I have an ‘08 Eddie Bauer Expedition with the Camel leather seats. It's four months old. I noticed my black leather belt was leaving a dark discolored area on the seat back. I immediately removed the belt, now I can't remove the discoloration. The Owner's Manual says my leather seating surfaces have a clear, protective coating over the leather. They say not to use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions, solvents or cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl and plastics, or oil/petroleum-based leather conditioners because these products may cause premature wearing of the clear, protective coating. Ford recommends Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-11-A).

I've tried soap and water, Meguiar's Quick Interior Detailer Wipes (stopped when I read they contain Isopropyl Alcohol), and LEXOL-pH. None of that would touch the discoloration. I've ordered and will try the Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner, but wondered if anyone else has already seen this problem and had success with restoring the seat to original.

Or do you think it's a warrenty issue?

 

I asked the dealership, and it was not covered for my truck, and I have tried everything including solvents to remove this and nothing seems to work. Could a leather shop dye this?

 

You could try taking it to a professional detailer and have him try to steam clean it or you could try using leather CPR, I have never used it since I don't have leather seats, but from what it sounds like, it is pretty good stuff.

 

I've noticed jeans leaving blue marks on my seats. I used Megiures leather cleaner and it worked. I think other cleaner/conditioners should work also.

 

There probably is some coating on the leather, but I don't think there should be. You don't let the leather breath. If you get dirt into the leather and then put some kind of silicone protectant, you are just trapping in the dirt. I have had Mercedes all my life, and I mostly clean it with soap and water. But for tough stains, I use Spray 9. Squirt some on and scratch it with your nails and it will come off. Haven't found a better (and safe) cleaner. I've found the best leather protectant is Leatherique. You can get it online. They have a cleaner and a conditioner.

 

I know this is going against the owners manual, but I use it alot...Dilute a 409 APC a little stronger than 1:1, spray it onto the discolored area, then agitate moderately with a white scotch brite pad. If that does not work, then the dye from you leather belt has rubbed off on your leather and stained it. Only solution I can see is to take it to a leather repair shop, they can re-dye your seat...its not that expensive.