmer, I've generally been pleased with the end result, softer leather and a more natural look to it.

Any recommendations on different products to use?, anything I can apply now whilst its in storage that would help?

 

Lexol leather conditioner is fantastic! Clean first but don't forget to condition or the leather will be dry and hard. The most effective way to soften leather is to coat everything well and leave the car to cook in the sun for a day. Conditioning more often is very helpful too, especially if it is too cold for the car to "cook".

 

You say that the leather is shiney, and that is a definite indicator of a silicone based product on the surface, which should NEVER be used on leather! Your first step should be to thoroughly clean the leather to eliminate the shine. Lexol conditioner is by itself an excellent cleaner and conditioner. If you massage the Lexol into the leather and leave it for an hour or so, you will find the surface very tacky - that is the product of dirt and oils brought to the surface.
Solution: More Lexol and a clean white or yellow soft fibre cloth for buffing…you will be amazed at the dirt that comes off!

Repeat this procedure (apply Lexol, leave it, buff surface) until the buffing cloth comes away CLEAN. The amount of dirt removed will be shocking.