Reccomend a Leather Cleaner/Treatment for a beginner?

2

2007TBSS

New member
I have a few close friends that I have discussed doing some details for. The only thing I don't feel comfortable with is picking a leather cleaner and treatment combo. Soemthing that will make a nice reviatlization to worn, dry leather. I like Opti products, so without a different reccomendation, I will probably go with that. I looked at Leatherique, but damn, that a bit pricey for a few friends cars.



I searched but most of the leather threads were started by someone with a specific product in mind.



So, thoughts? I will gladly order, but OTC would be a bonus. KC has O'Reilly's and AutoZone.



Thanks!
 
2007TBSS said:
I have a few close friends that I have discussed doing some details for. The only thing I don't feel comfortable with is picking a leather cleaner and treatment combo. Soemthing that will make a nice reviatlization to worn, dry leather. I like Opti products, so without a different reccomendation, I will probably go with that. I looked at Leatherique, but damn, that a bit pricey for a few friends cars.



I searched but most of the leather threads were started by someone with a specific product in mind.



So, thoughts? I will gladly order, but OTC would be a bonus. KC has O'Reilly's and AutoZone.



Thanks!
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I would recommend Leather Masters but it too is expensive like Leatherique. Sonus's Leather Cleaner and Leather Conditioner are a nice leather combo. I used to hear quite a bit about Zaino's leather combo (I think Z9 and Z10), haven't heard much lately. While I have never used Optimum's leather products but I can't imagine them not being top notch knowing the quality of products Dr. Ghodoussi (sp?) puts out.



If you want to stick with over the counter, I would probably go with Meguiars. I don't know if Meguiars OTC products are as good as the one's mentioned but they will probably be the best on the shelf where you go.
 
2007TBSS said:
I have a few close friends that I have discussed doing some details for. The only thing I don't feel comfortable with is picking a leather cleaner and treatment combo. Soemthing that will make a nice reviatlization to worn, dry leather. I like Opti products, so without a different reccomendation, I will probably go with that. I looked at Leatherique, but damn, that a bit pricey for a few friends cars.



I searched but most of the leather threads were started by someone with a specific product in mind.



So, thoughts? I will gladly order, but OTC would be a bonus. KC has O'Reilly's and AutoZone.



Thanks!
Click to expand...



There are a few cleaner and conditioner products that work well......I use the Zaino cleaner and conditioner, it is great and the smell is FanTasTic ! it will make your nose grin ! Z9 Z10
 
You might try the Duragloss leather products, they should be available if you have a local CarQuest or NAPA and should be reasonably priced.
 
Setec Astronomy said:
You might try the Duragloss leather products, they should be available if you have a local CarQuest or NAPA and should be reasonably priced.
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Good point Setec. I forgot, sometimes you can find Duragloss's leather products OTC also and they are very good too.
 
If you want something that cleans well and won't break the bank buy some Woolite HE. I'd suggest making two dilutions, a strong cleaner 1:5 Woolite/water and one regular cleaner 1:10 dilution. Be sure to clean off all traces of whatever cleaner you use with a damp MF after cleaning.



I don't use conditioners as they don't penetrate protected leather. I use Leather Masters Protection Cream. This has the advantage of drying silky smooth and leaving no oily, slippery or waxy residue to attract dirt. Another benefit of a protectant is that it will prevent or minimize dye transfer from jeans or leather belts to lighter colored leather. If stains do occur they sit on top of the protectant and are easily removed.
 
What do you guys think of the Lexol?



I swung by O'Reilly's and that was about it, beside the usual suspects like Megs and Turtle Wax.
 
I personally use Poorboys Leather Stuff. However, after search and search, there are few products in my mind to replace PB leather stuff

Other than Leather Master, Leatherique and Connolly, people prefer 1Z Einszett Leather Care, 303 Aerospace or Optimum Leather Protectant.



Lexol - some people say good, but some people say they are bad, so I dont know
 
Bert said:
I would recommend Leather Masters but it too is expensive like Leatherique. Sonus's Leather Cleaner and Leather Conditioner are a nice leather combo..
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Those both work well for me. The LM absolutely softened up the stiffened leather in a few vehicles, including my Yukon; I never expected that degree of softening with the coated leather, but man-oh-man what a difference!



The Sonus didn't work as well on that leather as it has on Audi/BMW applications, so between them I think I'd go with the LM.



2007TBSS said:
What do you guys think of the Lexol?
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Not much. I'm using mine up on leather dog leads and such.
 
Accumulator said:
Those both work well for me. The LM absolutely softened up the stiffened leather in a few vehicles, including my Yukon; I never expected that degree of softening with the coated leather, but man-oh-man what a difference!



The Sonus didn't work as well on that leather as it has on Audi/BMW applications, so between them I think I'd go with the LM.
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Should I go with the kit? I mean, is all three steps necessary or would I only need the cleaner and conditioner?



Not much. I'm using mine up on leather dog leads and such.
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:lol Noted
 
I'm big believer in OTC stuff when the results are good, but there are no good leather products available everywhere as OTC unless you are talking about Woolite, which is a pretty decent cleaner.
 
2007TBSS said:
What do you guys think of the Lexol?



I swung by O'Reilly's and that was about it, beside the usual suspects like Megs and Turtle Wax.
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Lexol's cleaner and conditioner are good products. I'd avoid their new 3-in1 Leather Care...I'm under the impression it is Vinylex repackaged. With the Lexol Cleaner, you do have to watch it on some Ford, GM and Chrysler leathers. Definitely test before applying to the whole seat with these vehicles.
 
yakky said:
I'm big believer in OTC stuff when the results are good, but there are no good leather products available everywhere as OTC unless you are talking about Woolite, which is a pretty decent cleaner.
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10:1, mist, wait 5 minutes, light agitation? The maybe get away with just buying a good conditioner?
 
For otc megs is a good way to go, as is lexol, I have used both and they did the job. I also use leather masters every few months to get some oils back in, my weekly cleaner is zanio z10 and z 9 or opt leather stuff.



Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk
 
2007TBSS said:
10:1, mist, wait 5 minutes, light agitation? The maybe get away with just buying a good conditioner?
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I'm happy with it at 20:1. I spray on and agitate instantly. I've had a few instances of drip marks if I left it to sit and run. Then I wipe down with a very damp (water) rag.
 
2007TBSS said:
Should I go with the [LM] kit? I mean, is all three steps necessary or would I only need the cleaner and conditioner?
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I went with just the little sample kit, but I'd lean towards all three.



:lol Noted...[Re using up Lexol on leashes]...
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And I'm a little careful about that as I've seen (first-hand experience) how overdoing Lexol can damage/over-condition some leather goods. Specifically, I *WOULD NOT* use Lexol on, say...a handgun holster or footwear.
 
Hemi23 said:
What about misting some apc 10:1 as oppose to the woolite?
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I use APC+ @ 20:1 for really dirty leather, its plenty strong at that dilution. I wouldn't use 10:1 unless you were planning on re-dyeing.
 
Accumulator said:
Those both work well for me. The LM absolutely softened up the stiffened leather in a few vehicles, including my Yukon; I never expected that degree of softening with the coated leather, but man-oh-man what a difference!
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Are you referring to the "STRUCTURE" or the "FINISH" that you have soften with coated leathers?
 
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