How often to clean leather seats

DiPaoro

DiPaoro

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I cleaned my leather seats a few weeks ago and boy did they get dirty already. How often do you maintain your leather seats on your daily ride? The seats are light beige.

Been using Lexol and want to try something else. The brands researching and asking about are Pinnacle and Wolfgang. Regarding the Pinnacle leather care, there is the AIO or combo. Since the seats are not too soiled, considering the AIO.

Your advice is appreciated as I need to buy something before the severe winter weather kicks in.
 
I am switching from Lexol to trying new leather cleaners...

Right now I am enjoying Pinnacle Leather Cleaner & Conditioner. It works great for moderately dirty seats. Leather that is really thrashed might need a stronger cleaner and then follow with a dedicated conditioner but for routine maintenance on a daily I would highly recommend the Pinnacle.
 
I've had zero success with Lexol. Lots of people like it, but it does nothing for me.

I use Leatherique for real dirt leather and Ultima Interior Shampoo + Ultima Interior Gurard combo for everything else.
 
Tried Lexol, doesn't work too well then bought CG combo of cleaner and conditioner, much better!
 
It may well be worth looking beyond your normal detailing brands. Detailing brands tend to bring together a bunch of products from a range of specialities and something like leather is a product which is frequently given inadequate attention. There is a lot more science behind the necessary solutions than for cleaning wheels (for example). So, as is also the case for fabric cleaning, if the solution offered by the detailing brand isn't up to your standards, you may find much better results by talking to a company which specialises in interior and fabric cleaning because they will almost certainly have more expertise in the area.
 
cartman57 said:
Tried Lexol, doesn't work too well then bought CG combo of cleaner and conditioner, much better!
Click to expand...

+1 on this. I find that the Chemical Guys Leather Conditioner has some cleaning abilities so about each month I just apply it with a microfiber applicator and apply again if needed.
 
I think a good generic routine for leather is: weekly, use a damp MF; monthly, use a conditioner (choose a good one, from a reputed brand - Pinnacle and Wolfgang are just fine); yearly, use the Leatherique system.

If you come to the conclusion that this schedule isn't enough, adjust accordingly.
 
Mr Megane said:
It may well be worth looking beyond your normal detailing brands. Detailing brands tend to bring together a bunch of products from a range of specialities and something like leather is a product which is frequently given inadequate attention. There is a lot more science behind the necessary solutions than for cleaning wheels (for example). So, as is also the case for fabric cleaning, if the solution offered by the detailing brand isn't up to your standards, you may find much better results by talking to a company which specialises in interior and fabric cleaning because they will almost certainly have more expertise in the area.
Click to expand...

:iagree:I was given a cleaner and conditioner 10 years ago from leather restoration shop and it worked like nothing I've ever used. It was commerical stuff and I don't remember the name. There are products in the furniture, saddle, boots, and leather apparrel industry that work extremely well. Some of those companies actually make leather cleaners for the detailing brands.
 
I use Leather Masters Soft Cleaner to clean and it works great. I'm not sure if they make it under that name anymore, but any LM's cleaning product is very good. I don't use "conditioners" on leather, they just attract more dust and dirt IMHO. I use a leather sealant that protects the leather coating (the color) from mechanical abrasion.
 
When I used to own a vehicle with leather my regimen was the following:

1. LM Trio on front seats every 3 months
2. LM Trio on back seats every 6 months (people barely sat in there)

Leatherique Pristine Clean wipedown every month as it does have light cleaning properties. Make sure you wipe everything down really good. Coated leather doesn't really soak product. If you apply a heavy coat, it will attract more dust/dirt than applying light coats.
 
I actually use the Connolly range. I really like how you mix it up in a bucket of hot water and "wash" the seats. It works extremely well, but is very time consuming. Also their Leather conditioner is banging like a biscuit, restores a tight new look. For my garage queen I use swissvax leather milk and I absolutely love it!... hate the price though!

I would recommend 1-2 weeks for cleaning and conditioning. Take a look at Gtechniq L1 leather guard. I saw it today and wanted to give it a go, but I didn't get it. Now I dont know how it will perform, but knowing the reputation of Gtechniq products, I bet it is great for DDs. they say it lasts 3-6 months.
 
Would you guys recommend the Pinnacle combo or the Swissvax combo? For my new 2013 Accord with perforated leather.
 
If you use conditioners that are oil based, your seats will get dirty very quickly, it attracts dust and dirt. Depending on the leather type, clean with 1Z and re-hydrate the leather with a damp MF towel. I use the damp MF towel once every week or two to keep things looking brand new.
 
I think you guys should really look into leather protectants if your goal is cleaning convenience. For example, UIGP or Wolfgang CTS are products which can make leather care significantly easier. I personally use CTS and love it. It makes the leather completely water resistant so I can just wipe my seats down with a waterless wash and i'm done.

It seems to last about 3-4 months on my drivers seat albeit I only drive 15-20 miles a day. Nevertheless, after using a protectant I don't think i'll ever go back to conditioners.

Now if your leather is unprotected, that's a different situation.
 
I'm ready to move on from lexol also. Anything OTC worth trying? Mothers leather tech maybe? I plan on picking up the leatherique twins but need something for routine.
 
i use chemical guys leather cleaner i love it highly and i mean highly dilute able they say 6:1 i use it 8:1 with great results every time paired with there conditioner keeps my leather seats alive. I've used lexol, and zymol in the past and i've stuck with this due to price point and it does a very good job.
 
For cleaning please see the guidelines below to give professional results and prolong the life of the leather.

CLEANING PROCESS
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
'Coated' leather 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. 'Conditioners' will not do any protecting on leather even if they say they do as there will not be enough active ingredient in them to do anything.

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.

Leather needs a little regular care and attention and this can be done with a maintenance product rather than a deep clean which you would then only need to do once or twice a year depending on usage and colour.
You will find that detergent style cleaners will remove the protection applied so you would need to reprotect each time you clean.
A maintenance product helps to retain the protection rather than remove it so a reapplication of protector is only required after a deep clean.
Whilst individual products may be effective if they have not been tested together you may find they are counter productive

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
Judyb
 
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