Leather Interior Cleaners/Conditioners

[TonyPTX]

Ok, for the detailers in here. How often should I apply a conditioner to my leather seats in my new 2003 F-150 SCrew? Also what are some good products? I'm a diehard fan of Mothers, but none of the local shops carry it, so I picked up some Meguiars' Gold Class Leather Cleaner/Conditioner. I haven't used any of it yet as I wanted to do further research on the matter. A search of the forums didn't bring up anything useful. Thanks for any advice, Anthony

[charlesh]

HI,

If I might be so bold as to tack on another leather question. I have a 2003 XLT (no leather) but the steering wheel is leather.

I have heard that the leather steering wheel will end up a mess in 3 or 4 years from wear and the sun etc.

I have also heard and read that most of the products that one would use on a sofa or truck seats say that the product should not be used on anything where a slippery surface is not desired.

I sure don't want a slippery steering wheel.

So what do the detailers use on leather steering wheels?

Chip

[Cujo31]

I use Poorboys Natural Look because its a mild cleaner and conditioner. I do my steering wheel all the time with it and it does NOT slip Smells pretty good too .. lol My clients all love it when I use NL to dress the interiors.

Cujo

[TonyPTX]

Poorboy's Natural Look? Where do I get this stuff? Is it only available to professionals, or do I need to go to a detail shop to pick this up?

[charlesh]

I did a bit of searching on my own for answers to what works best on leather and specifically on steering wheels.

I received answers such as saddle soap (may change the look a bit if it removes some of the dye).

Also, apparently products with Mink Oil may be a plus.

Liquid Glass® Leather, Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner with Mink Oil is cheap less than $6.00, try http://www.autogeek.net/liquidglass.html
and other sites.

I may phone a tack shop. Who better to know leather than a horsey place. LOL

Anyway some thoughts on the subject.

Chip

[turbo TED]

With my experience on leather interior products & i have used
almost all of them. Bang for the buck for me has been the stuff that is at our local mall wilsons leather shop leather lotion. This product does not produce vinyl fog is not slippery [when applied correctly] lasts a long time. When i apply it to my expedition or my lincoln i let it penetrate the leather over night. On both of my fords the leather is in immaculate condition you do not have to
apply it very offten. The first time you use it clean the laether surfaces with just water let the water dry & then apply the lotion.
after you have done all the labor.Put it in the garage & crack all the windows 2 to 3 inches overnight .The next day just buff it to
your liking . Oh you may also do this for the steering wheel also
it will give you a better grip on the wheel also.
TURBOTED

[CobraXP]

I use Fuller Products. It is rare, and I have only found it through a couple of websites. I always bought mine when I went through Pigeon Forge, TN, at their Outlet Store.

It works just as well as the Mequiars and others, but is cheaper.

I also use their glass cleaner, upholstery cleaner, and some of their house products.

Here is a link of where to see their products:

Fuller Products Interior Cleaner

Fuller Products Exterior Cleaners

[claynewt]

Tony PTX

I used Meguires Gold Class on my 03 Screw Lariat FX4.....great smell, seems to work fine.

Only thing about conditioners is you don't really know how well they work till after some wear. Mink oils, aloe, etc.,....who knows?

I don't even think the first few applications of any will penetrate too deeply because if I'm not mistaken, Ford uses a protectant for their leather seat covers so it might have to wear off before and conditioner can actually touch the leather. My applications didn't seem to affect much.

Hope it helps though!!!

[charlesh]

Thanks folks for all of the great ideas.

Turbo Ted,

There is a mall near me that has a Wilson's Leather. I'll stop by and pick up a can of leather lotion (like $6 or so) can't go wrong with that price.

Chip

[Cujo31]

Natural Look is on a site called www.poorboysworld.com

Im not familiar with Wilsons Lotion so I cant say. Megs is nice as well though

Cujo

[zamboni250]

I use Meguire's leather wipes that come in a can just like the baby wipes do. Cleans and conditions the steering wheel great.