Opinions on using APC to clean leather??

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Specifically optimum power clean at 3:1. Would there be any reason to use a leather specific cleaner instead? All leather specific cleaners I've used(wolfgang, pristine clean, Ultima interior shampoo gel) do not clean as good as OPC, IME.
 
07 z-oh-6 said:
Specifically optimum power clean at 3:1. Would there be any reason to use a leather specific cleaner instead? All leather specific cleaners I've used(wolfgang, pristine clean, Ultima interior shampoo gel) do not clean as good as OPC, IME.
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it's fine. though 3:1 is pretty strong IMO - i guess it depends on what kind of vehicle you are working on and what it has been through. i use 10:1 if the leather has dirt in the wear creases and it seems to work well.

the only place i'd be concerned is with mid-range exotics, like older ferraris, etc, where there might have been seat repairs (using spray), such as on the bolsters. i'd be very careful with using anything but say optimum protectant plus on such areas. it's usually pretty easy to tell if it's been sprayed because either the stitching is now hide colored or the wear creases have no real color difference between the creases and the surrounding leather.

thankfully most exotics, even entry level ones, don't really have much dirt on the leather and rarely need much more than a pass or two with the protectant.
 
07 z-oh-6 said:
Specifically optimum power clean at 3:1. Would there be any reason to use a leather specific cleaner instead? All leather specific cleaners I've used(wolfgang, pristine clean, Ultima interior shampoo gel) do not clean as good as OPC, IME.
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Use what works for u!!!!! What do other opinions matter if u found something that u are satisfied with???? It's the reason that there are a lot of products available!!!!! I like brand x....u like brand y.......what does it matter????????????
 
I have had really good results using Meguiars APC plus 10:1 and a white terry cloth towel.

Once clean I go over it with a leather conditioner.
 
I use a citrus based cleaner called Citra-Plus and a short bristled brush from PRO. I run the brush in little circles until I get to a dirt filled crease in the leather then I brush in the direction of the crease until it's clean then go back to my little circles. I have used it straight on some really nasty leather seats and they turn out like this
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Typically I use it 3 to 1 for leather and follow immediately with Poorboy's World Leather Stuff. No problems so far and I would venture a guess that it is a stronger cleaner than OPC.
 
Nothing wrong with this, just be smart about it. Do a test spot in an inconspicuous area, and don't scrub too hard. It's eaier than you may think to remove dye from interior panels.
 
I want to add for leather that is not only dirty, but also stiff and cracked I always use the Leatherique system. It takes a long time, but the result are unbelievable. I do charge more for this service since generally I remove the seats and put them in my garage under a heat lamp to speed up the process.
 
Dr Oldz said:
Use what works for u!!!!! What do other opinions matter if u found something that u are satisfied with???? It's the reason that there are a lot of products available!!!!! I like brand x....u like brand y.......what does it matter????????????
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It has nothing to do with what works for me, I'm more concerned with possible side effects of using an APC on leather that I'm unaware about.
 
07 z-oh-6 said:
It has nothing to do with what works for me, I'm more concerned with possible side effects of using an APC on leather that I'm unaware about.
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Then u are looking for facts...... Not opinions!!!
 
I've been using Meg. APC for a while now. As long as you re-nourish the leather with a quality conditioner after, I think it's fine.
 
I use the Power Clean, swear by it, I do dilute it at least 2:1 though typically. Like someone said, probably depends on the nastiness of an interior as to how powerful a solution to use. So far nothing but good results for me using the Power Clean.
 
Well since you asked for facts...Power Clean IS safe on all leather except suede. The only caution needed is not to let it run down vertical seat backs without spreading it. Just spray and spread, then you can take your time scrubbing. I would also follow up with a damp towel or Protectant Plus to remove any residue.


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Chris@Optimum said:
Well since you asked for facts...Power Clean IS safe on all leather except suede. The only caution needed is not to let it run down vertical seat backs without spreading it. Just spray and spread, then you can take your time scrubbing. I would also follow up with a damp towel or Protectant Plus to remove any residue.


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Another reason Power Clean will remain in my arsenal. So let's see, safe for paint, safe for leather, safe for wheels, safe for plastics...so yeah it's worth $35/gallon.


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Personally I never have liked the idea of using APC for leather . I dont use anything that is not intended for leather .Real Leather needs to be cleaned at a proper PH or it can damage the leather.
 
buddhadog said:
Personally I never have liked the idea of using APC for leather . I dont use anything that is not intended for leather .Real Leather needs to be cleaned at a proper PH or it can damage the leather.
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Most modern auto leather is coated so in reality you're cleaning the coating, right?


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Chris@Optimum said:
Well since you asked for facts...Power Clean IS safe on all leather except suede. The only caution needed is not to let it run down vertical seat backs without spreading it. Just spray and spread, then you can take your time scrubbing. I would also follow up with a damp towel or Protectant Plus to remove any residue.


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Thanks, Chris!



rwright said:
Another reason Power Clean will remain in my arsenal. So let's see, safe for paint, safe for leather, safe for wheels, safe for plastics...so yeah it's worth $35/gallon.


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:iagree: x 100

:D
 
As APC's are products that generally require dilution (and there are so many on the market) they are generally not recommended for use when cleaning leather. If the dilution is wrong and the product is too strong it could potentially damage the finish on the leather which will lead to long term problems.
Damage to the finish is not always visible to the naked eye. Products that are too strong for the finish will always leave the leather very clean looking but this is only because they are removing some of the finish with the dirt. After repeated use the finish may be removed completely which will then lead to major soiling problems that will not clean at all.
It is far better to use recommended leather products as these will generally have been tested and will not cause any problems - you should also have somewhere to go for advice if needed - I am not sure that APC producers would know what to do if anything went wrong.

Using leather 'conditioners' after any cleaning product is a nonsense on finished leathers as all they do is sit on the surface and attract more dirt - use a protector instead which will help to keep it clean.

Hope this helps
Judyb
 
judyb said:
As APC's are products that generally require dilution (and there are so many on the market) they are generally not recommended for use when cleaning leather. If the dilution is wrong and the product is too strong it could potentially damage the finish on the leather which will lead to long term problems.
Damage to the finish is not always visible to the naked eye. Products that are too strong for the finish will always leave the leather very clean looking but this is only because they are removing some of the finish with the dirt. After repeated use the finish may be removed completely which will then lead to major soiling problems that will not clean at all.
It is far better to use recommended leather products as these will generally have been tested and will not cause any problems - you should also have somewhere to go for advice if needed - I am not sure that APC producers would know what to do if anything went wrong.

Using leather 'conditioners' after any cleaning product is a nonsense on finished leathers as all they do is sit on the surface and attract more dirt - use a protector instead which will help to keep it clean.

Hope this helps
Judyb
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Oh great, now there's some debate. :eek: :laughing:

I just ordered leather masters protection cream for after cleaning, but have been using optimum power clean @ 3:1 to clean coated leather.
 
Like judyb said, you don't always see what damage is occurring. I would recommend what the OEM recommends and if that doesn't work for you then use you best judgement or forum conclusion. My personal experience with Lexol cleaner wipes has been great. They last in the container(the conditioner wipes don't), or a spray would probably be more cost effective. I used the Lexol wipes on a nasty car visor(not leather) and it made it look new. I liked using them because I figured if it is safe for leather then it will be on the rest of the interior. It nice to use something that you don't have to worry about diluting so you don't worry about damaging/spotting the leather. Anything you use though you just need to follow w/ a quality conditioner, and since you have been using products not designed for cleaning leather I would use the Lexol Neatsfoot Leather Dressing to replace the oils that have been striped away by the cleaners; as you will read the neatsfoot needs to be followed by leather conditioner. Sometimes it's not about what works best for you, but what works best for the material you are working on.
IME I used the Lexol cleaner and conditioner wipes on my neighbors faux leather rough of their Towncar and it actually brough back/out a leather luster that was gone. Go with something that is tried and true, and trusted. Good luck and happy leather detailing. :) Leather Care - Clean, condition & protect leather upholstery with premium, pH-balanced products by Pinnacle, Wolfgang, Lexol, Leatherique, Connolly,
 
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