New truck, leather seats?

I

irv

New member
I just picked up my new 09 GMC Sierra SLT with leather seats and while reading the thick owners manual I came across the "Care" section and in it, it said not to use any type of leather cleaners/conditioners as they can contain harmful ingredients that can damage/stain the factory leather surfaces?



It said to used a mild soap/water mix and clean terry cloths or something similar?

I was quite surprised at this as I figured it would state the opposite?

I also take it, not all car interior leather is the same? Are some manu's seats/leather better quality than others? Should I just do as the book says and only clean it peridocially and never condition it afterwards?

I plan on keeping this truck for many years to come so I want it to last. Thanks..........Irv
 
Just learning this myself. Most new leather seats are sealed so old fashioned leather cleaners and conditioners do no good. That being said, there are a lot of cleaners and conditioners designed for these modern seats (there's a name for it that I can't remember - "analine" or something). However, cleaning with dilluted woolite will also be good.



Since you are planning on keeping the truck a long time I'd recommend looking into the conditioners for sealed seats.
 
Mild soap and water = Woolite cut 10:1 with water.

Terry cloth = Microfiber.



Conditioning the leather can certainly be done. There are lots of good ones out there. You can get stuff like Lexol over the counter. Companies like Poorboy's World make some nice leather conditioner too.



Keeping the leather clean is 90% of the battle. Once those salts and oils work their way into the leather, it breaks it down. Honestly, my next car with leather is getting a nice sheepskin cover from day 1. At least on the driver's side. And a nice rubber mat! :)
 
Thanks guy's, are there any ingredients in a conditioner that I should be specifically looking for, and what aboutones to avoid?

I have read this Woolite thing before browsing these pgs, are you talking the same Woolite that one uses in the washing machine? :think:
 
irv said:
Thanks guy's, are there any ingredients in a conditioner that I should be specifically looking for, and what aboutones to avoid?

I have read this Woolite thing before browsing these pgs, are you talking the same Woolite that one uses in the washing machine? :think:
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Yes, the same Woolite. It's very gentle and safe.



There are some things in conditioners you should avoid, like neatsfoot oil. Not sure about mink oil. And I'd need to check on lanolin too. I'm sure others here with more experience will chime in.
 
SCoach said:
Yes, the same Woolite. It's very gentle and safe.



There are some things in conditioners you should avoid, like neatsfoot oil. Not sure about mink oil. And I'd need to check on lanolin too. I'm sure others here with more experience will chime in.
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Thanks for the tips, hopefully some more people chime in with some specific brands that will work good without worry?.......Irv
 
A lot of people like Lexol. I wasn't particularly impressed with it - had too much of 'greasy' feel for me. I just ordered some leather masters stuff but hasn't gotten here yet. I also have a bottle of Prima Nourish that I haven't used yet. It is a conditioner for sealed leather seats (been too lazy to look up the correct term ;) )
 
cptzippy said:
A lot of people like Lexol. I wasn't particularly impressed with it - had too much of 'greasy' feel for me. I just ordered some leather masters stuff but hasn't gotten here yet. I also have a bottle of Prima Nourish that I haven't used yet. It is a conditioner for sealed leather seats (been too lazy to look up the correct term ;) )
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Can you let me know how that new stuff works and what you think of it when it comes in? Thanks..........Irv
 
I've read in several places that most of greasy conditioners are not so good for the modern leather. The best are water based, so they maintain moisture in the leather. Another simple tip - using a mist of water on a regular basis. My old leather was really dry and hard, and after a month of water "misting" (2 or 3 times a week) it now really is a lot softer.
 
Domas said:
I've read in several places that most of greasy conditioners are not so good for the modern leather. The best are water based, so they maintain moisture in the leather. Another simple tip - using a mist of water on a regular basis. My old leather was really dry and hard, and after a month of water "misting" (2 or 3 times a week) it now really is a lot softer.
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Domas, did you wipe up the mist after or did you just let it soak in?
 
Leather Master's is what I went with after many days of reading. I did a test on my leather wallet (coated) that has been treated with Pinnacles leather conditioner. Little to no change in feel, tried Leather Masters VITAL and it has really loosened up the leather. The corners of the wallet were very stiff before application, now they are very pliable. Big difference between an oil based conditioner and a water based conditioner on coated leather.

On uncoated leather Pinnacle's conditioner works great, I use it on my 10 yr old Timberland boots that look like I just pulled them out of the box.
 
irv said:
Domas, did you wipe up the mist after or did you just let it soak in?
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When I came home after shool, park in the garage, the car is still warm, I lightly mist the leather (not wet), close the doors/windows to keep the moisture longer, and leave it like that.



However, on monthly basis or so I'd still like to apply some conditioner, anybody knows 1Z Lederpflege is non greasy? It says it is formulated to specifically address the care and maintenance of finished leather without leaving a greasy film. Anybody tried?



I've also heard from interior cleaning guy, that he tried many conditioners, but best so far to soften the leather for him is non-greasy hand moisturising creme, haven't tried it though...
 
Leather does not require 'conditioning' with anything other than water.



Keep your leather clean (this is the most important part) by protecting it with a leather protector and then regular cleaning to maintain it.

Adding 'conditioners' which generally contain oils and waxes will change the appearance of your leather over time as dirt will build up on the surface and cause a sheen.



Using the correct care methods and products will not alter the factory finish.



This type of leather is 'coated' leather. This is essentially a 'painted' leather with a clear coat finish over the top. The leather may or may not be dyed through with aniline dyes prior to the finish coating.



Essentially it is this top coating that needs looking after. Cleaning is vitally important as the top coat will wear away if allowed to become dirty. Dirt on the surface will aslo become ground into the finish by constant abrassion.



'Conditioners', balms, feeds etc (traditionally oil and wax based) cannot penetrate this finish so are not worth applying - they can also leave behind residues on the finish which will only attract more dirt if allowed to remain.



A protector will make the finish easier to clean and also inhibit dye transfer etc on pale coloured leathers.



Leather however finished has to remain breathable and it will allow the movement of moisture back and forth (transpiration) so the use of water based cleaners and protectors will keep the leather correctly hydrated which is essentail to keeping it in good condition.



The routine for correct care should be

Protect from new

Maintain with a regular clean or maintenance product

Deep clean with a foam cleaner once or twice a year



This will prolong the life of the finish on the leather



Hope this helps

__________________
 
JudyB,



What type of leather protectors do you like?



I know some people like to use 303 Protectant but I wasn't sure if that was a good idea.



One of the easiest and most effective things I have been told to do to leather is once a week or once every other week just take a wet microfiber or terry cloth and wipe down your seats. Then take a dry one and dry them off. I am trying to get into the habit of this.
 
No need to dry them the water is good for them ,this is what will keep them supple.

I would guard against using microfibre on leather as if there are any weak areas of finish the microfibre will find them and pull the finish off. Terry towel or wet sponge would be fine.



We are just testing the 303 for its protection value.



Water based fluorocarbon protectors work the best and last the longest. These are very thin products unlike the creams you generally get which means they are also very economical in use.



Hope this helps
 
judyb said:
I would guard against using microfibre on leather as if there are any weak areas of finish the microfibre will find them and pull the finish off. Terry towel or wet sponge would be fine.
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I figured a Terry Towel would be more likely to pull weak areas off the finish than microfiber since Terry "seems" to have a little more bite than MF.
 
I finally got around to doing the Woolite/water cleaning and it did a great job!!



The back seat was filthy due to a recent trip to Niagra Falls with the kids, greasy finger prints and spilled pop in a few places so I thought this would be a good test?

It worked great, it not only took up the grease, it made the seats look new again!



Just curious if it is ok to just wipe up the solution fast or let it sit/soak for a few moments?

Also, should the seats be rinsed with just plain water afterwards or is it ok to leave them the way they are?
 
Domas said:
However, on monthly basis or so I'd still like to apply some conditioner, anybody knows 1Z Lederpflege is non greasy? It says it is formulated to specifically address the care and maintenance of finished leather without leaving a greasy film. Anybody tried?
Click to expand...



I love 1z leather care, however its a love it/hate it product. It leaves a matte look and doesn't smell like fake leather. It uses carnauba to protect the leather.
 
Carnauba is a wax and should not be used on finsihed leathers as it will sit on the surface and attract more dirt. it certainly won't do any protecting.
 
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