Leather Seats, Cleaning
Leather Seats
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,233
Likes: 0
I used Lexol on my '97 and '99 leather and will be using it on my '01 too.
The cleaner works fine.
The conditioner works fine too, but requires a "trick" to use. If you follow the directions, it tends to leave a sticky surface.
What I do with the Lexol conditioner is I rub it into the leather with my hand. I let the leather absorb the Lexol for a few minutes. Then I rub it off with a water dampened rag. Then buff with a dry rag.
Leaves the leather conditoned, but not sticky.
The cleaner works fine.
The conditioner works fine too, but requires a "trick" to use. If you follow the directions, it tends to leave a sticky surface.
What I do with the Lexol conditioner is I rub it into the leather with my hand. I let the leather absorb the Lexol for a few minutes. Then I rub it off with a water dampened rag. Then buff with a dry rag.
Leaves the leather conditoned, but not sticky.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Racer70,
Don't want to get into an argument with the senior folks on the board, but check out this site www.autopia-carcare.com. There has been a lot of dicussion on cleaning/conditioning leather seats in this forum.
Two things I will say
1. I have a 2002 Lariat Supercrew. The leather in your truck is clearcoated. Per your owners manual, clearcoated leather should not be conditioned with an oil based conditioner. (from what I have read, Lexol is oil based). Reason being, the oil breaks down the clear coating on the leather. That clear is there to protect your leather from the sun, fading, cracking etc. Now, I do NOT have the technical specs on how this clear differs from the clear on your paint, just know it is there, and oil based conditioner are bad.
2. So what do I use you ask? Well, most folks, and auto-reps I have spoken with recommend cleaning the leather with a mild soap solution(NOT saddlesoap) like Lexol PH Cleaner, or just a mild solution of warm water and two drops of dove or so. You want to use as little water as possible.
Then, to condition the leather you can apply a water based vinyl conditioner. 303, Lexol Vinylex, are a few. The 303 is not oily at all, can be used on vinyl or leather, and your tires. 303 leaves a satin, not slick or greasy finish, and adds a sunscreen as well.
I am sure other folks may disagree with me, and that is fine. I often learn from discussions with others.
Check out that site www.autopia-carcare.com and search under leather care, or leather cleaning. You will see what I mean about clear-coated leather.
SJ1
Don't want to get into an argument with the senior folks on the board, but check out this site www.autopia-carcare.com. There has been a lot of dicussion on cleaning/conditioning leather seats in this forum.
Two things I will say
1. I have a 2002 Lariat Supercrew. The leather in your truck is clearcoated. Per your owners manual, clearcoated leather should not be conditioned with an oil based conditioner. (from what I have read, Lexol is oil based). Reason being, the oil breaks down the clear coating on the leather. That clear is there to protect your leather from the sun, fading, cracking etc. Now, I do NOT have the technical specs on how this clear differs from the clear on your paint, just know it is there, and oil based conditioner are bad.
2. So what do I use you ask? Well, most folks, and auto-reps I have spoken with recommend cleaning the leather with a mild soap solution(NOT saddlesoap) like Lexol PH Cleaner, or just a mild solution of warm water and two drops of dove or so. You want to use as little water as possible.
Then, to condition the leather you can apply a water based vinyl conditioner. 303, Lexol Vinylex, are a few. The 303 is not oily at all, can be used on vinyl or leather, and your tires. 303 leaves a satin, not slick or greasy finish, and adds a sunscreen as well.
I am sure other folks may disagree with me, and that is fine. I often learn from discussions with others.
Check out that site www.autopia-carcare.com and search under leather care, or leather cleaning. You will see what I mean about clear-coated leather.
SJ1