Trying Leatherique

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F1Crazy

New member
I have really tough time trying to clean tan leather seat in my Lexus. It's only part of a seat where my lower back touches the seat and bolsters. Looks like dirt is in those little grooves.

I've tried Lexol cleaner, Eagle One Leather Cleaner and even ZAP spot remover as well as peroxide (mentioned somewhere in archives). I scrubbed it really good with a brush and nothing works.

I cleaned the seat about 2 months ago and didn't notice it so it must be fairly new.
 
If it looks like something is in the grooves. Very gently ,maybe with a paper clip ,see if it is caked on or maybe the leather is stained. It seems like it is caked on cause the other cleaners didn't work. Be careful you can scratch leather.
 
are you sure the problem isn't that the finish was rubbed off of the leather?



It can look like dirt. If this is the case, there are products to redye the leather back to its original finish.
 
My lexus had alot of dirt and grimes in the groves the first time i cleaned it. it's especially bad in that area you mentioned.

first, recline the seat back so you can get to it as much as you can.

then, i'd recommend a toothbrush. spread the leather apart so you can access the groove down to the thread, use the toothbrush to scrub, and then get a clean moist towel and start wiping while you hold it so you can access it. you will just see dark grimes coming off on your towel. keep folding and then wash the towel. after a while u'll get the dirt out. apply lexol cleaner and wash till you are good... then add the conditioner (or Z10 leather in a bottle and you are good to go) :xyxthumbs
 
You've been given good suggestions. I've been able to get a few tough stains on other people's light colored leather seats with XENIT. But I would certainly try some of the other suggestions (toothbrush) first. Laters
 
Thanks guys,

I did a lot of srubbing already and may have to try Xenit.

What about using some rubbing alcohol? Will it dry the leather too much?
 
Do a search on XENIT. I'm not saying that it will clean your stains but it is a good product. I don't hear many people talk about this particular product much though. So try a search and see if others have had good luck with it. Laters
 
One more thing. Are you absolutely sure that all your "hard" or sustained rubbing hasn't removed a bit of the color on the leather surface?
 
I would have to check tomorrow in a daylight.

This leather really sucks! The car is not even 2 years old and on drivers side there are already some cracks, it's like paint peeling or something. I've seen it on other lexuses. They should use other dyeing methods.
 
Your description of the condition of your leather seats doesn't sound too promising, especially for a 2 year old car. Sorry about that. I feel for you.
 
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by SC5spd [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>then, i'd recommend a toothbrush. spread the leather apart so you can access the groove down to the thread, use the toothbrush to scrub, and then get a clean moist towel and start wiping while you hold it so you can access it. [/b]</blockquote>
I second the toothrush advice. A regular brush won't work like a toothbrush will, which will really get into the textures and grooves of the leather. I detailed an old M-B wth beige leather that looked like leopard skin it was so dirty. I spent 3 HOURS on the leather alone for this client (I was detailing cars during college summers years ago). The interior came out gorgeous. Looked like a completely different car.

I really didn't want to spend THAT much time on the car, but once I cleaned a small area, I knew I was in trouble. The clean spot looked like a different color leather, so I was forced to do the entire interior with that darn toothbrush. I felt like I was in the military getting punished! Anyway, it won't be bad to do if it is your own car.

Mike
 
There are some other brushes you can use for the larger areas...I beleive Brad posted a pic of a brush he uses. I have a wooden handle brush with yellow bristles. works well in the seams.



Can you post a pic of your problem area???
 
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by Brad4rdHay [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>I use Griots Garage interior cleaner with CMA's leather brush (awesome, think its the one BradB uses). [/b]</blockquote>
Brad,

I have CMA's leather brush as well but I haven't used it yet because it seemed a bit too stiff in my opinion. I was worried that it was too strong for the leather on my car seats. The bristles almost feel strong enough to use to clean fingernails. Is the brush you used the one pictured below?

Thanks!!
 
Ive heard old school detailers using shaving cream on leather, and also , the scrubbing bubbles cleaner like for your bathtub, I havnt had the guts to try these methods!
 
I have used shaving cream on my mitt, but not car seats before, doesnt sound like a good idea w/ clear coat and all, plus the shaving cream didnt do too much but make it smell like shaving cream and be sticky for a few hours. Yes, I've been promoting the Griots cleaner here, but no one seems to have used it. I'm not a huge Griots fan but ths stuff is incredible. Yes, the CMA brush is stiff but definately not too stiff. It really gets out stains because of its stiffness. You should try it, if it messes up your seats, send me the bill:D
 
I wouldn't worry about the CMA brush being too harsh on your seats. I bought one from Tim a while back and that puppy is pretty harsh as the bristles are stiff as hell. I mean really stiff. I assure you that a stiff brush that is designed for use on leather seats is perfectly safe. If not, well then just send the bill to young Brad.
 
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