Leather Seat Maintenance

ccotenj · September 1999

it's likely that perspiration (to be couth

) is what causes the damage to the leather when sitting on it in shorts... the combination of the salt and liquid is probably pretty lethal to leather...

i use the lexol 2 step method... i bought a 4 year old car with leather that looked/felt like it had never been treated... after 3 treatments spaced a week apart, the difference is pretty amazing... all it takes is about 1/2 hour once a week or so, and it's definitely worth the effort.

tlr2 · October 1999

I work in a store that sells leather furniture.
If the leather is "aniline dyed" then using
saddle soap or other cleaners will do much more
harm than good. A damp cloth is the best cleaner.

If that does not work try a mild dishwashing
DETERGENT ( NOT soap!!) Some stores sell cleaners
formulated for aniline leathers, but in my
experience they do not work much better than a damp cloth.

If the leather has been vegetable dyed (the way
a saddle is) then saddle soap (which is pure
glycerin) is best. But I have not seen this type
of leather used in an auto since the 1960's. (oops, I think I just gave away my age!)

hagar · October 1999

I have found and tested lexol and others but found imperial leather system (found at autosupermart.com) to be the best of them all. it works great, the cleaner / wash is very concentrated to last a long time, and it really cleans dirt you could not even see was there, brings it right to the top of the leather, i had a white leather and i had lots of dirty brown water after cleaning it !!
the restorer is very thin and goes right into the leather to make it soft in seconds, they recommend leaving it overnight, which makes it even softer, and it doesnt leave a residue or sticky stuff after applying, its the best again.

ccotenj · October 1999

ummm... dishwashing detergent is soap with surfactants added in (which is what makes it "detergent")... last time i checked anyway... possibly the surfactants effect the chemical balance so that the adverse affects of the soap (whatever they might be on leather) don't cause whatever problem might occur with using straight soap...
detergent by definition is "something else" with surfactants added to it (i.e. detergent gasoline = normal gasoline + surfactants).
someone who is a chemist may want to correct me on this, but i believe the above to be true.

ssonnet · October 1999

At $28 for 16 oz, Imperial is 4 times as expensive as Lexol. Could it really be worth it?

fronobulax · October 1999

ccotenj,

Good point! I'm no expert, but common sense tells me that a detergent formulated to cut grease and dissolve food is going to be harsh on leather.

Lexus recommends a weak solution of netutral detergent for wool (I read that as "Woolite"). My car is only 13 mos old, but so far, so good. I've been conditioning with Hide Food.

Ware. What model do you have? On my GS it is pretty easy to tell because the leather surfaces are pliable and the plastic is hard even though much of the plastic has a leather-like design. The seats will be leather except for the seatback on some (maybe all?) models. The steering wheel, but not the hub are leather as is the shift knob. The armrest cover is leather. The back seats and armrest are all leather. And there are leather inserts in the front doors (above the handles).

ware · October 1999

Fronobulax, I have the GS300. Yes, you are right about what's leather in it. I confirmed that everything that looks like leather is leather except the recessed portion of the front seat backs and the pockets on them. I am going to use Leatherique's products to care for the leather and Lexol's Vinylex to take care of all the vinyl surfaces (although Leatherique's products are also usable on vinyl). I will let you know how well they work.

ssonnet · October 1999

No comments on this $28 business???

galadriel · October 1999

I just bought a Lexus and wondered if the
Leatherique, Lexol, or Zaino leather products are
better than the "Lexus" brand leather cleaner &
conditioner that is sold at Lexus dealerships. Has anyone tried the leather cleaner or conditioner that Lexus sells under their name and how did it work?. Are these other products better?

Also, my leather seats have more of a matte look right now since they're new. Any comments as to which leather conditioners will leave the leather with more of the original finish and not add a shiny/glossy appearance?

ware · October 1999

I don't know who makes the Lexus leather treatment products, you should call them and ask. I expect they just rebrand someone's product.

I use Leatherique on my Lexus and it leaves the leather looking natural - not shiny. Their Pristine cleaner can be used as often as you like. It wipes on and off quickly without adding any shine to the leather.

Their Rejuvenator Oil should be used a couple times a year to feed the leather. After letting the Rujevenator soak in for several hours or overnight, the cleaner is used to remove it and any dirt that is lifted up to the surface.

I would hope that any high quality leather treatment will do the job if used on a regular basis. I don't know of any scientific comparison tests between these products, so who really knows which product is significantly better, if any.

I haven't used other products, so I can't comment on those.

mike52 · October 1999

Follow the cleaning procedures on the Katzkin pamphlet. Not following Katzkin cleaning procedure can void the warranty.

mike52 · October 1999

Can u tell me what year, make, model, trim, leather color, who installed it, where and how much, and r u satisfied with the job.

gromain · October 1999

I am considering leather seats in a new Maxima or Passat. Problem is I have an 80 pound dog that is well behaved but I am worried about punctures from his nails into the leather. Is this a valid concern or should I go with cloth?

pat455 · October 1999

gromain - I bought an Acura 3.2TL with leather seats in the spring, and had the same concerns, with a 65 pound shepherdy type dog, and a 50 pound lab.

I got a car seat cover from LL Bean, but could not tell until it arrived that it is designed to work best with a folding back seat - which I do not have. I have been able to work the straps around the headrests and seat belt anchors well enough to get it to stay put. It has a padded seat and has worked quite well.

I also have used just a large bath towel on the seat. The dogs have been in this car individually probably about 15 or 20 times, and no problems so far.

Once I had to put the shepherd in the car without any seat cover, and no punctures occurred. He had a huge hot spot, took him to the vet, they put medication on it which he promptly got all over the leather seat on the way home. Zaino leather cleaner took it right off, no stains left at all. (And the truth is that when I got him home, I forgot about the stains and ended up letting them dry over night before I cleaned them up.)

Don't know if this is helpful, just thought I'd pass it on....

johnmarg · November 1999

How do you get seat covers from LL Bean. They dont sell car accessories. Do you have an item number so I could check into this? Thanks.

pat455 · November 1999

I recall having trouble finding it also. I think it was under outdoors stuff, or camping related things.

Call them if you can't find it. I believe it will work perfectly if you have fold down rear seats.

johnmarg · November 1999

F.Y.I., I found the Hide Food product on the internet. It sells for $13.95 for a small jar plus S&H. The web site states it should be used once per month not a couple of times a year as posted by someone on this site.

ssonnet · November 1999

Jeez. I have never heard of having to treat leather more than every 3 or 4 months. Sounds like they want you to use a lot of product (can't imagine why). I sure would not want to treat my leather seats once a month. Too much work.

johnmarg · November 1999

Here is the site for Hide food;
www.mossmotors.com/britishaccessories/carcare/chf.html.
Like I said, it's expensive, has to used every month, which is a pain, and I wouldn't believe the hype about it as posted by someone else on this board. It could be that someone works for the company or has a financial interest in it.

jnjung10 · November 1999

I just bought a new Accord Coupe with Charcoal leather seats and went ahead and tried the hide food. It was easy to put on and didn't take too long to dry and you don't use too much of it.

My dad was first to suggest it because he applies it every 6 months on his black leather and after 10 years, it looks ok, not perfect, but pretty good.

BTW, I bought the jar of Hide Food at a Mercedez dealer in the Bay Area for about $10.95. I had called around to BMW, Jag, MB, etc and BMW wanted $20 for the same size jar.

Good luck.

jm22 · November 1999

I've been using this for years; both in th house and on my cars. I have a covertible and the top is always down. The seats stay perfect. No drying out and the color has remained true. It was hard to find it locally so I've been getting it on-line now from AutoFanatics.com. They also carry the Meguiar's Medallion brand. Haven't tried that. Anyway...Lexol.

vandeano · November 1999

I have tried rest, and Lexol to me is the Best!

pat455 · November 1999

Has anyone compared? I've been using Zaino leather cleaner and conditioner (two separate products) and could not be more impressed.

But I have not used Lexol.

amazing1 · November 1999

Apparently many of you use and think that Lexol works great on your leather seats. A local detailer suggested that I purchase Meguires
Gold, which I did about a month ago for $10 or
so. The Sebring I purchased had 8,600 miles on
it so I immediately treated the leather by hand
rubbing the Meguires into the surface and let it
sit 10 minutes before wiping off. Do the town
hall viewers think that this product works as
good as Lexol, or should I dump the Meguires and
buy the Lexol?

ccotenj · November 1999

i use lexol... i purchased an off lease car, and the seats hadn't been treated in quite some time (if ever at all)... 3 once weekly treatments of lexol brought them back to basically almost new condition... ymmv...

scottmantel · November 1999

I just bought an Audi s4 with black leather/silver suede Alcantara interior. What is the best way to care for the suede without ruining it?

wsoglo2 · November 1999

I'm curious if anyone else thinks that the seat heaters on a lot of the cars now accelerates wear and drying out of leather seats? We have leather with heaters on two of our cars and the seats seem to be deteriorating quickly. Probably wouldn't matter in a warm climate where the heaters were never used.
Wayne

pat455 · November 1999

That is an interesting question, certainly seems possible. Do you use leather conditioner at least monthly on your seats? I use Zaino and think it is an excellent product, but there are other products discussed in this topic as well.

I don't know the specific answer to your question, perhaps someone else does.

Pat

wsoglo2 · November 1999

No I never have used any conditioner, but I am now after reading this topic. It's been very informative. I went out today and bought some, then came home and applied it. I bought Eagle One Conditioner, it wasn't what I wanted but Wallmart was really low on stock. I rubbed it on by hand and it seemed to work real well. I'll see how it works and maybe look for somethillng better.

I can't see how seat heaters can't hurt the seats to tell you the truth. Although I guess it's no worse than a car sitting in the hot sun all day.
Wayne

newwestd · December 1999

A couple of posts have hinted at this, but I'd like to make it more clear - Lexol work great, and works best if you rub it in with your hands! I've been using it for more than 20 years with great results on many different cars.

Good Luck!

hall2 · December 1999

I have a 94 Maxima with tan leather seats. Top of rear seat got baked in the sun, I mean it is as hard as vinyl and wringled too. Is there any product out there for this; to loosen the wringled and soften the leather?
I bought it used after 4 years old and I don't think the original owner ever treat the leather.

ccotenj · December 1999

i seem to remember somewhere earlier in this thread someone suggesting "hide food" for this condition. i personally haven't tried it (i use lexol), but it's worth a shot. try a jaguar/bmw dealer to get it.
good luck.
-Chris

mxylplik2 · December 1999

I too use Lexol cleaner and conditioner for a Camry leather interior - beige in color. However, what do people suggest for stains that do not come out just from the Lexol cleaner? Is there something strong (for specific spots) but safe (won't discolor leather)? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Ed
edandty@msn.com

ccotenj · December 1999

scan back up through this topic... someone(s) had made some different suggestions for difficult stains that might work for you...

ware · December 1999

Look at www.leatherique.com for some ideas. They are into restorations and repairs. Also, call them, they are very helpful. I just started using their products and like them so far.

mugwump2 · December 1999

Used a product called "goof off" on ball point ink and it worked great on tan leather. Its potent stuff so try it BEFORE you plaster it all over a visible area. Wash off immediately and treat with Lexol or some other treatment ASAP. Available at house paint stores. Do NOT use it in a confined area but lower the windows and preferably outside.

tomt10 · December 1999

I found a hole, made by an automatic pencil (don't ask how) in the leather driver's seat of my 2000 Toyota Sienna. The vehicle has less than 1,000 miles on it. After reviewing the postings here, I am assuming that there is nothing that can be done to "patch" the hole (slightly bigger than a pin hole).
Can the gouge be kept from growing if the leather is properly conditioned, or is it a tear waiting to happen?
As far as conditioning goes, it sounds like the Lexol products might do the trick for me.
I am thinking correctly?
Tom T.

nuts · December 1999

I'm looking at a used car with a black leather interior that has several scratches most probably from a dog. They are everywhere in the vehicle (save the drivers seat). The scratches denote that the leather has not been fully died by the tanner i.e. a painted on finish(which is a big concern to me) and that sub-grade leather was used. Is this the normal quality I can expect with auto-leather? I consider myself a leather lover, but I have yet to find leather in a car that truly impresses me. Any recommendations on how to make the scratches disappear would be greatly appreciated and comments on leather quality would also be nice.

ronniepooh · January 2000

In general, the "best" types of leather are beatifully to see and touch, but are not durable. Cheaper leather is durable, wears well, thus, suitable for automotive use. Most American and Japanese manufacturers use a process where they basically spray paint the leather. High-end European car makers use vat-dyed leather.

wsoglo2 · January 2000

Anyone else have perforated seats? When I treat them I just put a very light coat on the perforated part, hopefully not enough to get through the perforations. what do other folks do with perforated seats? Wayne.

solara1 · January 2000

I have a toyota solara with perforated leather seats. I too was concerned about getting conditioner or cleaner 'stuck' in the holes. I asked several detailers online and they said it would not happen. I finally applied and they were right. I use ZAINO leather in a bottle and find it remarkable. the car still smells brand new. and i get comments all the time of the great leather smell. I feel the quality of the leather in the solara is top notch. When i go to car shows that is one thing i always check out. I have found out that toyota/lexus leather is definately softer and more comfortable than most of the other car companies. I even took a friend along one time to see if they noticed the same thing. they did it was not just my opinion. The zaino leather in a botele is also unique in that it does not need to be buffed off after applying. I apply with my hands and just keep massaging it in until it is gone. It leaves the seats softer and not shiny and plasticky feeling and also not slippery.

wsoglo2 · January 2000

Thanks for the info. I'll pick up some Zaino and try it, others have commented favorably on that product as well. Thanks.

edwardh1 · January 2000

Tanners Preserve is a conditioner made by the company that supplies the leather to many OE makes. I used it and liked it.

wjtx · February 2000

I have a '99 ES300 with an ivory leather interior.
I recently found that the driver's side door
(above the armreast) developed a redish-
brown discoloration. I used the Lexus leather
conditioner and cleaner, but they helped only
slightly. My only guess where it came from: my
Andrew Marc leather jacket sleeve. As far as
cleaning the leather, I'm sure I can take it back
to Lexus and they'll restore the color. But how
can I prevent and fix this problem myself in the
future? Any ideas?

stro · February 2000

I have a small cigarette burn mark on one of the seats in my TL ("Fern" coloured leather). It's not through the leather but definitely caused a depression and discolouration. I figure I'll have to put a spot of leather dye on it and hope I get the match close. Any other suggestions (other than never let the wife drive it again) before I go ahead?

jwilson1 · February 2000

In my Miata (purchased used) the side, vertical panel of the drivers' seat show serious signs of wear, as if the surface of the hide has been worn away by constant rubbing (I'm pretty sure it is from the seat belt). There are two or three spots like this, each as large as, maybe, an egg.

I doubt I can repair this myself, but am very open to suggestions.

If not, do you have any idea what I'm in for at an upholstery shop? Can the single panel be replaced? Should the entire seat be reupholstered -- nothing else is a problem.

Thanks, I'd like to have a feel for the project before I get to an upholsterer.

Take care.
Joe W.

greg32 · February 2000

Does anybody have a Mercury Sable with leather interior? I'm looking at purchasing one and wanted to know how well it will wear.

Thanks

pat455 · February 2000

If you haven't already, you might want to check out the Sable topics in our Sedans conference as well -- you can find them by keying Sable into the Search window on the sidebar at the left of the page.

Good luck!

Pat
Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference

varya · February 2000

We recently inherited a '86 sab le which was not at all well maintained. And the leather still looks good. A little worn and creased but definitely better than cloth would look by this point in time.

pjyoung · February 2000

I just finished the interior of my 300M using the Zaino Z9 cleaner and Z10 "leather in a bottle". I am very impressed with both. The z9 cleaned everything up very nicely. My daughter tends to put her shoes against the seatbacks, and the marks came right off with Z9. I rubbed the Z10 on using my fingers. I rubbed in nicely, and I just went over it with a towel to finish up. The leather just feels great, and the SMELL....so good!

I also used the Z10 on the vinyl dash and side panels. It does quite well there as well. Good stuff.

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