New truck, leather seats?

irv · 05-19-09, 08:07

I just picked up my new 09 GMC Sierra SLT with leather seats and while reading the thick owners manual I came across the "Care" section and in it, it said not to use any type of leather cleaners/conditioners as they can contain harmful ingredients that can damage/stain the factory leather surfaces?

It said to used a mild soap/water mix and clean terry cloths or something similar?
I was quite surprised at this as I figured it would state the opposite?
I also take it, not all car interior leather is the same? Are some manu's seats/leather better quality than others? Should I just do as the book says and only clean it peridocially and never condition it afterwards?
I plan on keeping this truck for many years to come so I want it to last. Thanks..........Irv

cptzippy · 05-19-09, 08:12

Just learning this myself. Most new leather seats are sealed so old fashioned leather cleaners and conditioners do no good. That being said, there are a lot of cleaners and conditioners designed for these modern seats (there's a name for it that I can't remember - "analine" or something). However, cleaning with dilluted woolite will also be good.

Since you are planning on keeping the truck a long time I'd recommend looking into the conditioners for sealed seats.

SCoach · 05-19-09, 09:06

Mild soap and water = Woolite cut 10:1 with water.
Terry cloth = Microfiber.

Conditioning the leather can certainly be done. There are lots of good ones out there. You can get stuff like Lexol over the counter. Companies like Poorboy's World make some nice leather conditioner too.

Keeping the leather clean is 90% of the battle. Once those salts and oils work their way into the leather, it breaks it down. Honestly, my next car with leather is getting a nice sheepskin cover from day 1. At least on the driver's side. And a nice rubber mat!

irv · 05-19-09, 01:28

Thanks guy's, are there any ingredients in a conditioner that I should be specifically looking for, and what aboutones to avoid?
I have read this Woolite thing before browsing these pgs, are you talking the same Woolite that one uses in the washing machine?

SCoach · 05-19-09, 02:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by irv

Thanks guy's, are there any ingredients in a conditioner that I should be specifically looking for, and what aboutones to avoid?
I have read this Woolite thing before browsing these pgs, are you talking the same Woolite that one uses in the washing machine?

Yes, the same Woolite. It's very gentle and safe.

There are some things in conditioners you should avoid, like neatsfoot oil. Not sure about mink oil. And I'd need to check on lanolin too. I'm sure others here with more experience will chime in.

irv · 05-20-09, 06:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCoach

Yes, the same Woolite. It's very gentle and safe.

There are some things in conditioners you should avoid, like neatsfoot oil. Not sure about mink oil. And I'd need to check on lanolin too. I'm sure others here with more experience will chime in.

Thanks for the tips, hopefully some more people chime in with some specific brands that will work good without worry?.......Irv

cptzippy · 05-20-09, 08:41

A lot of people like Lexol. I wasn't particularly impressed with it - had too much of 'greasy' feel for me. I just ordered some leather masters stuff but hasn't gotten here yet. I also have a bottle of Prima Nourish that I haven't used yet. It is a conditioner for sealed leather seats (been too lazy to look up the correct term

)

irv · 05-21-09, 01:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by cptzippy

A lot of people like Lexol. I wasn't particularly impressed with it - had too much of 'greasy' feel for me. I just ordered some leather masters stuff but hasn't gotten here yet. I also have a bottle of Prima Nourish that I haven't used yet. It is a conditioner for sealed leather seats (been too lazy to look up the correct term

)

Can you let me know how that new stuff works and what you think of it when it comes in? Thanks..........Irv

Domas · 05-21-09, 02:40

I've read in several places that most of greasy conditioners are not so good for the modern leather. The best are water based, so they maintain moisture in the leather. Another simple tip - using a mist of water on a regular basis. My old leather was really dry and hard, and after a month of water "misting" (2 or 3 times a week) it now really is a lot softer.

irv · 05-21-09, 06:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Domas

I've read in several places that most of greasy conditioners are not so good for the modern leather. The best are water based, so they maintain moisture in the leather. Another simple tip - using a mist of water on a regular basis. My old leather was really dry and hard, and after a month of water "misting" (2 or 3 times a week) it now really is a lot softer.

Domas, did you wipe up the mist after or did you just let it soak in?

wytstang · 05-21-09, 09:41

Leather Master's is what I went with after many days of reading. I did a test on my leather wallet (coated) that has been treated with Pinnacles leather conditioner. Little to no change in feel, tried Leather Masters VITAL and it has really loosened up the leather. The corners of the wallet were very stiff before application, now they are very pliable. Big difference between an oil based conditioner and a water based conditioner on coated leather.
On uncoated leather Pinnacle's conditioner works great, I use it on my 10 yr old Timberland boots that look like I just pulled them out of the box.

Domas · 05-22-09, 12:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by irv

Domas, did you wipe up the mist after or did you just let it soak in?

When I came home after shool, park in the garage, the car is still warm, I lightly mist the leather (not wet), close the doors/windows to keep the moisture longer, and leave it like that.

However, on monthly basis or so I'd still like to apply some conditioner, anybody knows 1Z Lederpflege is non greasy? It says it is formulated to specifically address the care and maintenance of finished leather without leaving a greasy film. Anybody tried?

I've also heard from interior cleaning guy, that he tried many conditioners, but best so far to soften the leather for him is non-greasy hand moisturising creme, haven't tried it though...