RedZoutlaw

We all know the search hasnt worked for a while and man did I try to search for this cuz I did a post about this a while back but didnt feel like looking through all the threads to find it. So, what leather cleaner and conditioner does everybody use?

1SicV8

iTrader: (3)

dont use any of that ****. it actually is bad for you/ just like armor all for ur dash

use water. thats it

GoFast908Z

iTrader: (12)

yeah, i'm having VERY custom leather seats made right now and asked about caring for them. This guy has been doing leather work for 40 years and told me that leather cleaner and conditioner is the thing that brings him the most business. It builds and builds and the leather can't expand and contract, because it gets hard and then it cracks.

If you seats are in bad shape and are very dirty, maybe do a light leather cleaner ONCE, then just maintain with a rag and water and never use the products again. We are so programed to just believe, and that makes it hard to change. But I trust the guy with 40 years experience in custom leather work.

RedZoutlaw

So then when the leather gets old and cracked cuz you dont use conditioner, you have to get it replaced anyway right? Sounds like the guy with 40 years wants you to bring your stuff back to him sooner than if you did use those products. Im not saying he doesnt know anything cuz like you pointed out, 40 years experience. It just doesnt make sense.

GoFast908Z

iTrader: (12)

actually it makes perfect sense. Leather is animal hide, and it doesn't last forever. Leather cracks because of it stiffening up which happens when conditioner is used. Over time it stiffens up the leather and it cant expand/contract, causing cracks. Using conditioners does not bring life back into the leather, nor does it maintain it. It speeds up the degredation of the hide.

wannafbody

iTrader: (2)

uncoated leather may need special conditioners. For coated leather (most OEM leahters) Zaino or Tropicare will work fine.

RedZoutlaw

seriously, nobody cleans or conditions their leather?

Brandon Boomhauer

iTrader: (10)

I use Lexol's line of products.
Hell bootmakers recommend it, and their quality of leather (in most cases) far exceeds seat leathers.

Anderson Bean, Rios of Mercedes, Rod Patrick, etc all recommend it.

Your guy is full of ****. Leather dries out and will crack. Conditioning and cleaning (properly, with the correct products) will keep it looking nice and soft for a long time.

PedroDePackas

iTrader: (1)

Yeah I use Lexol aswell. I think the trick is to clean the leather properly and don't overdue the conditioner. If you use too much the seats will and feel all wet and slippery. If i don't use conditioner the sun will dry my seats out real quick. Then they'll look all dryied and fayded.

GoFast908Z

iTrader: (12)

and you back that up with....? how many years experience?

LS FUN

iTrader: (1)

I believe conditioners are essential for preserving leather. Using conditioners should be a consequence of proper cleaning. By using a mild soap on my seats, it only makes sense to use conditioner after. I live in AZ and without proper cleaning, and then conditioning, my seats would dry out before my eyes. Although I respect the man who sells leather's advice not to condtition, my experience has led me to put faith in leather conditioning products.

NC01TA

I'm surprised at the strange responses. I've used Meguiars leather care for years and the seats are in perfect showroom condition. Experience?? How about 10+ years of F-bodies and 35 years of car ownership, plus numerous car shows in Florida. I've never met a collector that doesn't use something for their leather seats.

SS30ANV

iTrader: (1)

Zaino cleaner and conditioner here....works great. Smells like new leather also.

black97ss

iTrader: (6)

i use lexol same thing we condition our horse saddles with no problems here

Finite1

iTrader: (3)

I use the Mothers leather product I believe.


I'd be real surprised if it was actually HURTING my seats... cause they always look cleaner and soften up a bit.. no cracks or bad stuff on my seats thus far.

I do them about once a month usually with my interior.

Silver02TA

iTrader: (6)

here's a good write-up on keeping leather in good shape:
http://www.mx6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144182

the claim there is that Mother's is not a bad product, but not as good as high-end ****... which I'm sure we all knew anyway.

Finite1

iTrader: (3)

good looks. thanks.

ZaneO

Both of those statements are incorrect.

Leather (even pleather) benefits from UV protection and moisturization. Armor All is a waterbased dressing that is perfectly safe for plastic, vinyl, etc.

To answer the question, I use Zaino Z9 and Z10. Leathermaster, Lexol, etc. are other good choices.

GoFast908Z

iTrader: (12)

he has good info and spoke of the problem of filling in the pours and causing cracks. from what i was told by this professional, is that the conditioner fills in those pours, causing stiffening over time and cracking.

1SicV8

iTrader: (3)

my mistake. i thought armor all had alcohol in it....