warped ideas

I guess that could work. It should adsorb the oils or grease thats in the leather. Just be sure to remoisten that head rest after the experiment. The salt will dry it out I would think.

linusent01

Sounds like the ingredients for Play-Doh

Motoboat

iTrader: (8)

I think I'll be givin the play-doh a try. I have that same spot.

AUR11

Just let your soul glow!

Detail

Steam it! Spray a diluted APC (all purpose cleaner at about 10/1 strength) crank up your steam cleaner (I have this little guy: McCulloch Heavy-Duty Portable Steam Cleaner-MC1275 at The Home Depot)
Steam and wipe away with a clean microfiber. Then do your usual leather treatment.

kOrE

iTrader: (1)

Well, the paste idea didn't work so well. I left it on for about 24 hours and it doesn't look any better. . . .might even be worse. I will take a pic later today. I think I'm going to run by a auto-detailing shop today and see what they can do.

inyquest

Hm,
For something oil base have you tried Dawn?

xzeus

iTrader: (2)

i have the same issue, haven't been able to take it out yet tho nor taken it to a professional. hopefully i can get some more ideas in this thread

monytx

iTrader: (2)

Are you sure it isn't just the leather that's damaged?

SlimTV

I have the same permanent oily look on my arm rest. I would second using steam followed by a good leather cleaner and conditioner. Otherwise if you want to spend the money, I would strongly suggest using Leatherique rejuvenator oil followed by the Prestine clean and do the whole interior. That stuff really works!

nissanlvr

Like others, I have the same problem with my center console/armrest. The heat/sun seems to bring it out even more than usual. I used to wipe it away with a damp rag, but it always returned. I've given up and now I just try to ignore it.

One thought I had when reading this thread... everyone is using leather cleaning products, but most of the "leather" in our cars is actually vinyl, including the armrest and head restraints. Only the parts of the seat that your butt sits on and your back touches are leather, everything else is fake. There's nothing wrong with that imo, the vinyl is actually more durable, but I wonder if it should be treated the same as leather.

I'm not sure how different leather and vinyl are, but are there cleaning products out there intended specifically for vinyl? If so, maybe these would work better??

I tried Googling and couldn't find much, although one article said a corn starch paste might help. I'm also afraid of drying out the material too much and causing it to crack in the future

HoldmyMouse

Perhaps use a steamer to help open the pours then clean it with soap and water?

inyquest

This brings an interesting question.

Is there an aftermarket headrest cover?
(Or am I starting a new business?)

guy from norcal

iTrader: (2)

+1 on leatherique.

or just some leather cleaner and a soft brush like the video said.

most leather products work on vinyl too

kOrE

iTrader: (1)

I took it to a professional. He pointed out to me that the area of the stain is significantly harder than the area surrounding it. He took some basic cleaner and a scuff pad and went to work for about 10 mins then wiped it down. It looked much better. That lasted about a week and now its right back. . . . FML