I need a Leather cleaner !

I need to try OPC now. I have been putting it off because it costs more but it sounds like it is worth it. Darn it Mark! Lol
 
PAR Detailing said:
I need to try OPC now. I have been putting it off because it costs more but it sounds like it is worth it. Darn it Mark! Lol
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LOL, Jon! I swear I don't work for optimum. OPC is just really good stuff. :xyxthumbs:

I use it *effectively* straight or diluted on:

plastic(interior and exterior)
rubber
leather
wheel wells
wheels
engines
PAINT

P.S. I like the quote in your signature. :dblthumb2:
 
07 z-oh-6 said:
I can see your point about long term effects.

LOL, yeah, I really like this stuff. The cleaning power is so good, and the main thing is that it's paint safe.

Chemical Guys leather cleaner is supposed to be strong, yet PH balanced. I want to try it.
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I have their conditionner.
 
I love Wolfgang, not too greasy , lasts a long time and smells terrific.
 
07 z-oh-6 said:
I tested Wolfgang leather cleaner vs. optimum power clean(3:1) on dirty coated leather. OPC cleaned noticeably better. I tried OPC straight on the leather and it cleaned exceptionally well!
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Funny Mark, I was just thinking about this last night.

Did he happen to mention the effects on the stitching? I am guessing if he says it's safe, it is for all parts of the seats, etc.

The biggest concern I have read and noticed is that the stitching is the least considered and the most affected with deterioration and damage from cleansers.
 
WestEnd said:
Funny Mark, I was just thinking about this last night.

Did he happen to mention the effects on the stitching? I am guessing if he says it's safe, it is for all parts of the seats, etc.

The biggest concern I have read and noticed is that the stitching is the least considered and the most affected with deterioration and damage from cleansers.
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He didn't mention stitching, but I would assume it's safe for stitching, too. Don't take my word for it, though.
 
kronos said:
It can and does so wonderfully. I can probably send you a sample. You live in Pasadena right? I live in East L.A. Let me know.
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Oh damn, you're close!! I'd like to try a sample. I'm sure there's something I have that you would like to try.
 
07 z-oh-6 said:
No, but isn't that part of a system? Can it be used as a stand alone product?
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Mark,
I just ordered the leatherique kit. I should have it within a week. I think that you use Pristine clean after the leather rejuvenator but one may be able to use it standalone.

I'll let you know how the product works once it arrives and we get a couple of hot days. You might also check with Corey and Rasky about Pristine Clean as a standalone product.
 
Cleaning very dirty and ingrained leather is as much about understanding leather cleaning and the techniques to use as it is about the product that you use.
It is far safer to use a dedicated leather cleaner as long as it has been tested correctly as using other types of cleaner may appear to be effective but could be doing damage to the finish which over a longer period of time will simply break down the finish and cause further expensive problems.

If pale coloured leather has heavy soiling it needs a good leather cleaner which is designed for the purpose. A water based foam cleaner will work best and safely (not an aerosol foam that will contain solvents). If you use a foam cleaner you can give the product dwell time and because the foam is already an active cleaner it will draw the dirt out of the grain pattern into the foam and it can then be removed with paper towel or a terry towel. A lot of leather cleaners and wipes in particular simply move the dirt around on the surface which does not remove the soiling. To help the process a stiff bristled brush can be used to help the foam get into the grain pattern of the leather and release the dirt. You must not use the brush to scrub the dirt out but use it gently. Tampico and horsehair brushes are not suitable for this as the bristles become to soft when wet and will simply bend on the surface of the leather. You can repeat the process if necessary.

Pigment coatings and clear coat finishes which are used on most car ineteriors do break down over time if not correctly cared for. Once the coatings begin this deterioration it can appear that they are very dirty when in fact the 'dirt' is micro cracking of the pigment (this would not be visible to the naked eye but can be seen through a microscope - an important part of any detailing kit) - if this is present no amount of cleaning will rectify it and it will need restoration products to recolour/refinish the pigment coating.

Calling for stronger and stronger products to clean leather can be a risky strategy and can be detrimental in the long run.

Hope this helps
Judyb
 
judyb said:
Cleaning very dirty and ingrained leather is as much about understanding leather cleaning and the techniques to use as it is about the product that you use.
It is far safer to use a dedicated leather cleaner as long as it has been tested correctly as using other types of cleaner may appear to be effective but could be doing damage to the finish which over a longer period of time will simply break down the finish and cause further expensive problems.

If pale coloured leather has heavy soiling it needs a good leather cleaner which is designed for the purpose. A water based foam cleaner will work best and safely (not an aerosol foam that will contain solvents). If you use a foam cleaner you can give the product dwell time and because the foam is already an active cleaner it will draw the dirt out of the grain pattern into the foam and it can then be removed with paper towel or a terry towel. A lot of leather cleaners and wipes in particular simply move the dirt around on the surface which does not remove the soiling. To help the process a stiff bristled brush can be used to help the foam get into the grain pattern of the leather and release the dirt. You must not use the brush to scrub the dirt out but use it gently. Tampico and horsehair brushes are not suitable for this as the bristles become to soft when wet and will simply bend on the surface of the leather. You can repeat the process if necessary.

Pigment coatings and clear coat finishes which are used on most car ineteriors do break down over time if not correctly cared for. Once the coatings begin this deterioration it can appear that they are very dirty when in fact the 'dirt' is micro cracking of the pigment (this would not be visible to the naked eye but can be seen through a microscope - an important part of any detailing kit) - if this is present no amount of cleaning will rectify it and it will need restoration products to recolour/refinish the pigment coating.

Calling for stronger and stronger products to clean leather can be a risky strategy and can be detrimental in the long run.

Hope this helps
Judyb
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Good info, Judy.

Is there a specific type of brush you would recommend?
 
judyb said:
You must not use the brush to scrub the dirt out but use it gently.
Judyb
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Too true, Judy.
My leather car seats are new, but I have a 10 year old leather recliner that was overdue for a good cleaning.

Cleaning away (I thought gently) with Megs Gold Class Leather Cleaner-Conditioner and a fingernail brush like AG sells, the dye started to lift in one section. Luckily I caught it before major damage, but it was noticeable and ruined my day.

Lesson: Agitate, don't scrub even lightly. Especially if the leather isn't heavily coated or is heavily worn.
 
cobraa said:
My bottle of lexol cleaner is almost empty and I need a new one. Should I order this or another brand?

I don't want to get leatherique because when I usually interior detailing, I only the car for a day. I can't let the oil suck up for 48 hours or waste 3 hours hair drying the leather..

Are there all the same and just get lexol or there's notable difference?:props:
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How about APC+?
 
I only ever use a dish brush from the local supermarket (try to find one where the bristles are flat rather then rounded) Ikea also do a good one. No need to spend a lot of money. Remember to use it gently and it will be fine.
 
My buddy's friend just bought a 2007 Chevy Cobalt SS with leather seats. He's planning on having me spend a weekend doing the spring detail once the weather warms up. All of the other cars I take care of have cloth or vinyl seats so I have no experience cleaning leather nor do I have a dedicated leather cleaner. I'd like to find products that I can use on vinyl, leather and the rest of the interior.

I'm looking at DP Total Interior Cleaner for a cleaner and then topped with Optimum Protectant Plus. Any other suggestions?
 
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