Leather Svending?

"Tristan" (casselts) 06/29/2018 at 08:28 • Filed to: None

0

13

I snagged a decent set of Yukon Denali seats for my Suburban, and since the old seats were f’d, I didn’t really take care of the leather like I should. These are nice enough for me to care. How do I clean them and get rid of the shiny-ness without ruining the finish? What kind of conditioner should I use? I’ve tried Lexol in the past and I wasn’t wowed, but maybe I was doing it wrong? I want these non shiny and buttery soft!

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Tristan 06/29/2018 at 09:13

0

I’m a fan of the lexol products. You can’t really use too much of the cleaner (okay, you can, but I think a lot of folks use too little and don’t scrub nearly enough) , and you really, really need to scrub. Then wipe off the foamy residue and let leather dry completely. It can take an hour or two for the leather to completely dry.

You can, however, use too much of the conditioner. A little goes a long ways, worked in well, and then all excess removed with a clean towel.

Mustafaluigi > Tristan 06/29/2018 at 09:17

0

http://www.leatherique.com/do_it_your_self_instruction/rejuvinator_pc_directions.html

Monkey B > Tristan 06/29/2018 at 09:19

5

Stop using conditioner, in fact stop using anything marketed for leather cleaning. Conditioner traps dirt and makes it shiny. You can’t condition this type of leather (top coated) unless you treat the underside. Soap and water is all you need.

For new/already clean leather use a 50/50 mix of Woolite and water (low PH levels in Woolite) in a squirt bottle. Spray to wet evenly, towel dry. If slightly heavier soil use a mild Scotch Brite pad (white or gray) and scrub. You can also upkeep using baby wipes (I’d use those flushable wipes that don’t have that heavy baby po wder smell)

For heavier soil Simple Green and water (50/50 mix in spray bottle) and the Scotch Brite. Do on section at a time (back of seat, then bottom) and work quickly. Often times (especially with the seats in this case) they will appear to change color. Don’t panic and keep scrubbing, just spray, scrub and towel dry evenly and quickly. Walk away and a few minutes later it’ll dry normal looking. You may need to repeat.

With those seats in particular, the color will get loose and some will come off. It’s just how it goes with these and if you work quickly you’ll be ok. Don’t panic, it will look like you are doing something wrong and the towel will have dye on it. You will end up with the closest to how they looked new when done.

This method will get all of that ground in dirt from other areas too...steering wheels, console etc. It’s also good for stripping old useless protective shiny crap that’s built up over the years.

*I refurbish and repair leather for a living.

Svend > Tristan 06/29/2018 at 09:26

0

Not sure if it’s available in the U.S. but I’ve used Renovo to great effect. But to be honest there are many great products.

It’s down to patience and technique in the most part.

There is a great video from AMMO NYC which explains it in depth.

Don’t go all in, but break it down into small areas and start with the gentlest way and work more aggressively if needed.

I usually use Gtechniq I2ab Tri-clean all surface interior cleaner and anti bacterial , foamed on, use a detailing brush in small circles to make a lather and work the cleaner into the pores and crevices and wipe up with a clean microfibre.

Monkey B > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 06/29/2018 at 14:51

0

Lexol, in my 20 years of this, is the absolute worst offender for sticky dirt trapping.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Monkey B 06/29/2018 at 14:56

0

I’ve never had it attract dust, and I live in a place of nothing but dust , but it takes very little conditioner to do the job.  If its attracting dust, there’s too much conditioner on the leather.  I  go through 5 -7  bottles of cleaner for every one of conditioner.

Tristan > Monkey B 06/30/2018 at 00:45

0

I followed your instructions to a T. I am quite pleased! Is there anything I can do to repair the finish of the leather on the edges of the seat? the leather isn’t really worn, just the finish looks a bit rough in spots.

Tristan > Svend 06/30/2018 at 01:20

0

That AMMO video has some awesome info. I want a steam machine now!

Svend > Tristan 06/30/2018 at 01:55

0

Steamers are good but very time consuming and fiddly for a full car.

I find a good product, brushes and cloths can be literally half a dozen or so times more efficient use of time.

Tristan > Svend 06/30/2018 at 02:00

0

Noted!

Any tips for carpet stains? I’ve got a Bissel Little Green machine, and it’s sorta okay. I’ve contemplated pulling the carpet out and pressure washing it. It’s not terrible, but there are some gross spots when you look closely.

Svend > Tristan 06/30/2018 at 02:08

1

Carpet shampoo, nylon brush and a wet’n’dry vacuum with an extractor nozzle. Don’t be too heavy with the brush as it’ll lift the fibres and just be unsightly and will need shaved.

In the most part an anti bacterial the fabric shampoo and old microfibre cloths will do the job, and then blot dry and then allow to dry further in the sun. 

Monkey B > Tristan 06/30/2018 at 07:52

1

most local used car dealers have a guy that comes around and does repairs for them, but it’s a crapshoot as there is no real industry standard. Check with the high end dealers for a better shot at a decent tech. Find one that uses refinish coatings, it’s the only dye I’ll use.

Color Plus and Leatherique are two diy options. But my guess on those is the color wouldn’t be a spot on match as I usually see those systems used in complete redye situations...you don’t want to do that as these seats appear fine and being 2 toned (hardly but yes) makes that more difficult. Both get great reviews, but I have no experience other than photos. Both are latex based coatings. Water based urethane is optimal.

Monkey B > Tristan 06/30/2018 at 07:56

1

I carry one of those for work. It’ll do OK. Problem is the carpets in those are nearly impossible to clean and a ren’t known for durability. The high traffic areas usually stay brown and worn.