Bought a new vehicle.... Looking for some advice

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lowrd03vr6

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I just bought a new to me 2008 Ford Explorer. When I took delivery of the vehicle it was not detailed or cleaned very well at all by the dealership. They asked if I would like for them to take the time and re-detail it, and I told them not too cause I could do a better job anyway.

There are a few spots in the vehicle that I am having trouble getting clean, and I am looking for some advice.

First, in the rear cargo area, the previous owners somehow got sand everywhere. I have got a lot of it out using a shop-vac, but I can't seem to get it all. The problem is the carpet in the back isn't "real" carpet and it seems to hold the dirt really well. Anyone have experience with this and know how to get the sand out?

Second is the leather seats. The leather is a very light tan, almost white and the passenger seat is in pretty rough shape. It has some spots that look dirty, and other spots that look like it may be jean transfer. I cant seem to get it all out. Every time I wash the vehicle I use Lexol cleaner and conditioner. It seems like every time I clean it, it fades away little by little, but I just want it to come completely clean.

I look forward to your responses and advice.
 
For the sand in the back, I'd try blowing it out with an air hose


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There is a product that removes jeans color; can't think of it right now but maybe check the Leather Master line.
 
For the sand issue i would run a cleaning brush through the area first (to loosen it from the carpet) an then hit with the vacuum.
 
If the sand is stuck in some small inaccessible places, sometimes I'll use a compressed air gun to dislodge it and have my vacuum nozzle right there to catch the debris so I'm just not relocating it..

I've been using a 3:1 mixture of Optimum Power Clean and it's been working out very well on just about anything.
 
bevans said:
For the sand in the back, I'd try blowing it out with an air hose


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Thanks for the tip! I can never get all the sand out of trunks, but I've used a stiff bristle brush & shopvac in the past before. Sometimes I feel like auto designers sit there & find ways to make it that much harder for detailers :P
 
lowrd03vr6 said:
Second is the leather seats. The leather is a very light tan, almost white and the passenger seat is in pretty rough shape. It has some spots that look dirty, and other spots that look like it may be jean transfer. I cant seem to get it all out. Every time I wash the vehicle I use Lexol cleaner and conditioner. It seems like every time I clean it, it fades away little by little, but I just want it to come completely clean.

I look forward to your responses and advice.
Click to expand...

Some people may disagree, but I was detailing my friend's 1991 Cadillac Deville & the leather was in pretty bad shape so he told me I could do what I wanted to get out, so I was experimenting on test spots, and found Mr. Clean Magic Erasers to do a really good job of cleaning. (make sure to do test spots though) After cleaning, I used lexol to condition & protect the leather...or maybe it was megs gold class leather, I dont remember. He was amazed at the results though, and a year later, when I did the car again, the leather was still pretty clean. I've heard mixed things about using magic eraser on leather... some people say its too abrasive & wears down the first layer of leather & takes off protection so that the leather will only get dirtier in the future. All I know is that it worked & seemed to stand the test of time. I even used it in my car. I wouldn't use it as a regular cleaner, but for tough spots or a once every 5 years cleaning I think it works well. If your'e nervous about using magic eraser, I would say use folex with a good stiff brush & some rags.
 
Thanks for all of the good advice. I had never even thought of Magic Erasers. I may try that tonight and see how it works.
 
lowrd03vr6 said:
Thanks for all of the good advice. I had never even thought of Magic Erasers. I may try that tonight and see how it works.
Click to expand...

Would you consider wet sanding leather with 3000 or 4000 grit sandpaper?

Contact Dr. G at Optimum and ask his opinion on using a Magic Eraser on leather. I would love to hear his opinion on this topic.


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To pick up the last remnants of sand you can use a "lint removal brush" (the kind that you use on cloths). Get the one that has a role of the sticky tape; you might have to use the whole role but it works great. I use one as the final step after vaccumming.

Good luck
 
I would be very wary of using Magic Erasers on leather. They are very abrasive and will indeed remove the top layer of finish which in the long term will not be any good for the leather.
There are specific products that remove dye transfer and these should be used. If they do not work it means that he dye has penetrated the finish too deeply and will need stronger products to remove which may also entail recloing/ refinishing. It is also crucial on pale leather to use a very good quality leather protector to inhibit dye transfer in future.
Hope this helps
Judyb
 
Re: Bought a new vehicle.... regarding leather

I would agree with the Judyb-ster however here is info from the Magic Eraser Site:

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Original is safe to use on leather items such as shoes, purses and luggage. Use it to remove scuffs, pen marks and dirt build up.

Kind regards~

FussMan
 
judyb said:
... and will need stronger products to remove which may also entail recloing/ refinishing....
Hope this helps
Judyb
Click to expand...

Could you give some examples of other products you use? Also, how to you refinish leather? Do you need special products for that, or must that be done by a specialist?
 
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