Is it normal for leather to feel a bit sticky after using Pol Star?

The slight tackiness you're feeling is likely not a dilution error, but a byproduct of the formulation finishing its work, or a slight overapplication during the cleaning stage. Pol Star is designed as a two-in-one cleaner and protectant, so it's alredy leaving that protective film behind as it dries. The stickiness is the protective layer setting, but if it's too pronounced, you definatly need to move to a dedicated dressing.

Regarding the dilution, a 1:10 mix is fine for general grime, but if the leather is heavily soiled, you might consider running the cleaner without heavy dilution first to ensure all surface film is gone before the residue sets. Once you've cleaned it completly, if you want that slick feel you're looking for, you need to switch gears and apply a dedicated interior protectant. Think of Pol Star as the prep and cleanup, and the dressing as the final styling and UV barrier.

As for whether you need a follow-up product, I ussually stick with the product instructions. Most people say you don't need a seprate conditioner because Pol Star contains conditioning agents, but if you notice the leather feels tight or dry after the cleaning session, then yes, apply a specific leather conditioning balm. It just adds a layer of deep nourishment that the cleaner doesn't emphasize. If you want to address that specific sticky spot, try dampening a microfiber cloth with a tiny bit of plain water and wiping that section a couple more times, letting it sit between passes. This helps lift any unreacted cleaner residue. If the tackiness persists, apply a small amount of a silicone-based trim dressing to the seats, focusing on rubbing it in and buffing it out until it has a consistent sheen. That should completely neutralize the feeling of stickiness.

I've seen that happen before. If you're worried about the leather drying out, you might wanna consider applying the cleaner, but then letting it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off. That gives the oils time to really penetrate before you buff the excess away. My lease uses a similar product, and I've found that if you skip the buff after the initial clean, it leaves a much deeper, more matte finish that lasts longer. It's less about the tackiness and more about how fast the solvent evaporates. I'd suggest trying a very gentle mist in an area that's already been cleaned, just to see if you can get rid of the residue without having to move onto a whole new product. Good luck with it.

I always try to wipe off Pol Star multiple times until the cloth feels totally dry before moving to the next section. For me, switching to a specific plush microfiber cloth made the difference; it just picked up every last bit of residue that the cheaper ones left behind. Even after I thought I was done, I'd run a final pass just to be sure there was no film. I usually let the seats air dry for a couple of hours afterward. Has anyone figured out the best way to get rid of the smell once the cleaner has completely cured?

You got the right idea using it as a cleaner, but I always start by running a dry brush over the leather until it is completely clear of dust. If you have all that loose grit sitting on the surface, you are just going to grind it into the leather when you agitate it. For older seats, I consider that grit to be abrasion that will damage the finish over time. I don't trust the automated processes, so I always approach the job manually. Once dusted, a light, simple pre-wipe with plain water is better than a heavy chemical blast. Then you apply the product, but only where needed, because it is a strong formula.