Hmm....A new way to really DEEP clean leather?!?
07-06-2002, 01:02 AM
#1
Hmm....A new way to really DEEP clean leather?!?
I saw this post on Clublexus.com and seems like a really good idea. I'm going to try it on my LS400 as well.
Originally posted by Horta @ ClubLexus
Hey guys for once some advice from me instead of all my questions.
You will not believe this but I have now proven the technique on my third car.
How to do a Deep cleaning on your old or really dirty leather with Soft Scrub!
Yes I said Soft Scrub. (The Lemon sent and grease cutting type)
I use to have a Chrysler Sebring Convertible and was ready to do a full detail of the interior when my neighbor who is a car dealer popped over. I was about to clean my leather with Eagle one products (as I always did). He asked me to stop and asked if I trusted him and was open to a suggestion. My car had tan leather and was always getting really dusty and dirty from having the top down. He said the Leather cleaner wont really get the deep dirt out and told me to get some soft scrub from my wife! I told him he was on drugs! He said trust me.
Anyways he worked on my drivers seat and holy smokes the leather was totally rejuvenated. He said dealers use this trick all the time to really clean old dirty cars and make them look like new. Well I ended up doing all my leather and it Looked amazing. The I followed it up with my regular leather cleaner to get up any left over soft scrub and then conditioner as usual.
I was scared of some kind of long term effect on the leather but a year later with top down driving no ill effects. The leather looked and felt like new untill last Sunday when I finnaly sold the car with 98k on it.
Ok so the second car I did this to was my wife's RX300. We were driving back home during Christmas when some how a Windex bottle has a small leak and soaked an wrapped present. When I got home my wife's leather was stained red. The Leather cleaner did nothing to the red stain. Once again I pulled out the soft scrub and sure enough the stain was gone. I must admit either the texture of that little piece of leather was different from the rest or the soft scrub change the texture some, but the god awful red stain was completely gone. If you look at the car now 6 moths later you could never tell where I used the soft scrub. The texture went back to normal with time.
Ok so finally the reason I'm writing and how it pertains to a LS400. I just bought my car about 5 weeks ago and finally last Friday I got a chance to detail it. All this time I thought my leather had been color died because if felt hard to the touch and had many dirty wrinkles. The leather look good but felt kind of hard and tuff. The driver seat was of course the worst with many lines which looked like cracks and just lot of imbedded dirt. After doing the entire leather with soft scrub my leather was totally rejuvenated and supple again. The leather was never died it just had 11 years of dirt mixed in with who knows what kind of cleaners and conditioners built up on it. Some parts I kept going over until all the so called crack totally disappeared and was just clean leather with some texture line but no cracks or dark lines. I got so excited and proceeded to use my leather cleaner (Lexus Brand now) when I was done. Finally after cleaning all the leather I really soaked (within reason) the leather with mostiouirser (Lexus Brand) to soak in.
I figured I would be wiping the excess mostiouirser a couple of hours later but instead the old leather really soaked it up. Anyways now two days later my leather NO Sh_T feels as soft and looks as beautifully as my wife 99 RX300. Of course her leather is a different texture and color but come on it no longer looks like 11 year old leather but an honest soft beautiful supple leather. I can not waith to drive my friends to luch tomarrow they will not beleive the change.
Well anyways the technique if very simple put some small drops or a very small line (1 inch) of soft scrub on a small part of your leather. Now using a nylon bristled brush that has been just dipped in clean water, make some gently swirls over the leather. You do not want it soaked by any means just moist to slightly wet and foamy. Work on a very small area at a time and wipe it off as you go with a clean white towel. I say white for two reason one so you can see how much dirt you get up and second for some crazy reason if your towel decides to bleed color it does not get on your leather. As you go along keep putting small abount of soft srcub at a time and keep wetting you brush in clean water. You will see that wight towel get dirty as you go along.
My car now does not have one sigle stain or mark in the entire car. The single ony sign of cracking or ageing is on the driver seat. Before it looked as if I had some very small cracks in other areas and a lot of smudges and dirt. Now all are gone and the feel of the leather is like a soft leather couch.
Sorry for the VERY long post but thought all the info would be helpful.
I'm sure I may get some of you saying that I'm crazy and that I'm damaging my leather. Well I can say is that I have done it on three different cars all different ages and makes and each time it work with NO side effects and always gave me amazing results. Just work a small area at a time and wipe of with a dry towel as you go to see your progress.
PS I also had some minor grease and dirt stains on my tan carpet and floor mats. Well I use a product called Tuff Stuff in a big spray can with a Yellow top. All, I mean every sinlge smuged stain or mark is gone from all of my fabric (even the speaker grills when peole shoes tend to rub). Spray it on, let it soak for 30sec and again lightly srub with a nylone brush.
I have no idea what material our cars are made of but I have a new respect for Lexus. The quality of our interiors is so good it amazing. There is no reason to have a dirty LS400 if you try.
Good Luck
Jerry
Hey guys for once some advice from me instead of all my questions.
You will not believe this but I have now proven the technique on my third car.
How to do a Deep cleaning on your old or really dirty leather with Soft Scrub!
Yes I said Soft Scrub. (The Lemon sent and grease cutting type)
I use to have a Chrysler Sebring Convertible and was ready to do a full detail of the interior when my neighbor who is a car dealer popped over. I was about to clean my leather with Eagle one products (as I always did). He asked me to stop and asked if I trusted him and was open to a suggestion. My car had tan leather and was always getting really dusty and dirty from having the top down. He said the Leather cleaner wont really get the deep dirt out and told me to get some soft scrub from my wife! I told him he was on drugs! He said trust me.
Anyways he worked on my drivers seat and holy smokes the leather was totally rejuvenated. He said dealers use this trick all the time to really clean old dirty cars and make them look like new. Well I ended up doing all my leather and it Looked amazing. The I followed it up with my regular leather cleaner to get up any left over soft scrub and then conditioner as usual.
I was scared of some kind of long term effect on the leather but a year later with top down driving no ill effects. The leather looked and felt like new untill last Sunday when I finnaly sold the car with 98k on it.
Ok so the second car I did this to was my wife's RX300. We were driving back home during Christmas when some how a Windex bottle has a small leak and soaked an wrapped present. When I got home my wife's leather was stained red. The Leather cleaner did nothing to the red stain. Once again I pulled out the soft scrub and sure enough the stain was gone. I must admit either the texture of that little piece of leather was different from the rest or the soft scrub change the texture some, but the god awful red stain was completely gone. If you look at the car now 6 moths later you could never tell where I used the soft scrub. The texture went back to normal with time.
Ok so finally the reason I'm writing and how it pertains to a LS400. I just bought my car about 5 weeks ago and finally last Friday I got a chance to detail it. All this time I thought my leather had been color died because if felt hard to the touch and had many dirty wrinkles. The leather look good but felt kind of hard and tuff. The driver seat was of course the worst with many lines which looked like cracks and just lot of imbedded dirt. After doing the entire leather with soft scrub my leather was totally rejuvenated and supple again. The leather was never died it just had 11 years of dirt mixed in with who knows what kind of cleaners and conditioners built up on it. Some parts I kept going over until all the so called crack totally disappeared and was just clean leather with some texture line but no cracks or dark lines. I got so excited and proceeded to use my leather cleaner (Lexus Brand now) when I was done. Finally after cleaning all the leather I really soaked (within reason) the leather with mostiouirser (Lexus Brand) to soak in.
I figured I would be wiping the excess mostiouirser a couple of hours later but instead the old leather really soaked it up. Anyways now two days later my leather NO Sh_T feels as soft and looks as beautifully as my wife 99 RX300. Of course her leather is a different texture and color but come on it no longer looks like 11 year old leather but an honest soft beautiful supple leather. I can not waith to drive my friends to luch tomarrow they will not beleive the change.
Well anyways the technique if very simple put some small drops or a very small line (1 inch) of soft scrub on a small part of your leather. Now using a nylon bristled brush that has been just dipped in clean water, make some gently swirls over the leather. You do not want it soaked by any means just moist to slightly wet and foamy. Work on a very small area at a time and wipe it off as you go with a clean white towel. I say white for two reason one so you can see how much dirt you get up and second for some crazy reason if your towel decides to bleed color it does not get on your leather. As you go along keep putting small abount of soft srcub at a time and keep wetting you brush in clean water. You will see that wight towel get dirty as you go along.
My car now does not have one sigle stain or mark in the entire car. The single ony sign of cracking or ageing is on the driver seat. Before it looked as if I had some very small cracks in other areas and a lot of smudges and dirt. Now all are gone and the feel of the leather is like a soft leather couch.
Sorry for the VERY long post but thought all the info would be helpful.
I'm sure I may get some of you saying that I'm crazy and that I'm damaging my leather. Well I can say is that I have done it on three different cars all different ages and makes and each time it work with NO side effects and always gave me amazing results. Just work a small area at a time and wipe of with a dry towel as you go to see your progress.
PS I also had some minor grease and dirt stains on my tan carpet and floor mats. Well I use a product called Tuff Stuff in a big spray can with a Yellow top. All, I mean every sinlge smuged stain or mark is gone from all of my fabric (even the speaker grills when peole shoes tend to rub). Spray it on, let it soak for 30sec and again lightly srub with a nylone brush.
I have no idea what material our cars are made of but I have a new respect for Lexus. The quality of our interiors is so good it amazing. There is no reason to have a dirty LS400 if you try.
Good Luck
Jerry
07-06-2002, 01:04 AM
#2
here's the original link:
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/show...threadid=51132
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/show...threadid=51132
07-06-2002, 02:18 AM
#3
that's a great write-up. Don't you love it when people come up with effective ways to clean and detail things?
I'm loving it over at the Autopia forums...
btw, check out autopia-carport.com/forums for more info on detailing, Anton. They're great over there...very friendly to a newbie like me too
I'm loving it over at the Autopia forums...
btw, check out autopia-carport.com/forums for more info on detailing, Anton. They're great over there...very friendly to a newbie like me too
07-06-2002, 12:52 PM
#9
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,215
Originally posted by ericdwong
I bought some of this today, except I got the "lemon" one. I felt the bleach one would destroy any color. Someone please stop me if the lemon one is not the one to use.
I bought some of this today, except I got the "lemon" one. I felt the bleach one would destroy any color. Someone please stop me if the lemon one is not the one to use.
lemon is fine..it is great for removing odors
07-06-2002, 03:47 PM
#10
Eric, go read the post in the Club Lexus. He says the Lemon one is the one without bleach and that is the one to use. Keep in mind he had a tan interior so we don't know for sure how this will react with a dark interior so try it on the bottom of the seat or something first.
Anton
Anton
07-06-2002, 05:14 PM
#12
ummmm
its abrasive.. and the brush will make even more fine cuts. Those cuts will trap even more dirt and moisture. Sorry, I just dont buy this as the cure for years of neglect and lack of proper cleaning and moisturizing.
Note, its a dealer trick. yeah.. now that I can believe.
I would choose this over a big stain, but again, there's no way you can slice up your leather like that and make it 'like new'.
I would hazard to guess that toothpaste (another mild abrasive) would also accomplish the same task.
Note, its a dealer trick. yeah.. now that I can believe.
I would choose this over a big stain, but again, there's no way you can slice up your leather like that and make it 'like new'.
I would hazard to guess that toothpaste (another mild abrasive) would also accomplish the same task.
07-06-2002, 10:27 PM
#14
Originally posted by ericdwong
I bought some of this today, except I got the "lemon" one. I felt the bleach one would destroy any color. Someone please stop me if the lemon one is not the one to use.
I bought some of this today, except I got the "lemon" one. I felt the bleach one would destroy any color. Someone please stop me if the lemon one is not the one to use.
07-07-2002, 03:33 AM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,816
This is retarded. If it's not abrasive then it's got a ton of harsh detergents in it. Even if it has no immediate impact over time this will dessicate your leather and cause it to crack and dry. Stick to lexol/water and if you REALLY need to clean it try leatherique. According to those wacky autopia people it works wonders.
http://www.autopia-carport.com/forum...threadid=12194
http://www.autopia-carport.com/forum...threadid=12194
07-07-2002, 04:59 AM
#17
Originally posted by Chinkzilla
This is retarded. If it's not abrasive then it's got a ton of harsh detergents in it. Even if it has no immediate impact over time this will dessicate your leather and cause it to crack and dry. Stick to lexol/water and if you REALLY need to clean it try leatherique. According to those wacky autopia people it works wonders.
http://www.autopia-carport.com/forum...threadid=12194
This is retarded. If it's not abrasive then it's got a ton of harsh detergents in it. Even if it has no immediate impact over time this will dessicate your leather and cause it to crack and dry. Stick to lexol/water and if you REALLY need to clean it try leatherique. According to those wacky autopia people it works wonders.
http://www.autopia-carport.com/forum...threadid=12194
I have Lexol, and it does work great. Actually made for leather too...
07-07-2002, 05:56 AM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,883
Originally posted by Chinkzilla
This is retarded. If it's not abrasive then it's got a ton of harsh detergents in it. Even if it has no immediate impact over time this will dessicate your leather and cause it to crack and dry. Stick to lexol/water and if you REALLY need to clean it try leatherique. According to those wacky autopia people it works wonders.
http://www.autopia-carport.com/forum...threadid=12194
This is retarded. If it's not abrasive then it's got a ton of harsh detergents in it. Even if it has no immediate impact over time this will dessicate your leather and cause it to crack and dry. Stick to lexol/water and if you REALLY need to clean it try leatherique. According to those wacky autopia people it works wonders.
http://www.autopia-carport.com/forum...threadid=12194
07-09-2002, 11:42 AM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,530
I tried this today, sure seemed to work as promised. Definately the seats are a ton cleaner then before, even though my hands are dry now. I'll follow it up with moisturizer later tonight. I also cleaned the door panels, where the black weatherstripping would contact it and make it dark, it cleaned that as well. The texture in the seats are back not that smooth crappy feel anymore.
10-21-2002, 07:24 PM
#21
Originally posted by Nore474
what moistureizer (spelling) are you using
I'm gonna buy this Soft Scrub stuff today!
what moistureizer (spelling) are you using
I'm gonna buy this Soft Scrub stuff today!
my problem is not clean it's hard, my leather gets hard, i need something that will soften it back up.. ive tried eagle one's stuff, ive tried jaguar leather conditioner, ive tried most of the stuff you can find at pep boys..
anyone out there know??
10-21-2002, 08:09 PM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,032
Originally posted by thebigsadler
my problem is not clean it's hard, my leather gets hard, i need something that will soften it back up.. ive tried eagle one's stuff, ive tried jaguar leather conditioner, ive tried most of the stuff you can find at pep boys..
anyone out there know??
my problem is not clean it's hard, my leather gets hard, i need something that will soften it back up.. ive tried eagle one's stuff, ive tried jaguar leather conditioner, ive tried most of the stuff you can find at pep boys..
anyone out there know??
Yeah, I would like to find something soften my leather back up as well.
10-21-2002, 10:54 PM
#23
It's chrome alright...
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 4,009
what about good old fashioned saddle soap? It has cleaner/conditioners in it and it's been keeping the real leather in my volvo and the 'near-real' leather in my maxima clean and soft.
give that a try if your leather gets hard.
give that a try if your leather gets hard.
Originally posted by thebigsadler
my problem is not clean it's hard, my leather gets hard, i need something that will soften it back up.. ive tried eagle one's stuff, ive tried jaguar leather conditioner, ive tried most of the stuff you can find at pep boys..
anyone out there know??
my problem is not clean it's hard, my leather gets hard, i need something that will soften it back up.. ive tried eagle one's stuff, ive tried jaguar leather conditioner, ive tried most of the stuff you can find at pep boys..
anyone out there know??
10-22-2002, 09:51 AM
#24
Re: ummmm
Originally posted by TimW
I would hazard to guess that toothpaste (another mild abrasive) would also accomplish the same task.
I would hazard to guess that toothpaste (another mild abrasive) would also accomplish the same task.
2k2.. that pic in ur sig is funny...
10-22-2002, 09:58 AM
#25
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 3,150
Originally posted by TurDz
hehe sup fellow Autopian
I have Lexol, and it does work great. Actually made for leather too...
hehe sup fellow Autopian
I have Lexol, and it does work great. Actually made for leather too...
I use the 2 stage Lexol leather cleaner on my maxima and it works amazingly! nothing else is even close. It think this comes down to another example of you get what you pay for.
10-22-2002, 10:12 AM
#26
Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 31
I have used this on my boat, vinyl seats. Works great.
I have done leather (couches inside) with the lemon before, it is not harsh enough to cut the leather like stated above and it works good, watered down with a soft scrub brush. The bleach kind could fade your painted leather seats.
I would reccomend the lemon soft scrub mixed with water to get the deep down grime off your leather seats, it doesnt hurt. Follow up with some good cleaner and leather care.......
I did this to my $2500 leather couches inside, I wont hesitate to do it to my $500 1997 Eddie Bauer leather buckets in my Bronco
I have done leather (couches inside) with the lemon before, it is not harsh enough to cut the leather like stated above and it works good, watered down with a soft scrub brush. The bleach kind could fade your painted leather seats.
I would reccomend the lemon soft scrub mixed with water to get the deep down grime off your leather seats, it doesnt hurt. Follow up with some good cleaner and leather care.......
I did this to my $2500 leather couches inside, I wont hesitate to do it to my $500 1997 Eddie Bauer leather buckets in my Bronco
10-22-2002, 12:47 PM
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 678
Originally posted by ericdwong
I bought some of this today, except I got the "lemon" one. I felt the bleach one would destroy any color. Someone please stop me if the lemon one is not the one to use.
I bought some of this today, except I got the "lemon" one. I felt the bleach one would destroy any color. Someone please stop me if the lemon one is not the one to use.
10-22-2002, 11:20 PM
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 699
Originally posted by 2k2wannabe
what about good old fashioned saddle soap? It has cleaner/conditioners in it and it's been keeping the real leather in my volvo and the 'near-real' leather in my maxima clean and soft.
give that a try if your leather gets hard.
what about good old fashioned saddle soap? It has cleaner/conditioners in it and it's been keeping the real leather in my volvo and the 'near-real' leather in my maxima clean and soft.
give that a try if your leather gets hard.
My leather's hard but it's clean so I'd much rather go that route.
10-23-2002, 10:08 AM
#31
Originally posted by TurDz
hehe sup fellow Autopian
I have Lexol, and it does work great. Actually made for leather too...
hehe sup fellow Autopian
I have Lexol, and it does work great. Actually made for leather too...
One thing about most leather seats is that they are (probably) clearcoated. I would not use the Soft Scrub because I don't want to risk ruining the clear coat on the leather seats. Just my .02
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