Leather Cleaning question

Sunshyne

Sunshyne

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I have a nice arsenal of cleaning goodies for the exterior and now I am working my way into the interior. I have been reading and going through the store but cant seem to be able to pinpoint anything specific.

I am going to be cleaning my wifes trucks leather interior which is pretty beat up and also help a friend clean and treat the interior on his 1994 Lotus Esprit which has a leather interior thats starting to show its age.

What should I consider for purchase that will clean the stained seats and also a follow up "conditioner" to protect?

I have Blackfire for the console and considering 303 as well but for leather I am confused :doh:
 
There are a lot of good threads on here about cleaning leather, just search leather. One of the most popular products is Leatherique, I have used it and it works good. It is messy and time consuming but it works. I know there are 2 reviews on here, 1 from me and a very good one from CeeDog. One big thing to find out is whether the leather is coated or un-coated (natural). You didn't say what kind of truck you have but I would bet it is probably coated leather. As far as the Lotus I don't know but I would find out before putting any product on it, un-coated leather is treated very differently than coated.
 
good info on the Leatherique but its pricey! VLR looks nice but from what I have read its not much of a cleaner.
 
Opitimum Power Clean
Optimum Protectant Plus


You won't be dissapointed!
 
+1 on OPC

VLR is great if the leather isn't that dirty.

I still use APC+ 1:15. But I am cheap. I havnt personally had it ruin any leather.
 
ok, ill stick with APC for cleaning. Still trying to figure out a good "conditioner"

almost there! thanks to all for your continued input
 
Sunshyne said:
ok, ill stick with APC for cleaning. Still trying to figure out a good "conditioner"

almost there! thanks to all for your continued input
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I assume because you put conditioner in quotations you know that conditioning coated leather is pointless.

I just use PERL on leather after I have cleaned it. And it looks fantastic.
 
Anyone use Ultima Interior Guard+ on leather? If so, what did you guys think?
 
Rix6 said:
Perforated leather? Im the MAN
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What about it? It's the same as any other coated leather. It just has holes. I treat it the same. Clean with APC+ 1:15, and the apply PERL.
 
tw33k2514 said:
What about it? It's the same as any other coated leather. It just has holes. I treat it the same. Clean with APC+ 1:15, and the apply PERL.
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It's only coated on top. Perforated leather will absorb that which is slathered topside, through the bottom side...because of the holes. The collagen fibers that give leather its structure, are quite a bit stronger when they are holding their fill of lipids than they are when dry. Something like Leatherique can and will soak into perforated leather as it wicks its way through the holes to the porous, uncoated backside of the leather. :xyxthumbs:
 
Rix6 said:
It's only coated on top. Perforated leather will absorb that which is slathered topside, through the bottom side...because of the holes. The collagen fibers that give leather its structure, are quite a bit stronger when they are holding their fill of lipids than they are when dry. Something like Leatherique can and will soak into perforated leather as it wicks its way through the holes to the porous, uncoated backside of the leather. :xyxthumbs:
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Very interesting.

Thank you for your knowledge. I honestly did not know that about perforated leather.
 
Adding oils to modern leather is not only unecessary but can cause other prblems too. Perforated leather should be treated exactly the same way as all other coated leather. If you use 'conditioners' they will not add anything other than a coating on the surface that collects dirt. Adding mre oils into the leather can unbalance the oils in the leather and lead to problems like 'spewing' which we are seeing a lot more of on finished leather. Modern auto leather does not lose anything that is put in during the retanning process and requires moisture to keep it soft and supple as this is the only thing that needs replacing. Modern retanning agents are not migratory like they were.
Clean and protect your leather this will keep it in good condition.
Hope this helps
Judyb
Leather Consultant
 
hmm who to believe...

Both of your answers sound intelligent. But Judy is a leather consultant....
 
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