yanotkaj

Need to buy a few things now that the weather is starting to get nice here in NJ. Just wanted to see what some people are using to clean their leather interiors?

Josh99CL

On my leather I use "leather wipes" they're supposed to pull up dirt (they do) and help condition the leather.

I'm sure people with more experience on here will point you to the better brands.

STL+3.0CL

There are plenty of threads covering this subject https://acurazine.com/forums/search....archid=1396282

Personally I just use the wipes from autozone, but there are MUCH better products out there.

smsTL

iTrader: (1)

I use Meguiars

mrclrider

woolite 8:1 FTW!!!

New Car TL-S

Zaino cleaner and conditioner. I went the Lexol route and went back to Zaino.

nf3d0149ab

iTrader: (5)

SC Voodoo Leather Cleaner.

Would like to try the Woolite mix.

So that's just Woolite clothes detergent...is that right?

That probably cleans it but what about conditioning the leather?

Denzil

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, Woolite detergent. You'd need a separate leather conditioner product.

nf3d0149ab

iTrader: (5)

^ Seems like just a bunch of extra work.

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

I've tried wipes, and they simply DON'T WORK! They leave streaks all over your interior (makes it look like you have "wet spots"). You're much better off using 303 Aerospace Protectant. This stuff is better than ANYTHING on the market.

nf3d0149ab

iTrader: (5)

^ Never tried that...I thought I saw people using that on detailing the engine bay...?

TOGWT

Vehicle leather upholstery is made from natural hides, chrome tanned and uniquely treated with a light pigmented water-based polyurethane coating or a vinyl covering to make it more viable for automotive seating. It retains the softness of natural top-grain leather but resists fading in direct sunlight, which besides body oil / salt, is leathers worst enemy. While leather that is vinyl-coated is relatively easy to care for by virtue of its protective plastic surface, it is also inaccessible for purposes of maintenance.

Reminder; you are dealing with the finished surface coating and not with the leather itself. Meaning, of course, there is absolutely no point to using leather conditioners on plastic coated leather.

jbracefan1977

havent thought of that.. thanks

97BlackAckCL

iTrader: (6)

I used to use the meguiar's leather wipes, but now I use Poor Boy's Leather Stuff, and I just picked up a bottle of the SC Voodoo Leather Cleaner, going to give that a shot as well. I was VERY satisfied with the PB's Leather Stuff

nf3d0149ab

iTrader: (5)

Well I still believe leather needs to be conditioned.

I'm not going to wait for my seats to crack to pieces to find out if you're right...

hANDYcaptd

iTrader: (5)

I'm going to be trying Leatherique in a couple of weeks when it gets warmer...

I can do pics and review if anyone wants

Takran

Conditioning leather is helpful, but spreading conditioner on a protective coating is not. It just leaves a nasty layer of gunk that can't be absorbed - unless you wipe it off. I have a one-step cleaner/conditioner and just wipe it down thoroughly so there's minimal conditioner sitting on top - if you're using a dedicated conditioner you're basically wiping money away.

If you need a practical example, just drip some water on your seats - that's the usual way of testing the leather type. If the water isn't absorbed, your conditioner isn't being absorbed either.

Denzil

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, that's what us detailers do whenever we do client's vehicles. If you want a one-step product, just pick up Poorboy's Natural Look... it cleans, protects and dresses all in one step.

New Car TL-S

my ass swivels out of the seat easily for two weeks after I treat them with Zaino, when I go too long w/o treating I can feel the torture the seats are going through. It may just be sitting on the surface and/or transfering to my clothes (no i don;t wear the same clothes for two weeks), but it reduces the friction...and smells good.

tlking98

I use the leather wipes from Armor All. They do a decent job.

bukxanger

is that oz.? 8oz water to 1oz woolite?

Takran

That's the main reason I use a one-step leather cleaner/conditioner instead of just a cleaning solution in water, or a leather cleaner only. I like the smell, and that thin layer does make it slicker. It's still not worth using dedicated conditioner though...

Josh99CL

Doesn't matter just 1 part per 8 parts is woolite

If you had a 16oz bottle for example you would want 2oz woolite 14oz water

mrclrider

I just use the markings on the side of the bottle I have, either way is correct IMO.

Denzil

iTrader: (1)

1:8 or 8:1 is effectively 9 parts. So it would be 16 ounces of water and 2 ounces of Woolite.

In a simpler concept application, 1:1 is effectively 50/50. 1 part water, 1 part solution.

97BlackAckCL

iTrader: (6)

their leather wipes are the worst product I've ever used, nothing like feelign like your butt is on a greased up seat

Josh99CL

My bad. Next mod that reads this can you delete edit my previous post and this post.

Denzil

iTrader: (1)

No worries, just thought I'd clarify for everyone.

maxAmillion

iTrader: (1)

Yeah that would be great. I would like to see before and after pics.

exceldetail

LMAO! I hate using anything heavy or thick/greasy on leather seating. I mean where does all that greasy stuff go anyway?
Good ol fashioned warm water with a light cleaner mixed in.

Maximized

I am going to try the Woolite cleaning method and follow it up with Zaino cleaner and conditioner.

TOGWT

Leather hides are sealed after the fat liquoring process (mening they seal in the necessary oils) a pigmented (paint) is applied to ensure an even colouring, the hide is then covered with a water-based polyurathene to protect it.

So where CAN all that greasy stuff go - absorbed in clothing?

Fuzzbutt

What works the "safest" to remove the dirt in the wrinkles in the bottom cushion?

Thanks!

DetailedImage

+1 Poorboy's Natural Look is a great 1 step product, it has more of a tropical scent to it.

Poorboy's Leather Stuff is essentially the same product, it cleans, lightly conditions and UV protects in 1 step, but also smells like leather.

Another good maintenance product for a light clean and UV protection is Optimum Protectant Plus.

All three of these products leave behind a nice matte finish that isn't greasy or oily feeling. A little goes a long way too, not much product is needed.

Unless you plan on doing a full restoration, I usually stick with simple 1 step leather care products.

George

Fuzzbutt

I used the Woolite mixture today and it worked pretty well. I mixed 1 capfull of Woolite with 7 capfuls of warm water. It was more than enough to clean all my seats.
I followed that up with Mequires cleaner and comditioner. It says it's also a UV protector. My car sits out in the sun all day at work. I close the shield in the sunroof to help block the sun.