The $64K Question: Cleaning "Alcantara"
 

I'm on a number of automotive forums, and in the detailing areas, cleaning "Alcantara" is always tip-toed around.

So, on the record, how do you detailing gurus keep Alcantara and other synthetic suede materials clean? And how do you remove stains without damaging the suede-like feel?

To clean use leather master foam cleaner

To protect use leather master nubuck Eco protector

Works great :)

The is the 2nd car I've owned with Alcantara seats. I've used seat covers both times.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...90027283_n.jpg

i use a damp (water) warm towel.

Those seat covers look pretty rediculous. It looks like the bolsters are now non-existant.

Raceglaze Alcantara Cleaner or Autoglym Interior Shampoo. Lightly mist onto alcantara and gently wipe.

Nope, these inserts have very thin padding and conform to the shape of the seat once you sit in plus feel more comfy than stock. The elastic bands are stretching them so the pic looks misleading but in actuality your weight completely presses them into the bolsters so they don't shield the functionality of the bolsters; you still feel "hugged" just the same. The only difference is you'll hardly have to clean the dust magnet Alcantara inserts. And for the times you need serious seat grip, just pull them off.

im more interested in protecting. does anyone know from personal experience if fabric guard sprays are safe to spray on these seats?

Anyone try any of the lexol products on it? Like i just got this http://www.autogeek.net/lexolkit.html and that seems like it would clean everything i need on the interior just not sure about the center of the seats.

The one I mentioned above I've tested on several other alcantara seats but not an frs/brz specifically.

I sprayed 3M ScotchGard before I put on the seat covers. I read somewhere that Alcantara is a synthetic fabric (not organic like suede or leather) and had a hunch that ScotchGard (which is designed for fabrics) wouldn't hurt. I did a quick google search before spraying and didn't find anything negative on this.

lol its so expensive! but if i find its my only option then ill have no other choice.

A leather cleaner on a synthetic material?

Leather master is the brand, they make a wide range of cleaners and protectants and are in the upper range available to a consumer. Not sure if I can post links to stores but if you google it you'll find plenty that sell it and I'd assume nothing but great reviews. Foam cleaners are the way to go on moisture sensitive materials like alcantara.