Leather cleaner & conditioner

dbbrooks

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What's everyone's favorite leather cleaner? What's the best bang for the buck?

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Jorgens cowspit leather cleaner then followed up by your favorite conditioner.
 
I know that you can buy better, but I have always had good luck with the Mothers line. It has never let me down.
 
Are you looking for something as a maintenance cleaner or something for some serious cleaning all the time?
 
Are you looking for something as a maintenance cleaner or something for some serious cleaning all the time?


Well, I've been getting some new customers that want the leather cleaned and treated. Most don't bring it up but a new lady got all hyper about it. The car was not horrible but hadn;t been done right ever. So she wants me to do the car every three months. She was very pleased with the way the car turned out but wanted me to clean and condition the leather also. Thanks for the feedback.
 
I've used everything from Leather Masters to 1Z, Meguiars and a Mothers Product and i cant tell a darn thing after one application for details ... i'm conviced that for a customer who calls for a detail and wants there leather restored to the original softness I set the expectation upfront that miracles were only created on the seventh day and today is Monday LOL JK ... most customers understand when i explain that one treatment no matter how good or expensive is going to make it feel like new ... Now look like new is another story ... LOVE MegsAPC ...
The product that i will say will create somewhat of a miracle is Leatherique .. but OMG it was a pain and it took all day babysitting ... so from a detailer that does a good number of cars with mostly leather LEXOL has been a good product all around (smell, application, durability) especially in the near gallon size.
just my two cents
 
I know that you can buy better, but I have always had good luck with the Mothers line. It has never let me down.

You beat me to it. Another one of those way underestimated product lines. Actually, Mothers has two leather options that both are top notch, and currently the only leather products in my cabinet. I use the separate cleaner & conditioner twice a year and keep a bottle of the reflections (it's a cleaner/conditioner in one) for in-between clean ups.
 
You beat me to it. Another one of those way underestimated product lines. Actually, Mothers has two leather options that both are top notch, and currently the only leather products in my cabinet. I use the separate cleaner & conditioner twice a year and keep a bottle of the reflections (it's a cleaner/conditioner in one) for in-between clean ups.

I have not tried the reflections leather care yet, but have used the new VLR. I have a couple bottles of it, and use it for every day care and cleaning. I grab the seperates if I need something more powerful.

I use and like a lot of Mothers products, but not many talk about them.
 
I use Lexol also and have had good results.
 
Leather does not require 'conditioning' with anything other than water.

Keep your leather clean by protecting it with a leather protector and then regular cleaning.
Adding 'conditioners' which generally contain oils and waxes will change the appearance of your leather over time as dirt will build up on the surface and cause a sheen.

Using the correct care methods and products will not alter the factory finish.

The type of leather you have is 'coated' leather. This is essentially a 'painted' leather with a clear coat finish over the top. The leather may or may not be dyed through with aniline dyes prior to the finish coating.

Essentially it is this top coating that needs looking after. Cleaning is vitally important as the top coat will wear away if allowed to become dirty. Dirt on the surface will also become ground into the finish by constant abrassion.

'Conditioners', balms, feeds etc (traditionally oil and wax based) cannot penetrate this finish so are not worth applying - they can also leave behind residues on the finish which will only attract more dirt if allowed to remain.

A protector will make the finish easier to clean and also inhibit dye transfer etc on pale coloured leathers.

Leather however finished has to remain breathable and it will allow the movement of moisture back and forth (transpiration) so the use of water based cleaners and protectors will keep the leather correctly hydrated which is essentail to keeping it in good condition.

The routine for correct care should be
Protect from new
Maintain with a regular clean or maintenance product
Deep clean with a foam cleaner once or twice a year

Simple steps of cleaning & protecting will prolong the life of the finish on the leather

Hope this helps
 
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