Topic: How to protect/condition leather?

[arrgh]

I'll be getting a 2004 Mazda MPV GT from a dealer.  It'll be detailed.

I'd like to do something to protect/condition the leather right after picking it up.  At Canadian Tire I saw quite a few different brands of leather conditioner, from Mother's, Simonize, etc.   There is also an article describing Lexol (didn't see at Cnd Tire).  These are all pricy, $10 for a bottle from 280 to 450 ml.

What are your experiences using the leather conditioners? 

Thanks a lot.

[ovr50]

I have used Lexol a lot and recommend it highly. It is also used by many tack shops. If you can't get it at auto stores, try a tack shop. It's about $10 for each of Cleaner and Conditioner (separate items). You will need the Cleaner if leather never done before or not done for a year or so. It's good stuff.

[arrgh]

Hi.  What's a tack shop?

[traingirl]

I have used Lexol a lot and recommend it highly. It is also used by many tack shops. If you can't get it at auto stores, try a tack shop. It's about $10 for each of Cleaner and Conditioner (separate items). You will need the Cleaner if leather never done before or not done for a year or so. It's good stuff.

Ovr, I assume you mean that you need to use the cleaner if the vehicle is used.  Or do you have to use the leather cleaner even in a new vehicle?

[bmorton]

A tack shop is where you buy gear and supplies for horseback riding. Lexol is good for cleaning, conditioning and dressing saddles.

[barrie1]

Actually it is a yearly treatment that is very good to keep the leather supple and clean.  I have the leather in my old Seville and its still in very good shape. This is a 1984 Model so by looking after good leather will make it last for many years. The Lexol is a very good product for the money and probably should be done about twice a year in my mind. Thats what I have done to this old Caddie since new and it still looks very good. 

[ovr50]

I'm not an expert, but I don't think you need the Lexol Cleaner if the leather is new.

[barrie1]

I agree as I waited a year or 2 before i did the leather treatment as it really wasen't needed until that time. You will feel the leather change texture and stiffen up persay  and start to look a little dirty and then thats the time to do it. It comes from the factory pretreated which will last a year or 2. 

[susan_t]

barrie1, that's great your 84' Caddy's leather is still in great shape.  I saw the Lexol leather treatment stuff at a performance shop I go to and was wondering myself if it's good or not.  My 95' Integra can use another leather treatment.  So, I think I'll pick the stuff up soon.
Good question.

[bigjayzway]

One product, and one only for leather!
"SADDLE SOAP"
You CAN GET IT AT ANY COUNTRY CO-OP.
Big Jay

[ovr50]

Not at all true, I read somewhere recently that saddle soap is not good for leather as it is a cleaner. I'll try and find the reference.

Bigjay - why are you using Bob defly's avatar?

[bigjayzway]

Not at all true, I read somewhere recently that saddle soap is not good for leather as it is a cleaner. I'll try and find the reference.

Bigjay - why are you using Bob defly's avatar?

It was the only one that this forum would let me post. It is a general avatar.
By the way....
GM  recommends ONLY saddle soap, as it is a conditioning cleaner. I have used it for more than 15 years on my cars, and the leather looks new, and is extremely soft.
There are different kinds of saddle soap. A spray, and a paste.
I find the spray is the best.
All the Cadillac owners will tell you, it's even in the owners manual.
Use what you will, but I will guarantee you, there will be cracks in the leather from all other products.
Big Jay

[bigjayzway]

Well, I just inherited a '97 Deville that had a seriously neglected leather interior and this is how I handled it:

1) Wipe it all down with a damp (not soaking wet) cloth to pick up all the loose dirt and dust.

2) Apply a good quality Saddle Soap, making sure you get into all the leather's nooks and crannies. I used a toothbrush all around the stitching to ensure nothing was missed in this important 2nd step.

3) Wipe down the leather, removing any residue that the saddle soap may have left. Allow the leather to "rest" until you are sure it has dried.

4) Apply a good quality Mink Oil to all the surfaces in a circular motion to ensure 100% coverage. This stuff will re-introduce any lost oils and nutrients to the leather while waterproofing it at the same time. Allow at least 20-30 minutes for the treatment to soak into the leather.

5) With a soft, lint-free cloth, begin rubbing out the leather, turning often to get a fresh part of the cloth. Make sure you address any creases or natural folds of the seating, as you don't want to risk getting any of the Mink Oil on your good suit (or your lady's new frock. Believe me, your life won't be worth living if this happens).

6) Finish with a good, brisk polishing of the leather with a fresh cloth and Voila! A new interior you can once again be proud of. Smells like new leather, too.

Hope this helps,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[bigjayzway]

Not at all true, I read somewhere recently that saddle soap is not good for leather as it is a cleaner. I'll try and find the reference.

Bigjay - why are you using Bob defly's avatar?

I changed my avatar just for you!
Big Jay

[ovr50]

Bigjay - I LIKE your new avatar..being a fan of the both the Earnhardt's - 8 and 3 deceased. 

I always use Lexol leather cleaners and conditioner products. I will see if I can find the reference to saddle soap, as I used to use it years ago also; but did see somewhere where it was not recommended. Don't know if I can find that comment tho.

 

[bigjayzway]

Bigjay - I LIKE your new avatar..being a fan of the both the Earnhardt's - 8 and 3 deceased. 

I always use Lexol leather cleaners and conditioner products. I will see if I can find the reference to saddle soap, as I used to use it years ago also; but did see somewhere where it was not recommended. Don't know if I can find that comment tho.

 

I am a huge Earnhardt fan.
I also found that you need to use mink oil with the saddle soap.
this is new to me, as I have not used it in the past.
I will try it and let you know.
Jay

[barrie1]

I just read an article in Old Auto's Newspaper yesterday which states that a mixture of Vinegar and water is the best fluid there is for cleaning leather. They also state never to use a bush of any kind as well as it can do damage to he face of the leather also. Even some cloth is not to be used as it is abrasive as well. 

[AVToller]

I also found that you need to use mink oil with the saddle soap.
this is new to me, as I have not used it in the past.
I will try it and let you know.
Jay

You need to use the mink oil because the saddle soap strips the natural oil from the leather. Many years ago I made the mistake of using saddle soap on leather seats thinking I was treating them very well. Yup, they cracked badly in a short time. Products like Lexol don't strip as deeply and replace the moisturizer component unlike saddle soap.

[safristi]

..OK..just leave MY MINK'eh   !!  ALONE......ya RUBBED  ME tha wrong way LAST TIME!!!!!

[barrie1]

That was not to use a Brush and not a Bush Gee Saffi you missed that.