How often to clean leather seats

[DiPaoro]

I cleaned my leather seats a few weeks ago and boy did they get dirty already. How often do you maintain your leather seats on your daily ride? The seats are light beige.

Been using Lexol and want to try something else. The brands researching and asking about are Pinnacle and Wolfgang. Regarding the Pinnacle leather care, there is the AIO or combo. Since the seats are not too soiled, considering the AIO.

Your advice is appreciated as I need to buy something before the severe winter weather kicks in.

[psynx]

in for some feedback as well

[AutowerxDetailing]

I am switching from Lexol to trying new leather cleaners...

Right now I am enjoying Pinnacle Leather Cleaner & Conditioner (http://www.autogeek.net/pileclco.html). It works great for moderately dirty seats. Leather that is really thrashed might need a stronger cleaner and then follow with a dedicated conditioner but for routine maintenance on a daily I would highly recommend the Pinnacle.

[SonOfOC]

I've had zero success with Lexol. Lots of people like it, but it does nothing for me.

I use Leatherique for real dirt leather and Ultima Interior Shampoo + Ultima Interior Gurard combo for everything else.

[cartman57]

Tried Lexol, doesn't work too well then bought CG combo of cleaner and conditioner, much better!

[PiPUK]

It may well be worth looking beyond your normal detailing brands. Detailing brands tend to bring together a bunch of products from a range of specialities and something like leather is a product which is frequently given inadequate attention. There is a lot more science behind the necessary solutions than for cleaning wheels (for example). So, as is also the case for fabric cleaning, if the solution offered by the detailing brand isn't up to your standards, you may find much better results by talking to a company which specialises in interior and fabric cleaning because they will almost certainly have more expertise in the area.

[rider9195]

Tried Lexol, doesn't work too well then bought CG combo of cleaner and conditioner, much better!

+1 on this. I find that the Chemical Guys Leather Conditioner has some cleaning abilities so about each month I just apply it with a microfiber applicator and apply again if needed.

[RMM]

I think a good generic routine for leather is: weekly, use a damp MF; monthly, use a conditioner (choose a good one, from a reputed brand - Pinnacle and Wolfgang are just fine); yearly, use the Leatherique system.

If you come to the conclusion that this schedule isn't enough, adjust accordingly.

[SonOfOC]

It may well be worth looking beyond your normal detailing brands. Detailing brands tend to bring together a bunch of products from a range of specialities and something like leather is a product which is frequently given inadequate attention. There is a lot more science behind the necessary solutions than for cleaning wheels (for example). So, as is also the case for fabric cleaning, if the solution offered by the detailing brand isn't up to your standards, you may find much better results by talking to a company which specialises in interior and fabric cleaning because they will almost certainly have more expertise in the area.

:iagree:I was given a cleaner and conditioner 10 years ago from leather restoration shop and it worked like nothing I've ever used. It was commerical stuff and I don't remember the name. There are products in the furniture, saddle, boots, and leather apparrel industry that work extremely well. Some of those companies actually make leather cleaners for the detailing brands.

[07rs]

Optimum Protectant Plus offers complete protection for interior leather, vinyl, plastic & rubber dressing. vinyl and rubber dressing, vinyl (http://autogeek.commerce-search.net/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autogeek.net%2Foptim um-protectant-plus.html)

I use this about once a month

[swanicyouth]

I use Leather Masters Soft Cleaner to clean and it works great. I'm not sure if they make it under that name anymore, but any LM's cleaning product is very good. I don't use "conditioners" on leather, they just attract more dust and dirt IMHO. I use a leather sealant that protects the leather coating (the color) from mechanical abrasion.

[Robert8194]

Had great luck recently with Nanoskin LV leather and vinyl cleaner

http://www.autogeek.net/nanoskin-lv-rinse.html

[gdal]

When I used to own a vehicle with leather my regimen was the following:

1. LM Trio on front seats every 3 months
2. LM Trio on back seats every 6 months (people barely sat in there)

Leatherique Pristine Clean wipedown every month as it does have light cleaning properties. Make sure you wipe everything down really good. Coated leather doesn't really soak product. If you apply a heavy coat, it will attract more dust/dirt than applying light coats.

[Andr3wilson]

I actually use the Connolly range. I really like how you mix it up in a bucket of hot water and "wash" the seats. It works extremely well, but is very time consuming. Also their Leather conditioner is banging like a biscuit, restores a tight new look. For my garage queen I use swissvax leather milk and I absolutely love it!... hate the price though!

I would recommend 1-2 weeks for cleaning and conditioning. Take a look at Gtechniq L1 leather guard. I saw it today and wanted to give it a go, but I didn't get it. Now I dont know how it will perform, but knowing the reputation of Gtechniq products, I bet it is great for DDs. they say it lasts 3-6 months.

[LatinFG2]

Would you guys recommend the Pinnacle combo or the Swissvax combo? For my new 2013 Accord with perforated leather.