JB`s little leather test

**imported_Luster** · 06-06-2009, 10:03 PM

Originally Posted by User Name

I`ve got Megs and Lexol in my arsenal right now and don`t like either. Find Lexol leaves my seats feeling "chalky". Leather Masters is the next step pour moi.

I should clarify. When I stated "Meg`s", to be correct, it is Meguiars Rich ALOE Leather Conditioner. Works very well and leaves a satin finish.

**Junebug** · 06-07-2009, 08:12 AM

Hey User Name, Lexol is kinda funny to use, the conditioner works best (for me) if I spray, pray and rub in like sunscreen on my kids` backs. Then, wait a few minutes and wipe down thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth. I have to say that Lexol is not my favorite and will not be replaced when I either use it up. For a pure conditioner, Zaino was good, and I`ve heard the Duragloss version is very good too - damn, another thing to buy!

TOGWT · 06-07-2009, 08:59 AM

Here is my take on Woolite

Woolite? - has a number of issues that do not lend themselves to the long-term quality care of leather upholstery and interior components. It`s not made for carpets, upholstery fabrics or leather as it contains far too much detergent even at a 60:1 dilution ratio. Using a detergent that is meant to be flush rinsed (i.e. rinsed until it runs clear) in a situation where this is not possible, is not recommended as when it dries it will attract dirt and contribute to re-soiling; it will also dry out the surface due to dried soaps capillary action with moisture.

This product contains alkalis (sodium), which provide foaming, and a solvent (alcohol) as an aid to cleaning; these will further aggravate the drying out process due to their affinity with moisture. They contain optical brighteners (Stilbenes) which are dyes that absorb energy in the UV portion of the spectrum thereby accelerating UV degradation and also tend to dry out the upholstery

But research others opinions and products, test them and then make an objective decision based upon factual information not marketing hype or brand loyalty. I have always thought that the more facts and information you have at hand the easier it is to judge what information you are being given.

After all, how can you fully understand and properly use any product unless you have all the facts?

**Junebug** · 06-07-2009, 08:18 PM

You know, I was at the local grocery store today and guess what - Woolite makes a carpet cleaner now. Golly gee wow . As far as all the bad crap Woolite is supposed to have, I can`t for the life of me see how anything can be left behind on the "leather", I thought the experts say coated leather doesn`t absorb, whatever - I spray it on an already wet towel and scrub the dirt off then rinse the towel and the leather a couple times. It does not feel the least bit sticky nor can you feel anything but a clean seat. Hell, Lexol is "made" for leather and it was the soapiest, hard to rinse cleaner product I had. It`s not like I clean and that`s it. I go back with conditioner and work that in. That`s the kind of details I do, daily drivers, family SUV`s, work trucks and the occasional (gag) mini van.

I want to see if anybody can provide proof using diluted woolite to clean dirty leather (the coated kind) or vinyl or plastic, will cause all the issues some claim. And I don`t mean somebody that uses it every weekend on the same car, I don`t recommend that, if ya`ll will read my posts - I`m advocating using it to clean dirty, nasty interiors and after that just use Megs leather cleaner / conditioner since you can do both steps at once and save time.

Hey, it works for me and several others on different boards, ya`ll can try or not, I don`t own any stock in it and could care less.

**imported_Bunky** · 06-07-2009, 08:47 PM

My guess is on paper there are some things in woolite and many other substances that are not good for leather long term but woolite should be applied and then wiped clean so for the very little time it is on the leather (especially top coated) it should not do any harm. It is likely removing dirt and sweat that is probably doing harm. I assume people are not bathing their leather like washing a dog. There are just too many people using woolite and you just do not read about woolite horror stories.....

**imported_Luster** · 06-07-2009, 08:51 PM

Originally Posted by Bunky

My guess is on paper there are some things in woolite and many other substances that are not good for leather long term but woolite should be applied and then wiped clean so for the very little time it is on the leather (especially top coated) it will probably will not do it much harm. It is likely removing dirt and sweat that is probably doing harm. I assume people are not bathing their leather like washing a dog.

Exactly... good point. The way I use Woolite is to mix with water in a spray bottle, spray, clean with a sponge, wipe clean with a wet (damp) towel, leaving no Woolite residue.

Then follow with a top quality leather conditioner.

**Junebug** · 06-08-2009, 07:02 AM

Please let say one more time, I`m not advocating using woolite for regular
(weekly)cleaning of LIGHTLY soiled interiors, I`m simply saying for the nasty, neglected ones - it works, and works great.

**D!Tailed** · 06-08-2009, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by TOGWT

Here is my take on Woolite

Woolite? - has a number of issues that do not lend themselves to the long-term quality care of leather upholstery and interior components. It`s not made for carpets, upholstery fabrics or leather as it contains far too much detergent even at a 60:1 dilution ratio. Using a detergent that is meant to be flush rinsed (i.e. rinsed until it runs clear) in a situation where this is not possible, is not recommended as when it dries it will attract dirt and contribute to re-soiling; it will also dry out the surface due to dried soaps capillary action with moisture.

This product contains alkalis (sodium), which provide foaming, and a solvent (alcohol) as an aid to cleaning; these will further aggravate the drying out process due to their affinity with moisture. They contain optical brighteners (Stilbenes) which are dyes that absorb energy in the UV portion of the spectrum thereby accelerating UV degradation and also tend to dry out the upholstery

But research others opinions and products, test them and then make an objective decision based upon factual information not marketing hype or brand loyalty. I have always thought that the more facts and information you have at hand the easier it is to judge what information you are being given.

After all, how can you fully understand and properly use any product unless you have all the facts?

That`s good information and very good points that I hadn`t thought about before.

What are your thoughts on using the woolite mix on hard plastics like on the doors?

Thanks!

D!

**Junebug** · 06-08-2009, 06:05 PM

Quote,"This product contains alkalis (sodium), which provide foaming, and a solvent (alcohol) as an aid to cleaning; these will further aggravate the drying out process due to their affinity with moisture. They contain optical brighteners (Stilbenes) which are dyes that absorb energy in the UV portion of the spectrum thereby accelerating UV degradation and also tend to dry out the upholstery"

Please share with us where you found this info, I looked for more information on the web and I sure didn`t see anything like that. I did see many people on various forums using it - I believe you did too at one time - right? And as far as foaming goes - Lexol cleaner took top honors there.

Quote: "But research others opinions and products, test them and then make an objective decision based upon factual information not marketing hype or brand loyalty. I have always thought that the more facts and information you have at hand the easier it is to judge what information you are being given. "

Sounds good - didn`t I just do that?

Quote: "After all, how can you fully understand and properly use any product unless you have all the facts?"
__________________

No one will ever have all the facts - especially in detailing where the number of variables change from car to car. You do the best with what you have,I have a good friend and fellow detailer and we talk products a lot, same product can be great for him and so-so to me.

**David Fermani** · 06-08-2009, 10:01 PM

Originally Posted by Junebug

No one will ever have all the facts - especially in detailing where the number of variables change from car to car. You do the best with what you have,I have a good friend and fellow detailer and we talk products a lot, same product can be great for him and so-so to me.

You`re absolutely right. Mileage varies tremendously between different people/products Jimmy. The bottom line is if something works good for you, then keep going at it. Just make sure that the product at hand is safe for the intended use.

**Junebug** · 06-09-2009, 08:06 AM

Thanks David, will do! And thanks for the tips on Hydro Shine - did a spot repair on a black Jetta and the owner agreed that the rest of the car needed a wash (at least) and I dried it with Hydro Shine - looked good and please note, 2 year old car, daily driver, sits outside, NEVER been waxed!

Brandon bought a quart too - I`ll have to check in and see how he likes it.