Porsche leather cleaner
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,432
Likes: 36
From: Hannover
colorplus.com is another well regarded manufacturer. I used their soffener and the color with great success:
http://www.colorplus.com/products/soffener
http://www.colorplus.com/products/soffener
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 8
From: San Diego, CA
Lexol and Leatherique have been used by many here.
Oh, and welcome to the mayhem!
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,096
Likes: 163
From: New England
For many years I used Lexol. Then I tried Zaino.
On the advice of fellow Rennlisters I've tried the Leatherique.
Leatherique is by far the best I have ever used.
You need to follow their instructions on their website to get the desired results. (No point in me telling you how - it is all right there). It doesn't work very well (softening) if you don't follow the instructions, and all you are doing is wasting the product.
I always apply leather conditioner with my bare hand and massage it in. I switched from the Lexol because it would dry my hands out, the Leatherique does not, actually moistens them well.
Leatherique instructions say it is best to leave the rejuvinator on for 48 hours. This allows the product to be absorbed into the leather and the fibers swell forcing the dirt out.
Most all mass-market leather today (automobile/ home furnishings) has a light coat of polyurethane for stain resistance. Natural leather (naked) and suede does not, therefore they absorb everything (oils) and cannot clean easy. Your seats would oil stain quickly, especially where the head rests are, if the leather was not coated.
I'm pleased with the results from Leatherique and will stick with them for the rejuvenator type products, even though it is a bit labor intensive. If anyone has a faster easier solution, please let me know. The Zaino leather conditioner has a great smell and after using the Leatherique two-step, I apply the Zaino. Best of both worlds.
Check the detailing threads for more info.
Regards,
On the advice of fellow Rennlisters I've tried the Leatherique.
Leatherique is by far the best I have ever used.
You need to follow their instructions on their website to get the desired results. (No point in me telling you how - it is all right there). It doesn't work very well (softening) if you don't follow the instructions, and all you are doing is wasting the product.
I always apply leather conditioner with my bare hand and massage it in. I switched from the Lexol because it would dry my hands out, the Leatherique does not, actually moistens them well.
Leatherique instructions say it is best to leave the rejuvinator on for 48 hours. This allows the product to be absorbed into the leather and the fibers swell forcing the dirt out.
Most all mass-market leather today (automobile/ home furnishings) has a light coat of polyurethane for stain resistance. Natural leather (naked) and suede does not, therefore they absorb everything (oils) and cannot clean easy. Your seats would oil stain quickly, especially where the head rests are, if the leather was not coated.
I'm pleased with the results from Leatherique and will stick with them for the rejuvenator type products, even though it is a bit labor intensive. If anyone has a faster easier solution, please let me know. The Zaino leather conditioner has a great smell and after using the Leatherique two-step, I apply the Zaino. Best of both worlds.
Check the detailing threads for more info.
Regards,
Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,269
Likes: 80
From: Lexington, KY
I beleive you can't go wrong with any of the following, all of which have already been mentioned:
1) Leatherique
2) Colorplus - soffener
3) Lexol
The Leatherique and Colorplus soffener are similar and have to sit for a while to work properly. The Lexol product is a different type and is quicker to use and much more readily avialable locally for most.
Ultimately if you regularly treat your leather properly with any of these products you are likely to be pleased with the results.
1) Leatherique
2) Colorplus - soffener
3) Lexol
The Leatherique and Colorplus soffener are similar and have to sit for a while to work properly. The Lexol product is a different type and is quicker to use and much more readily avialable locally for most.
Ultimately if you regularly treat your leather properly with any of these products you are likely to be pleased with the results.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 14
From: Dallas, TX
I tried both Lexol and Leatherique.
Lexol seemed very mild.
Leatherique, on the other hand, is the best cleaner period. Not sure if because it is more aggressive or not. But it brought back the pop and color of my blue seat I never knew it had.
Lexol seemed very mild.
Leatherique, on the other hand, is the best cleaner period. Not sure if because it is more aggressive or not. But it brought back the pop and color of my blue seat I never knew it had.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,748
Likes: 0
I understand that Leatherique Rejuvenator oil should be applied liberally and then the car should sit in the sun for as long as possible (re apply rejuvenator during this time if neccessary). But then when it's all bakes and done, should you directly apply the Pristine Clean with a spray bottle as per the instructions? I think I remember someone saying you should first wipe off the seats with damp, warm MF towels over and over again (like 5 towels) and then apply the pristine clean, then repeat wipe off with damp, warm MF towels and then buff with a dry MF towel. I have also had mixed results with Leatherique, so I might be doing something wrong..?
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,733
Likes: 5
From: South Bay, Los Angeles
But then when it's all baked and done, should you directly apply the Pristine Clean with a spray bottle as per the instructions? I think I remember someone saying you should first wipe off the seats with damp, warm MF towels over and over again (like 5 towels) and then apply the pristine clean, then repeat wipe off with damp, warm MF towels and then buff with a dry MF towel.?
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,096
Likes: 163
From: New England
Viggo,
I was told once that many leather re-conditioners contain some beeswax. It would make sense that Leatherique has some as the bottle will have solids form near the surface if kept in a cold environment. Hence, the warm car requirement to absorb.
Beeswax would not be easily removed with just water, warm or cold, and you would end up smearing the dirt around. The Pristine Clean works well at removing the rejuvinator and the dirt that rises to the surface.
We used six white cotton bath towels torn into pieces to do my friend's very dirty 964 seats, and even after three treatments, dirt kept coming off. His seats had been sitting exposed at his shop for a few years, The leather was quite stiff, but not cardboard, and it came back nicely, but not like new. The seats were removed from the car and it made it much easier.
My limited experience with Leatherique has been positive, although very time-consuming. We did follow the instructions and leave the rejuvinator on for 48 hours before removing, and waiting another 24 hours before reapplying it.
Hope your results are good.
Sure would love to know a faster way.
Regards,
I was told once that many leather re-conditioners contain some beeswax. It would make sense that Leatherique has some as the bottle will have solids form near the surface if kept in a cold environment. Hence, the warm car requirement to absorb.
Beeswax would not be easily removed with just water, warm or cold, and you would end up smearing the dirt around. The Pristine Clean works well at removing the rejuvinator and the dirt that rises to the surface.
We used six white cotton bath towels torn into pieces to do my friend's very dirty 964 seats, and even after three treatments, dirt kept coming off. His seats had been sitting exposed at his shop for a few years, The leather was quite stiff, but not cardboard, and it came back nicely, but not like new. The seats were removed from the car and it made it much easier.
My limited experience with Leatherique has been positive, although very time-consuming. We did follow the instructions and leave the rejuvinator on for 48 hours before removing, and waiting another 24 hours before reapplying it.
Hope your results are good.
Sure would love to know a faster way.
Regards,
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 165
Likes: 16
From: Bay Area, CA
Anyone have experience with the Guru...?
I wanted to try Chemical guys for leather because he talks about the smell as well.
I usually use Lexol, but I was never happy with the scent.
Any long-term updates on Lexol, and other products listed above?
I usually use Lexol, but I was never happy with the scent.
Any long-term updates on Lexol, and other products listed above?
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 5
From: Toronto, Canada
I have tried many different leather products on different cars including Lexol, and I have settled on 2 go-to's:
1. Leatherique: my fav if I have enough time and heat to work with. It leaves a beautiful matte finish and feel.
2. Leather Masters: The cleaner is very good, and can be done quickly. Spray on, agitate gently and wipe down with MF towels. Then follow up with a wipe of the "Vital" conditioner. The conditioner leaves a bit of a sheen IMO, but not shiny by any means. I just prefer the matte appearance of Leatherique.
I do not like the Lexol leather cleaner or conditioner. Also didn't like the Sonax foam product.
1. Leatherique: my fav if I have enough time and heat to work with. It leaves a beautiful matte finish and feel.
2. Leather Masters: The cleaner is very good, and can be done quickly. Spray on, agitate gently and wipe down with MF towels. Then follow up with a wipe of the "Vital" conditioner. The conditioner leaves a bit of a sheen IMO, but not shiny by any means. I just prefer the matte appearance of Leatherique.
I do not like the Lexol leather cleaner or conditioner. Also didn't like the Sonax foam product.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 153
From: Montana
I cleaned with a few different leather products before trying leatherique. The amount of dirt that came out and the quality of the resulting cleaned leather were both astonishing. My water bucket was nearly black by the time I was done. My seats didn't look dirty before I started, but when I was done they looked almost like new.
For vinyl the 303 is good but its shiny. If you store indoors and don't need the heavy duty UV protection that 303 provides, give Nextzett Cockpit Premium a shot:
Not shiny and works well for both cleaning and rejuvenating.
For vinyl the 303 is good but its shiny. If you store indoors and don't need the heavy duty UV protection that 303 provides, give Nextzett Cockpit Premium a shot:
Not shiny and works well for both cleaning and rejuvenating.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 148
From: San Rafael, CA
I used Leatherique on seats that I was unaware had been re-dyed and it's been a nightmare. In the end, I'm replacing the covers after getting the foam covered in plastic to stop any further transference. Not the products problem, the PO hadn't mentioned anything about the sets being messed with. It worked well on the back seats.
