Basic Leather Care

[TOGWT]

Basic Leather Care (Water-based) -

Cleaning-is an essential part of caring for your leather upholstery; use a water-based cleaner to re-hydrate the leather use a pH balanced cleaner around 7.5 - 8.0 as a high pH cleaners may cause premature aging. It not only removes the dirt and oils (which can, over time, break down the leathers hide and the stitching, it can also damage the protective coating of covered leather) a water-based cleaner will also help to maintain the moisture balance in the leather. This is important for keeping the leather supple and makes it less likely to absorb spillages.

Don’t allow grit, dirt or dust to build up to excessive levels as this could have an abrasive affect. Combined with body weight and movement these cause abrasive friction against the leather and greatly increases wear.
Areas which are in contact with your skin and head, for example arms and backrests, car steering wheels etc. should be cleaned regularly, as perspiration breaks down the finish and pigment very quickly. A wipe over with a damp cloth on a regular basis (every week/two weeks) is recommended to remove surface dust and dirt and add moisture to the leather.

Do not spray a cleaner directly on the leather. Use an applicator sponge or cloth to apply the cleaning solution. Spraying a cleaner on hot leather can cause spotting and discolorations. Please remember, that by rubbing hard on the leather surface, you will only push the dirt deeper into the leather

Leather brush - this is a top of the line palm pump type design, so you can pour the cleaning solution in the handle. Simply pour your favourite interior upholstery cleaner in the dispenser and push down on the rubber lid. The pressure activates a miniature pump which forces the liquid out to the bristles. The brush's thick, soft bristles are flagged (puffed) so it will not scratch delicate leather

Methodology-
1. Use a soft brush to remove any dust or grit from the seams and vacuum the seating areas dust
2. Apply a cleaning solution (Water /Woolite® or Dreft® 6:1 ratio or higher) on to an applicator pad (this Poorboys Mesh towel is double woven micro fibre, made to be safe and scratch-free for all leather and vinyl finishes -
2a. Using a sponge, apply a small amount of Leather Master™ Soft / Strong Cleaner as necessary and gently agitate it until it foams, then remove with a damp micro fibre clot
3. Apply to one area at a time (i.e. a seat back). To remove stubborn dirt or grime gently agitate the surface with a boar's hair cleaning brush (this will not harm the leather) then use a clean, damp Micro fibre towel to rinse.
4. To bring back a matte finish and safely remove prior use products, use a solution of distilled water and a mild liquid soap (Woolite® or Dreft® 4:1 ratio or stronger, or useLeather Soft Cleaner ) on to an applicator pad
5. It may be necessary to repeat the cleaning process to get it back to a matte finish.

Protection -should be applied the first day and thereafter 2 - 4 times per year (dependant upon local climate). It makes it easier to clean and remove any accidental spills, ink marks etc. Being water-based it helps hydration by balancing the necessary moisture level of all leather types (except Nubuck). Although it’s primary purpose is to act as a barrier between the leather surface and any soils that may settle on it.

This product will help to provide protection against oil, water, and alcohol based stains, as well as providing resistance to the effects of daily soiling It places an invisible, breathable barrier between you and your leather. Protect your leather first, and then follow a routine of cleaning and re-protection, this way you are not actually cleaning the original surface, but cleaning from the surface of the protection. Leather Master™ Protection –
(See also ultra violet (UV) radiation protection)

Leather Master, US -

Hydration is the key to leather care; use a 5:1 solution of distilled water / Woolite® each time you clean the vehicle interior. Water will not harm a leather hide as they are treated by immersion in water at the tannery

[Bernard]

Thank you kindly TOGWT.

[Tonya]

Originally Posted by Bernard

Thank you kindly TOGWT.

with THANK YOU!

[phillystyle]

[TIKI_AL]

how can you tell if its real leather or not?

[supercharged]

[TOGWT]

TIKKI AL - "how can you tell if its real leather or not?" Water drops will not change its colour.

Leather (Covered):
Many people are unaware of the fact that since the late ‘80s early ‘90s many of the newer domestic cars and some imports do not use natural leather hides anymore. Approximately 80% of vehicle manufacturers have used (thermoplastic) polyurethane covered leather for their interior upholstery. It’s made from natural hides, chrome tanned and uniquely treated with a light pigmented urethane paint coating or a vinyl covering to make it more viable for automotive seating. It retains the softness of natural top-grain leather but resists fading in direct sunlight, which besides body oil is leathers worst enemy.

Identifying characteristics-uniform colour and grain patterns; will not scratch easily; water drops will not change colour.

[TIKI_AL]

Originally Posted by TOGWT

TIKKI AL - "how can you tell if its real leather or not?" Water drops will not change its colour.

Leather (Covered):
Many people are unaware of the fact that since the late ‘80s early ‘90s many of the newer domestic cars and some imports do not use natural leather hides anymore. Approximately 80% of vehicle manufacturers have used (thermoplastic) polyurethane covered leather for their interior upholstery. It’s made from natural hides, chrome tanned and uniquely treated with a light pigmented urethane paint coating or a vinyl covering to make it more viable for automotive seating. It retains the softness of natural top-grain leather but resists fading in direct sunlight, which besides body oil is leathers worst enemy.

Identifying characteristics-uniform colour and grain patterns; will not scratch easily; water drops will not change colour.

Thank you very much sir, i've been wondering about this for a long time and your post brought back to memory. also if you don't mind what does TOGWT stand for? Have a nice day.

[TOGWT]

Originally Posted by TIKI_AL

Thank you very much sir, i've been wondering about this for a long time and your post brought back to memory. also if you don't mind what does TOGWT stand for? Have a nice day.

When the Old Grey Whistle Test (OGWT) went on air (BBC Television, England) in 1971 it was unique, in a world accustomed to Top of the Pops, here was a show on which the bands performed album tracks and were interviewed after they had played. This was before the days of miming, the music was live and, since the idea was to air new sounds, many of the bands were making their first television appearance. The titles sequence featured an animation of a man kicking a star. He was to become affectionately known as The Starkicker (see avatar)

Presenter Bob Harris (whispering Bob) recalls how the show's name was inspired by the doormen (in grey suits) who worked at the music publishing houses in London's Denmark Street, known as 'tin pan alley':

"It was a 'tin pan alley' phrase from years ago. When they got the first pressing of a record they would play it to people they called the old greys. The ones they could remember and could whistle having heard it just once or twice had passed the old grey whistle test".

My adaptation:
The old grey whistle test infers that the blokes with a little(allright a lot) of grey in their hair have tested these products or tools in real world situations, on many different car marques and various automotive paint system’s, they are recommended as they have been found to do what they were designed to do, usually more than adequately.

[D&D Auto Detailing]

LM is the way to go.