BMW sells some interior cleaning products (they’re expensive – surprise!) But because the interior of Old Girl looks like a 15-year-old car’s that was neglected by her former (evil) owners, I just go with some cheapy leather cleaner and dash/detail stuff. Honestly, cheap Armor-All is adequate in this situation.
I do , however, use BMW’s interior products on my new X3 and they do a great job.
Check out your car maker’s suggested site for suggested interior products.
20 or so collective years of leather car interiors and I’ve found that Lexol cleaner and conditioner has worked exceptionally well. No sticky residue, or weird smell. I just works.
The clay bar is soft and pliable, like modeling clay or Silly Putty, only it is a synthetic petroleum resin. So it pancakes out to mold to the palm of your hand as you use it. It usually comes in white or yellow so you can easily see the stuff it is picking up.
When the side you are using collects dirt you simply fold it over and mash it back into whatever shape you want. The dirt is now trapped inside the clay and you have a new clean surface. Keep doing that while you clean and after you have done the whole car you discard that bar of clay and use a new bar the next time. You only need to do this once a year or so and the clay bar is a one time use item.
See, this right here is what proves that you are beyond saving.
The best suggestion is to go look at a dedicated detailing website like AutoGeek or Meguiars where people are so into this, they debate the best type of socks to wear while washing the car.
To be honest, some of the advice above is outdated as there are much better alternatives to clay bars and orbital polishers. Nanomitts will do the same job as claying but are easier to use. If you drop a clay bar even once, it’s ruined. The Nanomitt however, can be washed off and it’s as good as new.
If this is something you really think you might want to do again and again, you can spend some money and get a dual action polisher which will make your car paint look 100x better. If you don’t want to spend the time or money, you’re probably better off hiring someone to do it for you.
Thanks to all who supplied the great info in this thread.
Waxing is still a thing with modern car finishes?
I’m not being snarky.
I haven’t compounded and waxed a car since the 1990’s.
I didn’t think it was even recommended for the new finishes and sealers they use today.
I do hand wash my cars and dry with a chamois.