What do you guys use for leather conditioning?
I purchased Mothers Leather Conditioner and it seems to do a pretty good job. I know conditioner should be applied once a month or so....and it also brings back the leather smell we all love. What do you guys use? Is there something better than off the shelf leather care products?

 

The best is Lexol, hands down. When the 325ci has had its cleaner and preservative it thanks you everytime you sit down

 

^ What he said. Lexol is the shiz-nit. Many others are good, but nothing compares to a Lexol seat!

 

Meguiar's 2-step Cleaner and Conditioner works great.

Meguiar's Gold Class Rich Aloe Cleaner
Meguiar's Gold Class Rich Aloe Conditiioner

and for convenience... try the wipes

Meguiar's Gold Class Rich Leather Wipes

Good luck.

 

I agree valley, those Meguiars leather wipes are awesome. I wipe mine down once a week and it cleans and conditions them.

 

I use the meguiars aloe cleaner and conditioner about every 2 weeks. So far my seats have stayed soft and not showed any wear.

 

In my opinion, it really depends on how 'grimey' your leather may be...

Here's the deal...

Leather is skin.

Let's use your skin for example. If you're dirty, grimey, oily, etc, you wouldn't go and grab a bottle of Vasoline Intensive Care lotion and lather up. More likely, you'd take a shower, get clean, and then go to the lotion.

Leather is the same way. If it's dirty, you need to clean it first. If it's not dirty, there's no need to clean it. My experience with coated leathers typically, under normal condition, says that they should be cleaned (lightly) every other time that you condition.

My leather technique is as follows:

1. Brush/Vac to remove debris from crevaces and around stitching.
2. Use a 100% cotton terry towel. Get it damp with hot water (not soaking wet) and use it to remove any surfical dirt on the seats. No need to scrub.
3. Dry with clean 100% cotton terry towel.
4. Clean, if necessary, with a product like Meguiar's Rich Aloe Cleaner or Lexol pH balance cleaner (do not use Lexol Cleaner on analine (uncoated) leathers!). Follow directions.
5. Use hot/damp 100% cotton terry towel again.
6. Condition. Many folks like Lexol... some like Meguiars.... some like Fiebings.... some like Mothers.... some like Tanners Preserve.... some like ... well, you get the picture. The bottom line is that you need to use something on them to preserve the condition of the leather. They are coated but, this coating is a porus material and will allow the conditioner to affect the leather. Additionally, the coating, itself, needs nourishment as well to help prevent cracking and wear.

Bottom line... find a product you like and use it regularly.

RP

 

Looks like I have a little work to do today!

 

And what do you use to clean/protect Vinyl?
Do you think your Lariat seats are all leather?

 

True. Lariat seats (minus the KR) aren't all leather; just the surfaces that would touch your body (bolsters, bottoms, backs).

For vinyl, I like a couple of products. For very light cleaning, as one would experience in the cab of a truck, I like Meguiar's #40 or Vinylex (from the makers of Lexol).

Further, Vinylex has a 'wipe' product out now that is probably the best I've ever used in the 'wipe' arena... Vinylex Wipes.

Front, right side, blue container...



Available at PepBoys or online...

RP

 

Okay RP, what's the deal?
Do I need to tape off my seats just to clean and protect them?
Should I use the leather products first, and the vinal products second?
What about cross contamination of prodcuts while applying?
What's the right way to do this?
Thanks for all your help
Dale

 

Hey Dale...

When I'm detailing a coated leather seat, I'll almost always do the vinyl portion first.

I wouldn't worry so much about cross-con because the products are, generally, compatible and don't vary a great deal in chemical composition or characteristics (but mind you, each have specific purposes). No need to tape off IMO.

RP

 

Hey Dale...

When I'm detailing a coated leather seat, I'll almost always do the vinyl portion first.

I wouldn't worry so much about cross-con because the products are, generally, compatible and don't vary a great deal in chemical composition or characteristics (but mind you, each have specific purposes). No need to tape off IMO.

RP

 

I just went out and cleaned my seats with Meguiars Gold Class Leather Foam Cleaner/Conditioner. Now my only complaint is with the bottle its a PIA to get the stuff out.

RP: Using the leather care and no vinyl care, will the leather foam help protect the vinyl too? I've been doing this since I had my truck in December so I guess I better start getting a vinyl cleaner/conditoner?

RP = DETAIL GOD

 

Certainly won't hurt it IMO