Your best leather care product?

[BamaDrewski]

With the leather being 15 years old on my 4runner, I have taken time and spent $$$ to keep it clean and preserved. I have used everything from Mink Oil to McGuiar's leather conditioner to Lexol. I am wondering what everyone else uses and what kind of results/satisfaction they/you have experienced? Years ago, McGuiar's made a light blue colored leather cleaner with Aloe that worked like a CHAMP! I think they have discontinued it though.....

My seats are in good shape but there are some deep creases and cracks I worry about. What do you folks use and what can you recommend from your experiences?

 

[fourfive]

All the products that you've mentioned seem to work pretty well. I've used those same ones throughout the years along with most of the other common leather care products seen at any major auto store and haven't noticed a significant difference amongst the different brands. Ive noticed that regular maintenance (cleaning/conditioning ~3x/year) seems to be more effective vs the product itself. For the last 3-4 years I've been using mcguiar's leather wipes mainly b/c i haven't noticed a difference in results with other products & since it's quicker, i find myself cleaning it more regularly.

 

[jgue467]

I've used lexol, both the cleaner and conditioner in that order. Slightly pricey but work pretty well over the years on different leather vehicles i've had. Do it once or twice a year as i remember... :cowboy:

 

[SlickmisterN]

Agreed. Lexol all the way.

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

This is off in left field but I've had good luck using saddle soap to clean my seats and using LEXOL leather conditioner.

 

[valleyrider]

Best leather cleaner I've ever used that is far above any of the mentioned leather products is leatherique. I haven't found a single leather cleaner that can clean and restore leather as well. I little pricy compared to cheap cleaner but it works wonders and is worth the extra pennys

Home Page | Leatherique Restoration Products

 

[valleyrider]

Since the leather in most all cars is a coated leather you can use an all purpose cleaner to clean the leather. I have had great success with using some very cheap power purple on some leather to get it clean. Clean leather should not shine but be soft with a matte finish.

Here's the steering wheel of my Porsche with a 50/50 shot when I cleaned it with some power purple I picked up at the dollar store.

 

[amalik]

Check this thread out

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/181232-how-get-your-leather-looking-new-write-up.html

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

Obenauf's Leather cleaner and conditioner is what I use on everything leather that I care about, including the leather in my 4Runner. Take a look.

 

[3rzrunner]

Try Autoglym, its some pretty sweet stuff.

 

[Drcoffee]

I have used Zymol and Lexol for many years. After trying a new leather conditioner I had never heard of before called "Leather Honey" I am a convert. You need to search it out for yourself. Its not inexpensive but you get the most miles from it by not using a rag to apply it. I use a latex glove to apply it and then work it in. Then use a towel to remove it in the morning. It helps to let it sit for 12 hours.

 

[Silver05]

Adams Leather and Interior cleaner (I cut mine 50% water 50% cleaner)

Interior Cleaner | Car Leather Cleaner | Clean Auto Interior

Adams Leather conditioner

Adam's Leather Cleaner and Conditioner | Clean Auto Interior

Here's a pic of my old GMCs interior using only Adams products, truck was a 07 with 195,000 miles on it.

 

[BamaDrewski]

Does anyone have experience with a product called "Leather Afterlife"? It has some really good reviews on Amazon.

 

[Justin727]

I've used chemical guys leather conditioner for a few years and loved it. Their cleaner isn't bad either.

Have good results with Griots all interior cleaner as well

 

[JayRolla]

Seen some old car restore guys that swear by peanut butter and oil, or olive oil. Peanut butter for real old leather. They work the oils into and it brings it back alive. Search it, they said it works wonders.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Seen some old car restore guys that swear by peanut butter and oil, or olive oil. Peanut butter for real old leather. They work the oils into and it brings it back alive. Search it, they said it works wonders.

Yeah but then it makes you want a pb&j sandwich every time you climb into your car

 

[JayRolla]

Yeah but then it makes you want a pb&j sandwich every time you climb into your car

Yea exactly. Mainly for restore I guess. LOL.