Leather Seat Maintenance

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Comments

  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    #102
    Well, the idea is to do the maintenance on a systematic basis balanced with cost effectiveness.

    If you are in and out of your seat a lot or park in hot circumstances, by all means do the drivers seat more than the rest.

    Keep in mind that the treatment would tend to provide lubrication to the plasticized leather, so the longer the plasticized stays on the better.
  • jessfeldmanjessfeldman Member Posts: 11
    I head it took five hours for the Lexol to dry through the email of autowax.com, up in #99. But FWIW, a local, highly recommended detailer says the lexol will dry within the three hours the car is in the shop for a typical wax and general pampering.
  • aling1aling1 Member Posts: 225
    Hi all,
    well I have a slight problem with my '99 Camry's leather driver seat. There is a small tear (about 1cm long) on the upper part of the lateral support - a little lower than where your left shoulder might be. I only noticed it today when I was cleaning the interior and I'm quite concerned since this car has only 3350km on the odometer and is only 6 months old.

    I have 4 other vehicles with leather interiors (2 Mercedes-Benzes and Chrysler T&C minivans) and this is the vehicle that I've had a problem with. Very surprising considering that the newest car of the 5 that I own. I even had the Premium care package (which includes various things such as leather treatment, paint sealant etc.) before I picked up the car.

    Does this mean that the entire seat has to be replaced? Though I'm pretty sure that it is covered under warranty. I guess I have to bring it into the dealer to see what they say.
  • akly1234akly1234 Member Posts: 2
    I did not find the stuff you were talking about here (Houston,TX) in my local auto parts stores. Has anybody ever tried stuff like "Son-of-a-gun" protectant or ArmorAll ? Are these stuff any good ?
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    #106
    Long term, if you don't plan on keeping it past a lease period of say 3-5 yrs, they do make it shine. If you want to preserve correctly and keep it a longer time, real leather treatment is the only way to go.
  • vivonavivona Member Posts: 410
    I have read that silicone products like Son-of-a-gun and ArmorAll should never be used on leather. The most consistent recommendation I ever received, from many sources, is a product called Lexol. It comes as a cleaner and an conditioner. I use it and it works fine.
  • pocahontaspocahontas Member Posts: 802
    Recently I've noticed a small shallow (3" X 3") indentation on the bottom/right side of my driver's seat. I think the cause is from my Fiance's wallet which he keeps in his right back pocket. I guess the leather has stretched a bit in that area. It's not a real problem, but I am a little concerned. Is there any thing one can do to fix this, or prevent this from getting worse? Thanks, for any opinions.
  • woodzachwoodzach Member Posts: 5
    Any helpful suggestions on removing melted dark green crayon from tan leather seats?
  • mugwump2mugwump2 Member Posts: 33
    Wife brought home some stuff that removes ball point ink really well. Called "goof off." In a small can the size of an older lighter fluid can. Don't know where ito buy it as she gets it from work.
  • dhainingdhaining Member Posts: 2
    woodzach,

    You can purchase Goof Off at any paint store. It is usually used for cleaning paint splatters from woodwork or floors, etc. after painting. works great, but make sure you have plenty of ventilation or you will get a monsterous headache.
  • julie25julie25 Member Posts: 7
    I just bought a brand new car with black leather seats. I drove for about 8 hours straight today, and when I got out of the car I noticed that I can already tell where I had been sitting on the seat! I guess this is probably to be expected since it is a brand new car and has not been sat in at all, but I do NOT want to have a butt mark on my seat!!! What recommendations do you have for a new car and for continuing maintenance to keep the leather looking just like new?

    Any information would be helpful.
  • mugwump2mugwump2 Member Posts: 33
    Might be perspiration. I would suggest a leather treatment like Lexol, ASAP. Lexol is a two part cleaner and conditioner. Works for me.
  • julie25julie25 Member Posts: 7
    Well, I am not panicing so much this morning ;) I had been thinking that since it was a new car the leather should be in great shape. In reality the car has been sitting in the sun on the lot for several months and has unndoubtedly *never* been treated. It probably just needs a good treatment.

    I went back through and read all of the posts and it looks like the top favored products are Leatherique, Lexol, and Hide Food. But am I correct in saying that Hide Food is best for older leather that needs some new life - or is it also good for new leather? It looks like Leatherique is mail order only, so I may go look for some Lexol today.

    Also, what about cleaning/maintaining the dash, console, etc. I have heard that Armour All is raelly bad, is this true? I noticed that Lexol has a product called Vinylex, is this a good product? Can it also be used on the dash areas?

    I want my car to stay looking perfect forever! ;)
  • gusgus Member Posts: 254
    I want my car to stay looking perfect forever!<</i>

    Careful, you're setting yourself up for disappointment!!
  • julie25julie25 Member Posts: 7
    ....it won't be "perfect" forever, I just meant that I want to take really good care of it ;)

    One more thing - when driving with shorts on would it be a good idea to put something down on the seat, so that bare legs are not right on the leather? Or would this just be a waste of time?
  • mugwump2mugwump2 Member Posts: 33
    "One more thing - when driving with shorts on would it be a good idea to put something down on the seat, so that bare legs are not right on the leather? Or would this just be a waste of time?"

    I don't, but that's a personal preference. Would save leg smart on hot seats.
  • shell3shell3 Member Posts: 1
    I'm considering buying a VW Passat '99 with leather interior. It will be the first time I've had a leather interior, and intend to get a light tan color. I think the leather looks great, but I'm concerned about the seats getting hot, and maintenance issues. I live in the Chicago area, with hot summers and cold winters. I'd love to hear pros & cons about leather seats.
  • mugwump2mugwump2 Member Posts: 33
    IMHO, leather is easier to maintain, spills wipe up with a wet cloth. You will need to treat them periodically with something like Lexol. It isn't that cold in my area but the summers range into triple digits. I like it and I'm on my third car with leather.
  • mongusmongus Member Posts: 6
    I am quite confused about this entire topic. I have an 89 Trans Am with leather interior and 20k on the odometer. I know the leather in these cars wears poorly, go figure. Anyway when I got the car 2 years ago with only 2700 miles on it the first thing I did was condition and clean the leather (Meguires Gold Class) for fear of it looking like others I have seen. Despite my diligence the leather is now starting to crack. These cracks seem rather deep, not just the surface. My question is that I believe many of the new leathers are covered with a plastic coating to protect them. We have already talked about the new leathers being protected from spills and such. If this is the case then how can any conditioner get through this coating to the leather to do any good?
  • julie25julie25 Member Posts: 7
    Where do you guys purchase your Lexol? i seem to be having a hard time finding it.
  • mugwump2mugwump2 Member Posts: 33
    In Calif, Grand Auto carries it as does several other discount AP places. Also try Pep Boys. The Lexol site has a dealer finder: http://www.lexol.com/
  • hohohoho Member Posts: 64
    I contacted the Lexol site. They do not have anyone here (Hawaii) that distributes any of their products. What is/are suitable alternatives for tking care of my leather seats. What about these items that contain both a cleaner and a conditioner, are they better/worse than individual products? How does UV factor play a part in selecting a product. Are all of them equal in the UV area?
  • vivonavivona Member Posts: 410
    You can buy Lexol leather cleaner, conditioner and the Lexol Vinylex (great on vinyl) through the mail at:

    http://www.eastwoodco.com/

    Visit their web site and order there. Their printed catalog is great, too, if you like a source of automotive tools.
  • julie25julie25 Member Posts: 7
    Thank you!!
  • baine4812baine4812 Member Posts: 7
    I know this doesn't have anything to do with leather seats but does anyone know if armor all works well on vinyl and other dashboard materials?
    Or products that do? I want something that'll protect it from the sun and keep it looking nice.
  • vivonavivona Member Posts: 410
    From everything I've read in detailing books and on the web, and from my own experience, the Vinylex product from Lexol is the best protectant for vinyl. Works great on tires, too.

    It's available from some auto parts stores and through the mail from http://www.eastwoodco.com/
  • rmoyarmoya Member Posts: 11
    does anyone know what the term "leather trimmed"
    means? I thought it was leather on the seating area and the rest was a matching vinyl.
    Also, Im sure this is normal but i want to ask anyway....
    The area where you get in and out of the car I believe it is called a "bolster" is beginning to show signs of wear (veining, stretching), it is only on the seating area not the back. It is also is this due to lack of conditioning, or is it a defect, or considered normal. The car is 1999 Mazda 626 ESV6 with beige interior. I have only owned the car for 2 mos. It is only happening on the driver side. I assume because its the one that is accessed the most.
  • mugwump2mugwump2 Member Posts: 33
    "Leather trimmed" USUALLY means seating surfaces only. The manufacture defines what "seating surface" means. It usually means the minimum in lower end cars and the sides and back or parts thereof in a Jag, BMW ect..
  • jeanne_sjeanne_s Member Posts: 2
    Should I buy the permanent leather protection coating which the dealer installs?

    The dealer is selling a leather protection coating
    which they put onto the leather seats. By getting
    this, it is suppose to protect your leather from
    stains and cracks. Liquids are suppose to "roll right off." However, if a stain/crack occurs (due to spilling soda, melted crayon, etc.), their policy is to remove/fix it for you, valid up to 5 years. The policy also handles the exterior too (paint, etc.)

    Is leather protection needed? Has anyone bought
    this? Will this coating make the leather hard or
    smelly? The protection sounds like a good idea,
    but I am not sure. What do you think?

    Thank you, Jeanne
  • mugwump2mugwump2 Member Posts: 33
    Leather is supposed to "breath" and any sealent can/will plug up the pores. IMHO, no, just use a good cleaner conditioner like Lexol every six months. I'm on my third leather car and quite happy with the Lexol treatments. Most liquids will "roll off" anyway unless its a dye based liquid.
  • jeanne_sjeanne_s Member Posts: 2
    Mugwump2- thank you for the information. Jeanne
  • hohohoho Member Posts: 64
    I can't get Lexol on Ohau. There is no distributor here. How is Eagle One? I am thinking about getting the Conditioner and Cleaner for the Concorde.

    LSC
  • mugwump2mugwump2 Member Posts: 33
    Eastwood has it mail order. Kinda hard to find but if you search for Lexol, it pops up.
    http://www.eastwoodco.com
  • hohohoho Member Posts: 64
    I found the Lexol, Thanks. Did you ever try Eagle 1 products on leather?
  • macomacomacomaco Member Posts: 3
    In Honolulu, you might find Lexol at Daiei. Good Luck.

    Mac Oliver
  • ccstangccstang Member Posts: 3
    Hey - Anyone here ever try a cleaner and/or protectant called tanner's preserve? The package claims that the company has been in the leather business since 1865, and also says that they are the leading leather producer to the auto industry. I want to know if it is any good, because I can't seem to find any of that "Hide Food" in this hick town.
  • hohohoho Member Posts: 64
    There is one right up the street from me.

    LSC
  • mugwump2mugwump2 Member Posts: 33
    Never tried it. I have used Lexol for many years, very happy with it and see no reason to change. Just MHO.
  • danlindleydanlindley Member Posts: 3
    Hello,

    Does anyone know the effects those beaded seat covers have on leather seats? Does it protect them or does it leave many little indents?

    Thanks, Dan
  • hohohoho Member Posts: 64
    Sorry I didn't respond sooner, tied up in N&V and work.
  • guymcguymc Member Posts: 2
    I have some problems with the color wearing off in several areas of high use, such as the left side of the driver's seat, where I slide in and out, and the rear head bolsters (where they came in contact with the front seat when lowered for more cargo space). Has anyone had experience with dyes? Any recommendations?
  • abm1abm1 Member Posts: 5
    I've never used the beaded covers, but my guess would be yes on both counts.
    It will probably cut down on surface abrasion type of ware because your clothing will not be sliding against it.
    But I suspect that it will also tend to strech the leather where the beads contact it since it is concentrating the force in a smaller area.
  • mznmzn Member Posts: 727
    #142: I'd like to say for the record that we do not tie up anyone who visits News & Views! ;-)

    carlady/roving host
  • pbcpbc Member Posts: 44
    Just bought a 99 Solara (I live in Toronto, Canada). I was considering buying what I think was Lexol (either that or I read the name so many times in this post I'm just thinking its Lexol!), comes in a small biege coloured plastic squeeze bottle?? Anyways, it says to rub the stuff in an area to see if the colour will match. Has anyone had any problems with it not matching? Also, it says to dry it with a hair dryer. I mean, I love my car and all, but I don't think I could sit there with a hair dryer to dry out the conditioner in the leather, that sounds like it could take a while!! Anyone have any suggestions?
  • mugwump2mugwump2 Member Posts: 33
    Doesn't sound like any Lexol I have ever seen. The Lexol I get comes in two parts, orange and brown spray bottles and use of a hair dryer isn't necessary. You just wipe it dry with a towel.
  • yorick1yorick1 Member Posts: 1
    Will I be laughed out of this conference if I naively ask why nobody has mentioned saddle soap?
  • oceyocey Member Posts: 1
    Hi - I just bought a Solara with ivory leather. Cleaning it this this weekend, I noticed a small tear on one of the seats. It's not very large, but I'm afraid it will spread with time. I've heard you can buy some kind of cleaner which will seal small tears in leather? Is this true? Any suggestions?
  • bluemistbluemist Member Posts: 23
    I was wondering if anyone else had used this and, if so, how effectively it works for them.

    I've used it since my car was new, some 5 months ago. The leather still feels smooth and soft and doesn't seem to be cracking or anything (even after all the humidity and high heat we had this summer).

    When does cracking appear, and how can I avoid it?
  • wareware Member Posts: 28
    Based on some earlier posts, I decided to order some Leatherique for my new Lexus. FYI - they are running a special right now for Lexus (Club) owners - buy the Rejuvenator Oil and get the Pristine Cleaner free. It's still expensive stuff, but I thought I would try it and report on it in months to come. I appreciated the savings - thought maybe some other Lexus owners would to if they are inclined to try it. (I have no relationship to Leatherique other than as a new customer)

    Leatherique also provides products for dyeing leather, repairing, dealing with cracking, etc. I have no idea if they are good or not, but if you need to do some restoration, give them a call or look at their website for some ideas. I chatted quite awhile with them on the phone and it sounds like they do a lot of business with people doing restorations.

    When the Leatherique comes, I will have to figure how how to tell the leather from the vinyl parts of my seats. Seems like there should be foolproof way of doing this without ripping it apart to see the type of backing. The winkle test someone mentioned in an earlier test wasn't conclusive enought for me. Since leather is porous and vinyl is not, there should be a way to test that characteristic to tell the difference. I was told Leatherique is ok for both vinyl and leather, but I would prefer to use Lexol Vinylex on the vinyl.

    If anyone has had a bad experience with Leatherique's Cleaner or Rejuvenator Oil, please let me know, as I plan to start using it soon.

    Also, someone suggested not sitting on leather seats in shorts. My old 88 Acura Legend (that I just got rid) of showed significant leather damage from bare legs on the leather (especially the passenger seat - don't know if it had to do with creams/lotions on my wife's legs or just firmer contact to the seat). Of course, I never cleaned the leather, so that may have allowed the damage to occur. I did always use a towel under me rear for long trips in warm weather and that may have slowed the damage on the driver's side.
  • scruplekscruplek Member Posts: 33
    I am having Katzkin aftermarket leather seats put in my van. In reading the back of the pamphlet they gave me it says only to dust with a dry cloth. DO NO USE POLISH OR CLEANERS. For spots, clean with a damp cloth. Sadddle soap, furniture polish or oils, abrasive cleaners, detergent based soaps or ammonia water should not be used. For stubborn stains should use non detergent soap and lukewarm water.

    I hear so many people are using products and conditioners on their leather and now don't know what I am supposed to do.
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