leather cleaning and conditioning

[raider]

Anyone have any thoughts about the best brand or brands for leather cleaning and conditioning.

Unfortunately, I have not visited this webiste for several years. It was a great help to me when I purchased my 4Runner. I used it to help me determine whether to buy a 4Runner. I am so happy I did so. Around December 2004, I ordered a black 2005 4Runner Limited with v-8 engine and 4-wheel drive. I love it. I can remember one member, Pitbull was his name I believe, telling me to go with the v-8 and I wouldn't regret it. He was right.

I also received some good recommendations on Husky liners at this website. I bought some just after I bought my 4Runner and I have loved them.

 

[004Gunner]

I like the turtle wax leather cleaner and conditioner spray. Definitely way better than any of the wipes I've tried imo. I used a Meguiar's cream conditioner but it was too labor intensive for regular use. It did take off some ball point pen marking on my seat though!

 

[prhime]

I've used Meguir's wipes as well for a quick job. With enough elbow and finger work, I've gotten out pen marks that have been on the seats for years.

 

[Border411]

Get the Lexol leather conditioner. Worked GREAT on my wifes Highlander, and even got stains out of the leather which were left by my father-in-laws belt.

 

[buch75]

Meguiars Aloe Leather Cleaner

Meguiars Aloe Leather Cleaner followed by Meguiars Aloe Conditioner. I have an 02 4Runner Ltd, with 103,000miles. the seats look new. i use 100% Cotton Terry Clothes to apply/clean the seats. wipe down the seats with a clean terry cloth followed by liberally applying the Aloe Conditioner. let it soak in, then wipe down the seats clean of any residue.

 

[pat161]

Zymol makes really nice leather cleaner and conditioner, they sell it at Target if you live near one.

 

[Uneek]

Meguiars Aloe Leather Cleaner followed by Meguiars Aloe Conditioner.

Same here.

 

[004Gunner]

I finally got around to trying the Lexol brand conditioner and I think this is the best one by far. It seems to get absorbed by the leather where as others are more of a surface coating that will protect but wear off quickly. Now the leather has a softer texture and greater flexibility even in sub freezing temps

 

[Merle]

Does using "real" leather cleaner/conditioner matter? It's not real leather apart from the steering wheel and shift knob.

 

[004Gunner]

Does using "real" leather cleaner/conditioner matter? It's not real leather apart from the steering wheel and shift knob.

I know not every part of the seat is covered in leather, but I'm pretty sure the actual seating surface is leather. Care to elaborate?

 

[audiqtr]

I wouldn't recommend using Turtle Wax.
Out of all the OTC options, you can almost always trust on Meguiar's products for good results. Good products and good prices.
Lexol gets the job done, but smells funky.
Zymol is a fancy branded Turtle Wax. at least it smells good.

 

[Maz]

I finally got around to trying the Lexol brand conditioner and I think this is the best one by far. It seems to get absorbed by the leather where as others are more of a surface coating that will protect but wear off quickly. Now the leather has a softer texture and greater flexibility even in sub freezing temps

For highly maintained cars with high end leather like Porsches, Maguires simply can't be beat. However for cars that have a few miles between treatings and / or more typical leather quality Lexol is better. Gunner is right it absorbs very well. Furthermore their cleaner is fantastic for vehicles that haven't been taken care of in a while.

Lastly they make their products spray bottle or wipes style. Using the wipes on dirty leather where you can really dig it in, for some reason seems to work better than just spraying it on a towell.

 

[Froglips]

Question on Lexol Leather Products

It appears that users are satisfied with the performance of these products, but don't like the smell. I took a wiff at Pep Boys and agree. Does the aroma go away with some time. If so, how long? Thanks

 

[004Gunner]

I can't smell it unless it's been applied within the last 12 hours. And the smell is nothing strong or potent, just a mild oil odor

 

[Froglips]

Thank you. I'll give it a try. Do you personally use the leather conditioner only on the actual leather seating area or can it be used on all the seat covering material? I ask the question since Lexol makes a specific to vinyl care product also.

 

[004Gunner]

Thank you. I'll give it a try. Do you personally use the leather conditioner only on the actual leather seating area or can it be used on all the seat covering material? I ask the question since Lexol makes a specific to vinyl care product also.

I just use it on the leather itself and use Aerospace Protectant if anything at all on the seat vinyl. The Lexol leather cleaner is really good too and makes a big difference when you use it before the initial Lexol conditioner application.

 

[Froglips]

I just use it on the leather itself and use Aerospace Protectant if anything at all on the seat vinyl. The Lexol leather cleaner is really good too and makes a big difference when you use it before the initial Lexol conditioner application.

Thanks. I appreciate your input.

 

['04-Sport]

Zaino Bros cleaner and conditioner is the best stuff available.

I agree 100%. Just used the Z-9 spray cleaner and the Z-10 "leather in a bottle" conditioner on the front seats of my '04 - 106K miles. Have used all of the other mentioned brands before with varying degrees of success on the light gray leather - just gave it a through cleaning/conditioning five days before using the Zanio products and thought that it was about as clean as it could get. Well, the towel used ended up filthy and the leather looks new - and smells great as well. I'm a Zanio convert for sure. :bravo:

 

[Blackknight]

Gliptone

I found this product from the Saab world when I had my 9-3 Aero. This product kick butt big time. I used Mequiars for years and turtle wax too. This truly brings back the natural leather look feel and smell back and maintains the brand new!!!

Here are reviews from the elkparts site.
Saab Reviews
Amazon has a better price (elkparts price is in pounds (Britain)).

Gliptone has other detailing products but I have not tried them.

 

[Benski]

The black leather steering wheel on my 96 T4R is dry and rough from 7 to 2 on a clock but the rest is smooth and shiny. I considered gettting a replacement but then read that the leather is "painted" to even out the color and then thought maybe I could try to recondition it. I have tried AA and a few other sprays that just dried back up. I looked in my shoe care kit and found an old tin of Cavalier Mink Oil. It has no real mink oil in it, but it does have silicone and lanolin and waterproofs. That is good so it doesn't absorb sweat. It has brought back the shine and the paste doesn't dry out. It needs to be rubbed in and creates a good grip. I keep the tin under the seat and will use it again a few more times on warm days until it doesn't absorb any more. It always worked great on my shoes!
:reddance: