Leather Help

[nick19]

Hey guys, its been a while since I've posted. Moving and such is so hectic, and I've found some time for my car...finally.

Recently I've been involved in an organized football league, and after playing 40 minutes in the FL heat, grass stains and dirt stick to me.

My leather actually needs to be cleaned badly, as the previous owner never took care of it.

Soo.. now I have a nice dirt stain on my seat from football. Is there any leather cleaner that will clean a stain like this? The seats are cracked pretty badly as well.


I was considering "dyeing" the seats back to orignial color, but it seems to cost me around $100. I'd like to avoid doing that at this point.

Here's some pictures of the horrible stain now in my seat.

Any ideas?

 

[AUdakota]

tried just some APC, how long has it been on there?

 

[Whitethunder46]

Yea, you could try some APC 10:1 if you have that on hand. Be careful to not soak it in the leather or scrub real hard because the dye could come out. Also any of the brand name leather cleaners on here (pinnacle, WG, etc.) might be worth a shot.

 

[ScottB]

APC is likely going to dry out leather further. Use something like Pinnacles two step leather cleaner and then conditioner. If leather is very brittle and dry, after cleaning then use the Leathrique product.

 

[nick19]

I have both APC and APC+

The stain has been on there for almost two days.

What brush, if any would you use? Is a MF ok? I haven't gotten around to CLEANING my leather. It's almost 11 years old, I've only conditioned it.

I usually condition once a month; would the leather still be dry? Its soft to the touch...

 

[Whitethunder46]

I have both APC and APC+

The stain has been on there for almost two days.

What brush, if any would you use? Is a MF ok? I haven't gotten around to CLEANING my leather. It's almost 11 years old, I've only conditioned it.

I usually condition once a month; would the leather still be dry? Its soft to the touch...

A MF would probably be fine. I have this Vinyl & Leather Scrub Brush coming with my next order.

I wasn't sure with the APC, if you did do this, be very careful at first, maybe a little test spot. Scott has had much more experience than I have so I'd take his word over mine.

 

[nick19]

A MF would probably be fine. I have this Vinyl & Leather Scrub Brush coming with my next order.

I wasn't sure with the APC, if you did do this, be very careful at first, maybe a little test spot. Scott has had much more experience than I have so I'd take his word over mine.

I have Meg's Leather/Carpet brush. Like 3/4 is a carpet brush, and 1/4 is a leather brush. Two different style bristles. Would this be safe?

I lack leather experience, as I've just conditioned it, because it IS pretty bad. I'll give it a whirl and see the outcome.

Is Pinnacles Leather Cleaner something that is "powerful" enough, if you will, to clean something like this?



Thanks,


-Nick :cheers:

 

[chu]

The Woolite and Magic Eraser works really well. I would also try DP Total Interior Cleaner, an awesome product although its not leather specific. Just remember to condition after!

 

[nick19]

I tried a LITTLE APC and it dried the leather right up. I first applied by MF, and not even worth trying with a brush. It actually looked better before. Good thing it was just a test spot, and not on a visable spot.

Before I make another purchase a few questions.


Which leather care is a better cleaner? Connolly Hide kit or Leatherique Kit? I'm leaning towards Leatherique, but I'd like to hear any opinions on either.

 

[bennj]

nick, the dye from my black wool coat rubbed off on my arm rest, which is supposed to be leather, and on the seat back, which is leather. I used Klasse leather cleaner/protectorant. Took the stain right out with a little scrubbing with a mf pad, the car is new so I can't tell you what it would look like on older leather. From reading your other posts I know you'll get it out one way or another.

 

[nick19]

nick, the dye from my black wool coat rubbed off on my arm rest, which is supposed to be leather, and on the seat back, which is leather. I used Klasse leather cleaner/protectorant. Took the stain right out with a little scrubbing with a mf pad, the car is new so I can't tell you what it would look like on older leather. From reading your other posts I know you'll get it out one way or another.

Thanks. Technique and persistance is key.

Now, I need to find something to safetly clean my leather.




-Nick :cheers:

 

[Whitethunder46]

Since APC didn't work, what good leather cleaners are there to use then? Epecially cheaper ones that can be bought in bulk sizes.

 

[nick19]

Since APC didn't work, what good leather cleaners are there to use then? Epecially cheaper ones that can be bought in bulk sizes.

Not even Meg's in bulk is cheap. No leather cleaner or conditioner is cheap. You should charge accordingly! I usually charge an extra $30-40 for conditioning, depending on size.

 

[Whitethunder46]

Not even Meg's in bulk is cheap. No leather cleaner or conditioner is cheap. You should charge accordingly! I usually charge an extra $30-40 for conditioning, depending on size.

I have two, 12 oz. sample bottles of Megs cleaner/conditioner from their detailers line. I really love this stuff but have never tested it's cleaning abilities.

I also have Pinnacle leather conditioner which I offer as an upgrade for customer's if they so choose.

Still, I wander what would be a good cleaner to use on tough stains on leather, such as your situation.

 

[nick19]

I have two, 12 oz. sample bottles of Megs cleaner/conditioner from their detailers line. I really love this stuff but have never tested it's cleaning abilities.

I also have Pinnacle leather conditioner which I offer as an upgrade for customer's if they so choose.

Still, I wander what would be a good cleaner to use on tough stains on leather, such as your situation.

I will be ordering the Leatherique kit sometime this week. Like always, I will do a review and post tons of pictures.




-Nick

 

[Jimmie]

Wondered where you've been Nick. Welcome back. My Mother-in-laws leather looked similar to yours in spots. Seemed like nothing would touch it (Pinnacle, Lexol). Finally used DP interior cleaner with a black wheel ShMitt (a Justin idea from one of his reviews). That did the trick. Not 100 per cent but I'd say 80 to 90.

 

[supercharged]

Hey guys, its been a while since I've posted. Moving and such is so hectic, and I've found some time for my car...finally.

Recently I've been involved in an organized football league, and after playing 40 minutes in the FL heat, grass stains and dirt stick to me.

My leather actually needs to be cleaned badly, as the previous owner never took care of it.

Soo.. now I have a nice dirt stain on my seat from football. Is there any leather cleaner that will clean a stain like this? The seats are cracked pretty badly as well.


I was considering "dyeing" the seats back to orignial color, but it seems to cost me around $100. I'd like to avoid doing that at this point.

Here's some pictures of the horrible stain now in my seat.

Any ideas?

I really doubt that you can do much with a leather cleaner abot that. Consider "dyeing" as the best option in this case. Pricey, but well worth it.

 

[nick19]

I doubt any one has done or heard of a good company for auto dye's, but I will ask anyways.

Any auto dye companys worth using? I've used google and found a few..

 

[nick19]

Wondered where you've been Nick. Welcome back. My Mother-in-laws leather looked similar to yours in spots. Seemed like nothing would touch it (Pinnacle, Lexol). Finally used DP interior cleaner with a black wheel ShMitt (a Justin idea from one of his reviews). That did the trick. Not 100 per cent but I'd say 80 to 90.

Since I have the wheel SchMitt, I will give it one last go. I am going to try a small diluted bottle of APC 20:1 and grab a small bottle of 10:1 Woolite, before I drop some bucks to get this fixed/repaired.

I guess I'd rather have it dry and clean, than dirty and soft. Leather conditioner is cheaper than dye. I'll give it another whirl.




Thanks,



-Nick :cheers:

 

[Al-53]

APC is likely going to dry out leather further. Use something like Pinnacles two step leather cleaner and then conditioner. If leather is very brittle and dry, after cleaning then use the Leathrique product.

Killer hit the nail on the Head...Leathers are tanned with oils to keep them supple...APC's break oils down and draw them out...Use leather care products for leather...

I used APC's the clean my boots at work to get the grease off...in a short time they cracked from the drying out of the oils...A guy in work said try Saddle soap the clean them..I use it now and boots have lasted twice what they use to..

So using a dedicated leather product to maintain leather is best....

keeping the original oils in the leather and nourishing them with leather products will make your leather last much longer with no cracking and drying out....

Look at it this way..would you use APC to wash your face and hands...they will dry out so fast...use a moisturizing soap and they feel nice

Al