What do you use to clean/protect your leather seats?

T4RT

New member
I have a 2012 SR5- with Black Leather Seats which I believe are a combination of SofTex and Leather.

What products would you recommend to clean and protect my seats?

Thanks!

T4RT
 
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For Softex: Microfiber towel with mild soap and warm water.

For real leather: Lexol Cleaner and Lexol Conditioner
 
I have black softex. Another vote for damp cloth for any cleaning with maybe a mild soap solution if really soiled. Follow with Aerospace 303 protectant. If barely dirty, just start with the 303. This is really good stuff and is perfect to me for black. Makes it just a little blacker without being shiny or slick or greasy. And brings out the fake grain a little too I use it on every interior surface except carpet and glass and I apply it minimal with a small microfiber applicator pad and then buff with a plush microfiber cloth.
 
What about good seat covers that are worth the money? I have cloth seats so I don't want a leather seat cover. Black or dark brown. I don't want any that sag. Thanks in advance.
 
Thanks for the responses guys.

So if my seats are leather and softex will I need to use different products on the different materials? Or will an all in one product work just as well?
 
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Mine is probably different since its a 2016, but the only surface that feels like it may be real leather is the front of the headrest, it's a little softer, more supple feeling. And supposedly they don't use softex on the steering wheel. I'm using 303 on everthing, no problem. If I had a Limited, I might consider something different.

Here's a good resouce:
Interior cleaning and conditioning guide: everything from upholstery seats to vinyl protection. odor remover, vinyl cleaner, vinyl protectant, carpet

Just keep in mind they're in the business of selling product. You'd go broke buying everything they recommend.
 
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Thanks for the responses guys.

So if my seats are leather and softex will I need to use different products on the different materials? Or will an all in one product work just as well?

I used to be a professional detailer and this is what I would recommend (as have others already). If the seats are Softex or other leatherette, clean them with warm water on a microfiber cloth. Add a mild soap if you need to or use dedicated vinyl cleaner, but if you do it regularly I think warm water will get the job done. Buy a 32 oz. spray bottle of 303 Aerospace Protectant, use it on everything plastic or rubber on the car and in your home. Seriously, your dash, any plastic trim, tires, engine bay, roof rack, patio furniture, exterior plastic window trim, your wife's nightstand toys, etc. The stuff is the best, UV protection and no shiny oily residue.

If you have leather, keep it simple and just get a bottle each of the Lexol cleaner and protectant. There are products on the market that do a bit better job, but for basic regular matinence I think the bang for the buck is hard to beat.
 
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I have a 2012 sr5 as well. I always assumed it was leather. The Chemical guys leather cleaner etc works great.

how can you tell softex vs leather?
 
I have a 2012 sr5 as well. I always assumed it was leather. The Chemical guys leather cleaner etc works great.

how can you tell softex vs leather?

Retract what I said in previous post. Just looked up an old brochure, it says nothing about softex. So I can't speak to what material is in the pre-2014 SR5 premiums. It seems to indicate SR5 and Limited leather is the same, but don't know if that's true.
 
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The sr5 isn't leather.... I don't think it is softex either. Pretty sure my 2011 sr5 was P leather. I used warm water and mild soap
 
Manual calls for water and a soft rag. I bought Lexol Cleaner and Conditioner. Didn't really notice anything different. Obviously the conditioner works into the leather though but I don't live in a southern climate where cracked seats can result from extreme heat and sun for 6 months of the year.
 

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