Cleaning tan leather
 

I thought I made a big mistake when I ordered the tan leather. I work for the town running equipment ( mostly a pick and shovel ) and come home dirty every night. The tan was starting to look dirty and I didn't know what to use. I found an old can of Westley's Leather and Vinyl cleaner in my garage. The can was all rusted but I shook it up and gave it a try. Man that stuff took off every hint of dirt and grime in the truck. I tried it on the wifes 2 year old explorer and it looks brand new. I also use Westley's Bleach White on the tires. I don't like shiny tires and it leaves them a very clean flat black, it works on the mud flaps too. Just thought I would pass this on in case you can't decide between the black or tan interiors. I looked at a truck with black leather the other day and every crumb and speck of dirt showed up like a sore thumb.

Glad to hear that you found something that would clean the leather satisfactorily. Be sure to use something to put the "oils" back into the leather so to keep it from cracking prematurely. A good leather conditioner in light coating occasionally does wonders.

Russ

Good to hear that you can get that tan leather clean. I got the tan leather also because I liked the way everything came together. I also thought I made a big mistake:

Here is the site for Lexol and they have Quick Wipes now:

http://www.lexol.com/newauto.html

"Lexol products have long been recognized by auto restorers and detailing professionals as their only choice for leather care. Lexol-pH Leather Cleaner quickly and safely removes dirt preparing the leather surface for the special oils and preservatives of Lexol Leather Conditioner".

Any experiences w/ the wipes??

FYI

Ivory soap works very well too. it is made from animal fats (99.4% pure) and actually conditions the leather, and cleans it very well.

Ramb

Do you regular bar soap? How do you apply?

I was told this by my counterpart here at Johnson controls ( we make the seats) he is the director of product development for seating.

He says use soap and water with a rag. and explained why it worked because of what it is made of. He swears by it and uses it on his seats, I have cloth so can't varify. so wash the leather like you would scrub dirty knees with a soaped up wash cloth i guess :rolleyes: and wipe off with a clean rinsed rag.

hope this helps

RAmb

Most times you can just get a damp rag and wipe off your leather. The reason the soap and water work is because when the leather was made it was soaked in water.

just to reinforce
the ivory soap is the key. the fats condition the leather

Ramb

I'll give a vote for Lexol. I use the Lexol leather cleaner and the Lexol leather conditioner. Spray on the cleaner, rub with a clean sponge, wipe off. Then apply the conditioner. Both are rich with glycerine and other leather conditioners.

I bought mine in a car store (was a bit expensive) but I hear they sell the same stuff in a horse tack shop (for saddles) and its cheaper...

The Ivory soap sounds like a good idea. I would have thought it would tend to dry the leather out but if the guy that makes the seats recommends it I'll give it a try. Unless he's just trying to make us ruin our seats so we have to buy new ones. OK seems like I caught on to your little scam. :) Just kidding thanks for the info. I'll give it a try.