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Porsche 997: How to Clean and Treat Your Leather Interior

Cleaning and treating your Porsche 997 leather interior does not require hours of work. Learn the insider tips and tricks for achieving a high quality finish using just a few consumer products.

By Charlie Gaston - April 29, 2015

This article applies to the Porsche 997 (2005-2012).

To keep the interior leather in your Porsche 997 spotless and in excellent condition, you'll need to clean it roughly every three to four months using professional quality products. By applying a higher-quality cleaner and conditioner (versus soap and water or automotive cleaning wipes), you can ensure that the leather is well-preserved, resulting in long-lasting leather. This article will show you how to properly treat your Porsche 997's leather interior, and provide a short list of products believed to be the best on the market. Many contain an SPF substance to ensure added protection for your vehicle's leather under the sun.

Materials Needed

  • Automotive interior leather cleaning solution
  • Leather treatment and conditioner
  • Sponge
  • Microfiber cloths

Step 1 – Apply the cleaning fluid

  • Apply a small amount of cleaning fluid to a damp, clean sponge. The sponge should not be dripping wet.
  • Squeeze the sponge over the leather to get a frothy layer of cleaning solution onto the leather.
  • Lightly wipe the cleaning solution into the leather. You do not have to wipe it thoroughly as this will be covered in the next step.
  • Remember to clean only one section at a time.
Figure 1. Apply leather cleaner one section at a time.

Pro Tip

It is recommended using Zaino's Z-9 Leather Soft Spray Cleaner for this DIY job. Rated equally high with consumers and professional detailers, this detergent-free soft spray cleaner is safe to use on all fine leather surfaces, including the interior of your Porsche 997. Designed to lift away stains without harming the dyes, clear coat protection, or natural oils on your OEM or aftermarket seats, Zaino is affordably priced at just $9.95 for the individual cleaner ($55 and up for a complete kit).

Step 2 – Clean the surface

  • With a microfiber cloth, gently wipe the cleaning product on the surface of your vehicle's leather in small, circular motions.
  • Work the stubborn stains longer as you clean each section.
  • Re-wet your sponge or spray additional cleaning product as needed.
  • Avoid cleaning the sections unevenly.
Figure 2. Thoroughly wipe the leather cleaning solution.

Step 3 – Allow the surface to dry

  • Depending on the cleaning product, this may take up to 30 minutes. Allow a sufficient amount of time for the leather to dry completely.
  • Gently run a second clean, and use a dry microfiber cloth over the leather's surface to ensure it is free of excess moisture as well as residue.
Figure 3. Evenly clean the leather, and allow it to dry.

Step 4 – Apply the conditioner

  • Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a clean microfiber cloth. Apply as directed by the manufacturer to avoid wasting the conditioner.
  • Thoroughly wipe the leather surface in small, circular motions. Continue to do one section at a time.
  • With a dry microfiber cloth, wipe off any excess fluid and allow the conditioner to dry.
  • Repeat this step two or three times for a high-quality finish.
Figure 4. High-quality leather treatment and conditioner.

Pro Tip

In addition to the Zaino brand leather preserver product (which comes included with your kit), the 303 Aerospace Protectant product ($12 and up) is also a great choice for this job. The Lexol Leather Conditioner is viewed by many as the best on the market. The cost is usually around $10 to $20, but it depends on the size of the container.

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