Leather Cleaning question

[Shawnw]

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.

At what dilution?

 

[SonOfOC]

Dirty leather> APC+ or OPC

Restore leather> Nothing beats Leatherique

Protect leather> Many choices, I use Ultima,Perl, Meg QID, 303. Perl is my favorite right now. I have small bottles mixed at 5:1, 4:1, and 3:1 depending on desired luster. "CEEDOG" turned onto PERL. The stuff is top notch.

 

[tw33k2514]

At what dilution?

1:5

 

[sunstealth]

I have a problem with the beige leather on a hyundai santa fe, there is some blue jeans transfer on both front seats. I cant seem to get it off tried leather cleaner, APC, castrol super clean and my last resort is the mr clean magic eraser! what should i do ?

 

[jsgntulok]

I have a problem with the beige leather on a hyundai santa fe, there is some blue jeans transfer on both front seats. I cant seem to get it off tried leather cleaner, APC, castrol super clean and my last resort is the mr clean magic eraser! what should i do ?

Careful with that magic eraser. It will damage the leather before you know what is happening.

 

[judyb]

If you have not used a leather protector on a regular basis then dye transfer can be difficult to deal with as the dyes actually re dye the leather. The longer the dye remains the harder it is to remove as it moves deeper into the finish on the leather.
Please do not use a magic eraser as this will only remove the dye by removing the top layer of he finish which will then need replacing.
Removing dye transfer is a process and there is only so far you can go with cleaning processes. There is a Jean & Dye Transfer Remover Kit that as been specifically formulated for safe use on leather and is a 2 step process. These are the first 2 steps that a technician would try if he were faced with ths problem. If these steps do not work it is not because the products don't work but simply that the dyes have penetrated too far into the finish. If this is the case the only way the problem can really be resolved is to recolour the leather.
Using a good protector is crucial on pale leather in cars and if then regularly cleaned you will not have a problem with dye transfer from clothing etc. Prevention is definitely better than cure in this case.
Hope this helps
Judyb
Leather consultant

 

[Rix6]

hmm who to believe...

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

Ben, the answer is to put your belief in your experience as a detailer. You are the one making the assessment of a car's leather, it's environment, frequency of care, and how it responds to your style of treatment. When it's in your hands, you are the car's care-giver and as such you are in the best position to decide what's going to work.

I'm certainly no leather expert. What I was really trying to communicate is that perforated leather has a built in path to the quick absorption of liquids. It's there if you need it.:xyxthumbs:

 

[xios29]

So products like lexol cleaner and conditioner aren't worth buying. All you need us an apc and a protectant like 303?

 

[Bunky]

hmm who to believe...

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

Judy Bass works for LTT Leather Care in the UK. This company sells LTT branded leather care products.

There is a constant debate on leather care. I think everyone agrees keep it clean and keep it protected. The debate is on the chemistry of the protection products (lanolin, animal fats, other oils. etc). It is clear that even products with oils (does not negate they are still water based products) act as a barrier.

 

[Rix6]

So products like lexol cleaner and conditioner aren't worth buying. All you need us an apc and a protectant like 303?

Years ago I brought some junkyard seats back to life with lexol cleaner and conditioner. They worked great on those seats ('94 Ford). Lexol cleaner is a very mild soap. Regardless of the different opinions on the conditioner, the cleaner is good to have on hand. It doesn't cost much, lasts a long time when you dilute it properly, and I can't recall anybody ever saying it's not safe.

 

[mg6045]

Judy Bass works for LTT Leather Care in the UK. This company sells LTT branded leather care products.

There is a constant debate on leather care. I think everyone agrees keep it clean and keep it protected. The debate is on the chemistry of the protection products (lanolin, animal fats, other oils. etc). It is clear that even products with oils (does not negate they are still water based products) act as a barrier.

I bought Judys product range. (cleaner, Ultra Protect and Ultra Maintain). These products are awesome. the protectant is amazing. its like a polymer sealant for you leather. Beads water and does not change the sheen or finish in ANY way. I not can go twice as long as I used to for cleaning. I always would get dirty built up in the lower drivers seat. I have noticed much less if any at all. And I'm able to clean the seat with a damp towel now. and again, the seats bead water and liquids, but the leather is not at ALL slippery. The leather feels identical to after the cleaning step. I love these products. even more so than leather masters.

 

[mg6045]

For cleaning, your not gonna find (IMO) a more effective and safer cleaner than the Ultima Interior shampoo. This stuff cleans leather with ease. I mean really bad looking leather. It works way better than leather masters strong cleaner, and is also really safe. Spray it on, and brush in with a leather brush. then spray and wipe again.

I have about 10 different leather cleaners and Ultima is the best and safest IME.