Woolite for Leather

Status
Not open for further replies.
For years I've used a mix of Woolite & water as a cleaner and then conditioned with Lexol conditioner. On trade or to new owners I have always received comments as to the excellent conditon of the leather. Works for me.

I think the question did not go as far as to ask about a conditioner after cleaning and to me caring for leather upholstery is a 2 part operation.
 
Grouse said:
It contains much less water, does not dry the leather out like scotwax's method. It takes longer so i charge for it.
Click to expand...



Some of my customers keep their cars several years and there is no evidence that cleaning with Woolite/water is drying out the leather. Leather Master's does have some excellent products though, Leather Vital is amazing on old, dry leather.
 
TH0001 said:
PS, the money in this business is with the people who want something special ;)
Click to expand...



You know what? My customers actually appreciate that I am willing to share my method of cleaning the leather so they can keep it clean in between details. I also have a customer with a Lexus LS430 that insisted I clean the leather as directed in her owner's manual, using a wool safe detergent and was happy to hear that is what I already use...although she did insist on seeing the bottle of Woolite in my car.



99 out of 100 of your customers are more concerned about the end result than how you got there.
 
The only thing I don't like about the Woolite is that it leaves a a residue on hard surfaces and I end up wiping off with a micro afterwards.



But as far as cleaning leather, lets just say I had WAAY better results than Lexol...
 
Scottwax said:
Lexus recommends a 5% wool safe detergent solution (20:1) to clean leather. Not sure if that would be strong enough for really dirty leather though.



Ryan-I use the Woolite/water mix on vinyl too.
Click to expand...
Thank you Scott.
 
Scottwax said:
You know what? My customers actually appreciate that I am willing to share my method of cleaning the leather so they can keep it clean in between details. I also have a customer with a Lexus LS430 that insisted I clean the leather as directed in her owner's manual, using a wool safe detergent and was happy to hear that is what I already use...although she did insist on seeing the bottle of Woolite in my car.



99 out of 100 of your customers are more concerned about the end result than how you got there.
Click to expand...
Bingo!!! Exactly right. Thread :closed:
 
Scottwax said:
You know what? My customers actually appreciate that I am willing to share my method of cleaning the leather so they can keep it clean in between details. I also have a customer with a Lexus LS430 that insisted I clean the leather as directed in her owner's manual, using a wool safe detergent and was happy to hear that is what I already use...although she did insist on seeing the bottle of Woolite in my car.



99 out of 100 of your customers are more concerned about the end result than how you got there.
Click to expand...



I agree 100 percent that the number one thing (at least for me) is educating my clients. I definetly take the time to cover each and every process with them. It is dissapointing to me if my client doesn't have an active role in the detail. With most of my clients, I enjoy the one on one time with them and the cars they have worked so hard to have. I would be selling each and everyone of my clients short if I did not use the best products available.
 
I guess it depends on you customers, mine - although I try to explain what I use and how I get the results - they get that deer in the headlights look and I stop. Now, I just keep it simple, I say, " Sir, your car will be washed, polished and waxed - I'll clean and dress the interior and tires and do the glass for xxxxx amount.
 
TH0001 said:
I would be selling each and everyone of my clients short if I did not use the best products available.
Click to expand...



If I didn't feel that Woolite/water was the best method for cleaning leather, I wouldn't use it.
 
You know this unfortunately is deteriorating. If they can make penicillin out of mouldy cheese then a simple solution may work well on leather seats.

I would be the last one on the forum to question the results from Scottwax. To each his own.
 
GranPrix said:
The only thing I don't like about the Woolite is that it leaves a a residue on hard surfaces and I end up wiping off with a micro afterwards.



But as far as cleaning leather, lets just say I had WAAY better results than Lexol...
Click to expand...

There shouldnt be any residue if the woolite solution is mixed right. I also use the woolite solution as a household cleaner and for me it works on mirrors. If it car clean glass without streaking , it wont leave a residue.
 
OK - to lighten up this a bit, there was an old movie - check Blockbuster they may have it, called "Everything you always wanted to know about sex, but were afraid to ask" It was a series of skits like SNL would do. One had Gene Wilder as a therapist that got a guy that was in love with a sheep, he brought the sheep to the office and after a few visits - ol Gene started to get it on with the sheep. The guy found out, Gene's rep was ruined, he ended up like a wino on a bench - but he pulled a bottle of Woolite out of a brown bag! I laughed my butt off the first time I saw that!
 
lawrencea said:
There shouldnt be any residue if the woolite solution is mixed right. I also use the woolite solution as a household cleaner and for me it works on mirrors. If it car clean glass without streaking , it wont leave a residue.
Click to expand...



What ratio are you using?
 
Scottwax said:
If I didn't feel that Woolite/water was the best method for cleaning leather, I wouldn't use it.
Click to expand...



You feel that woolite which cleans the upper most of the leather is better then a dedicated cleaner that penetrates the pours of the leather and lifts the dirt out???
 
thankfully edited. Nothing like the horrible statement i got in my email update.



FWIW todd, scotwax see's the cars on a regular basis, he is able to spot buff because of that. Keeping the cars in the condition they are.



That does not mean by any stretch that he is as you stated.

You never post full corrections because you don't do them. You basically (IMO) offer upgraded wash and waxes, and you have been successful at marketing that and maintaining a client base.
Click to expand...



The fact scotwax's cars are generally daily drivers and work vehicles should add to your respect for him, not detract from it. He is able to keep daily's in that condition due to his presence of skill and attention to detail. Yes he has a different process for leather than you and i. That does not make it any less successful. I have argued against his woolite method for a very long time. At the same time i have done my best to do so respectfully and with dignity. Taking cheap shots like you did is uncalled for. Think of how that represents your business on a national scale.



Most of us here have seen people make personal attacks. hit send to get it through the email up date. Then promptly edit it so only those tracking the thread see it. I have to say that with how you have behaved here in the past and here to day I hope someday you get over your need to be a jerk to people.
 
Grouse said:
thankfully edited. Nothing like the horrible statement i got in my email update.



FWIW todd, scotwax see's the cars on a regular basis, he is able to spot buff because of that. Keeping the cars in the condition they are.



That does not mean by any stretch that he is as you stated.





The fact scotwax's cars are generally daily drivers and work vehicles should add to your respect for him, not detract from it. He is able to keep daily's in that condition due to his presence of skill and attention to detail. Yes he has a different process for leather than you and i. That does not make it any less successful. I have argued against his woolite method for a very long time. At the same time i have done my best to do so respectfully and with dignity. Taking cheap shots like you did is uncalled for. Think of how that represents your business on a national scale.



Most of us here have seen people make personal attacks. hit send to get it through the email up date. Then promptly edit it so only those tracking the thread see it. I have to say that with how you have behaved here in the past and here to day I hope someday you get over your need to be a jerk to people.
Click to expand...



Your attack is obviously a personal attack on me. I edited my post, and you trying to bring it up is beyond me. I felt my post was disrespectful and hind sight and you are trying to add fuel to a fire that I wanted to put out.



That said, I have spoken to two of Scott's clients who both told me the work was okay... I honestly don't care what he does, but its the fact that this is a high end site and he preaches low end methods. As far as respecting him, of course I do. He works hard, and I respect anybody who does that.



I don't necessary find his posts or his work top quality, and I am always searching for those who inspire me. Thats my belief, and honestly when I see the click and brags, I would rate his work on the low end of the amazing work that I see the talented people on this site do everyday. There are so many inspirations on this board and so many members who contribute so much.



As far as me being a jerk, I don't recieve email updates and didn't even know that was possible. It doesn't matter, I stand by what I said and I nothing I said was an attack. I don't agree with using laundry soap on my clients cars, but I respect the fact that many parking lot detailers do.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top