6/19/03

Help guys...

I set a crate down on my back seat (gray leather).. the crate had a metal handle... and left a rust stain on the seat..

I tried all purpose cleaner and leather cleaner with limited success...

the stains are still there, but lighter.. any suggestions...

Thanks
Dan

 

Leather is very porus however; with Lariat leather (as you have described), it's clearcoated to help prevent some staining. Bad news, the clear coat is porus as well...

With that being said, I'd take it to an upholstry shop in your area. This will definately be a VERY difficult stain to remove however; I'm sure that something will work.

If you don't have an upholstry shop, check with a local car detailing shop to get a suggestion.

Best of luck. I wish I could tell you about a silver bullet but, it's going to be a bitch to get out.

RP

 

get some bathroom cleaner ( Dow, scrubbing bubbles, etc.) and clean the seat with that. you can use a dry or wet terry cloth. After cleaning it with the bathroom cleaner put on some leather conditioner. If you don't it will dry and crack the leather. make sure you get all of the cleaner off before applying the conditioner. I would also recomend trying it in a small inconspicuous area first.

I have used this type of application personally. Mine was on a 94 GT with white leather. really did a nice job cleaning up the seats. better than the store bought leather cleaners.

Just make sure you apply conditioner after using the cleaner.

Conditioners to use Eagle one, Lexol, or even some saddle soap.

 

Please don't use saddle soap.

 

Unless you have a King Ranch, you probably don't have leather back there. My lariat has a good quality vinyl on the back seat. Only the captains chairs are leather. That being said, you may want to try a vinyl cleaner instead of a leather cleaner.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Sidewinder

 

Nope, it's not a King Ranch...

I'll have to try some of your ideas...

Thanks guys

I'll let you know how it turns out.

Dan

 

I believe the back seats are, indeed, leather... but only on the seating surface (not the sides etc)...

Am I wrong?

 

Oxalic acid removes rust atains well but I've never tried it on leather.

 

Leather is very sensative to pH and thus, I'd be hesitant to try anything that is highly acidic.

This is why Lexol calls their leather cleaner 'pH balanced'. The pH really needs to be 8-9 to be safe in my opinion. Not caustic... not acidic.

Stick with a professional and see if he/she can remove the stain.

 

This will sound nuts, but try some cheap colgate shaving cream (not gel). My mother's Expedition got a tar like substance on her front passenger seat. I got it right off with the shaving cream. Afterwards, make sure to wipe it down with a damp cloth and then condition.

 

Just found on another forum that Tandy sells oxalic acid as leather bleach. I guess then it can't be too bad for leather. It certainly does remove rust stains . Try it on a corner . If you use it make sure to rinse thoroughly. Don't drink it it's toxic.