Leather cleaning debate

frankprozzoly

frankprozzoly

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So this is whats said on katzkins website

Leather receives protective treatment during tanning process

Why would katzkin offer their own conditioner when even they say to just keep it clean

So I'm coming to the conclusion that anyone of these cleaners and maintaining products would be the way to go. I'm sure they're all good. I'll stay away from conditioners
 
I've been real happy with Chemical Guys leather cleaner. It dilutes 1:6 too, so it's pretty economical. For protection I use either 303 Aerospace or Blackfire Interior Protectant.

Every now and then I'll use CG Leather Conditioner on seat parts that are really cracked or dried out, but other than that, it's a waste of product and time on seats that are coated and are in good condition.
 
The CG Leather cleaner you are referring to is a colorless, almost odorless one? This product is not only great on leather, try it on interior plastic (like pillars, doors), etc..., I mean, you can clean an entire door interior, trunk plastics with it. It's an awesome stain removal for those parts.

**Please, I always recommend to test in a hidden place at first before applying products to any surface, in advance, I've tested what I'm saying above a lot and never had any issue.

To clean leather, I may use steam at first with a very fluffy MF towel (I like white ones), a lot of grime came out with the first pass.

Then, I may do a wipe-down with the CG leather cleaner to guarantee spotless cleansing, almost effortless.

For protection, I'm relying on Mothers Leather-Tech,

Mothers Leather Cream Moisture-Rich Conditioner

You apply it like a WOWO wax, with the provided foam applicator. Do a section at a time, and buff right away.

I like this product because it leaves leather looking good, smelling good, is not slippery in any form.

Cons: Needs regular application to maintain it's benefits.
 
Sonax leather foam has been my go stuff for over 3 years and Leather Master is a great product to. When it comes to really dirty leather I first use 1z deep plastic cleaner and then Sonax leather foam.
 
I took bobs advice and ordered leather masters cleaner and cream. Now I need a brush or something to clean with. Some people rub cream in with their fingers. I'm worried about getting to much in perforated area
 
Pureshine said:
Sonax leather foam has been my go stuff for over 3 years and Leather Master is a great product to. When it comes to really dirty leather I first use 1z deep plastic cleaner and then Sonax leather foam.
Click to expand...

Been using the Sonax foam for over a year now, though my letter doesn't get that dirty as I rarely bring the car out; it cleans up well. I clean the seats etc. about once a month, Just not sure how much protection it leaves behind, any thoughts on that?
.
 
frankprozzoly said:
I took bobs advice and ordered leather masters cleaner and cream. Now I need a brush or something to clean with. Some people rub cream in with their fingers. I'm worried about getting to much in perforated area
Click to expand...

I love this brush. Sold & designed for leather. Sadly, AG doesn't carry it.

a2ybe2u5.jpg
 
What about that brush larry from NYC ammo uses. It looks like an interior brush. I have one. The bristles are maybe to soft
 
Agree on the Swissvax brush. It's really good.
 
Tato said:
The CG Leather cleaner you are referring to is a colorless, almost odorless one? This product is not only great on leather, try it on interior plastic (like pillars, doors), etc..., I mean, you can clean an entire door interior, trunk plastics with it. It's an awesome stain removal for those parts.

**Please, I always recommend to test in a hidden place at first before applying products to any surface, in advance, I've tested what I'm saying above a lot and never had any issue.

To clean leather, I may use steam at first with a very fluffy MF towel (I like white ones), a lot of grime came out with the first pass.

Then, I may do a wipe-down with the CG leather cleaner to guarantee spotless cleansing, almost effortless.

For protection, I'm relying on Mothers Leather-Tech,

Mothers Leather Cream Moisture-Rich Conditioner

You apply it like a WOWO wax, with the provided foam applicator. Do a section at a time, and buff right away.

I like this product because it leaves leather looking good, smelling good, is not slippery in any form.

Cons: Needs regular application to maintain it's benefits.
Click to expand...

Yes, that's the stuff. I don't use on other interior parts mainly for the price factor...APC at 1:10 and $25/gal keeps it economical. But good to know as another option if APC doesn't cut it on a specific stain on plastic. :xyxthumbs:

For deep cleaning with CG LC, I use a vent brush (similar process to what Larry does on the AMMO video, but he uses a bigger concours brush). Really gets into the cracks of the leather. About 3 passes with a light swirly motion and they'll look brand spankin new. I always follow with a filtered water wipedown to remove any remaining residue before protecting.
 
I picked up a Kiwi shoe leather brush at the local Ingles, it is a grocery store for those not familiar. I have used it on two vehicles with leather. It is really soft, so it allows you to clean without harm to the coating or leather itself. I rinse it out and let it dry. It is boar's hair.



HUMP
 
Swissvax also do a tyre dressing applicator, commonly known as a paint brush

 
Niblick said:
its really just a shoe polish brush tbh, albeit a very nice one :D
Click to expand...

Have you used both brushes???

Rsurfer said:
It's much smaller than a standard Kiwi shoe brush.
Click to expand...

Another conspiracy theory debunked.

The Swissvax brush is nothing like a Kiwi Shoe brush. The only thing it really has in common is the base is wood.

3umuvu2e.jpg


dasu3u4a.jpg


The Kiwi Shoe Brush has soft horse hair bristles that are good for polishing shoes - but are no way stiff enough to clean leather. The Swissvax Brush has PET bristles (Polyethylene terephthalate), which is a thermoplastic polymer resin (similar to polyester) and is used in synthetic fibers. It is much stiffer and cleans leather much better than horse hair - which is "hair" - a natural fiber.

When you use a Kiwi Brush to clean leather, the bristles bend, this does not get all the dirt out of the pebble grain of the leather, while the Swissvax bristles stay stiff.

Did you guys here Eraser is just Windex?
 
swanicyouth said:
Have you used both brushes???



Another conspiracy theory debunked.

The Swissvax brush is nothing like a Kiwi Shoe brush. The only thing it really has in common is the base is wood.

3umuvu2e.jpg


dasu3u4a.jpg


The Kiwi Shoe Brush has soft horse hair bristles that are good for polishing shoes - but are no way stiff enough to clean leather. The Swissvax Brush has PET bristles (Polyethylene terephthalate), which is a thermoplastic polymer resin (similar to polyester) and is used in synthetic fibers. It is much stiffer and cleans leather much better than horse hair - which is "hair" - a natural fiber.

When you use a Kiwi Brush to clean leather, the bristles bend, this does not get all the dirt out of the pebble grain of the leather, while the Swissvax bristles stay stiff.

Did you guys here Eraser is just Windex?
Click to expand...

I've handled both brushes, i wouldn't say I've used them. I think they're both overpriced so didn't buy either of them. i also deal with a significant amount of 'old' leather, so prefer to use a slightly softer, more forgiving brush. that way you reduce the amount of wear caused by cleaning.
this was done with a soft bristled brush that apparently is "no way stiff enough to clean leather"



seemed to work ok to me tbh. but each to their own. if you'd rather pay 4 times as much for plastic bristles then go for it :xyxthumbs:
 
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