Expert: William Forster - 11/11/2007

Question
Hello!  I need your help, please, with my first automobile detail experience.
My auto dealership just detailed my Pathfinder for free because I had a $2,000 bill and they wanted to make me happy.  However, at the moment, I am not very happy because the inside leather seats are extremely slippery and very, very, glossy, in fact, the dashboard, steering wheel, etc. are very slippery and very shiny also.  When a car is detailed, is this high gloss normal?  How can I remove some of the shine and especially the slippery surface on the leather seats?  Does it all get dull eventually?  I thought the interior would look like a new car, not glossy.  When I stopped the car, even the package fell to the floor!  Any help is GREATLY appreciated.   MUCH, MUCH THANKS!!!!!!

Answer
Hey Anna! This situation is normal. The guys in the detail shop always slather them down with armor all because folks tend to like the shiny effect it temporarily gives off. You should be able to remove it with some dish soap mixed with water and a damp rag. Just mix it up to about what you would ordinarily do dishes with. Don't sop the rag, just keep it damp and rinse it often. If that doesn't do it, reduce some formula 409 with water to about 10% strength, and use a little of that- but be warned, even at that strength, it's very strong smelling. The good news is, eventually all the shine will dull down naturally. Bill