Readily available leather cleaner/conditioner??????

[brondondolon]

Hey guys, so I have a detail tomorrow for a complete interior on a 2004 chevy tahoe with grey leather. I decided to get my stuff together and realized I am nearly out of my leather stuff. So with that said I need to make a trip to autozone or similar to pick some stuff up. What do you guys recommend in this position? Thank you.

 

[Scott@IncrediblyDetailed]

I would assume since it's an 2004 the leather is going to be pretty bad. I would just use an APC and brush, or maybe a non-scratch dish sponge. Using hot, damp microfiber towels to soften the leather prior to cleaning will help if you have to work out in the cold. Lay them on the surface for a couple minutes, then spray APC, let it dwell, clean, dry, done.

The leather is coated so you're not actually cleaning the leather, but the protective coating of the leather.

 

[The Guz]

If you decide to pick something up locally at Autozone check and see if they have this kit from Meguiar's. I use it and it works very well.

Meguiars Gold Class Leather Sealer Treatment

If you run out of cleaner you can use this as it's what's in the cleaner bottle of the kit.

Meguiars Gold Class Leather & Vinyl Cleaner, leather seat cleaner, car leather cleaner

I would also recommend these two from Mothers

Mothers Leather Wash Foaming Cleaner, leather cleaner for cars

Mothers Leather Cream Moisture-Rich Conditioner

 

[psdnuts]

lexol cleaner and conditioner… its availabe here at pretty much most auto stores and car washes. this stuff works very well

 

[rwright]

If you have a Napa Auto Parts or Carquest close by, pick up 2 bottles of Duragloss Leather Shampoo. If this is not an option, the Mothers Leather Wash foaming leather cleaner (2 bottles) can be found at Auto Zone and some Walmart stores. If you make the trip to Walmart, pick up a horsehair boot brush to agitate the surface with the cleaner. Then simply wipe dry with a microfiber towel. You can use an APC but the pH is high so plan to neutralize the surface after.

When you turn the vehicle over to the owner, please educate them on aftercare.

1) Use a soft brush such as a horsehair brush to remove dirt/debris
2) Vacuum the seams
3) If a cleaner is needed, use a dedicated leather cleaner and gently clean the surface
4) Hydrate weekly with a water dampened towel and allow to air dry

As stated above, conditioner on those seats is a waste of time and money. It will only leave a film on top of the coating to hold dirt/grime, which ends up grinding into the coating.

 

[brondondolon]

Great thanks guys!

 

[Belair]

I'd recommend Mother's; available most everywhere including Walmart.

 

[wdmaccord]

I was going to say Mother's as well, if you decide you need to go pick something up. As Scott mentioned though, given the age, if your APC is safe for leather at a specified dilution per the manufacturer, that would be another option IMO.

If there are some cracked areas, I would use conditioner on those spots. Is it going to help? Likely not, but it might keep the cracking from getting worse. Areas without cracking, your best to just go with a UV protectant (the leather coating is still likely intact on the surface). This is how I handle my 2003 Accord leather that has some cracking on the front side bolsters.

 

[lawrenceSA]

You can use an APC but the pH is high so plan to neutralize the surface after.

If you don't mind me asking, HOW would you accomplish this?