A new leather thread

[Scott_R]

I've been debating about what leather cleaner/conditioner to buy, and I can't really find anything definitive about them--no "scientific" reviews.

I do have Lexol (both cleaner and conditioner), but I'm hesitant to start using it again. I do use it on a leather jacket of mine, but I'd also used them in my former car, a '99 Solara. The leather cracked and got that worn-cardboard look, but I don't know if that's because of or in spite of using the Lexol. To complicate things, I used them infrequently enough to further raise doubt: did I not use them enough to prevent cracking, did I use them enough to cause cracking, or was it irrelevant either way?

Anyway, I almost bought some Zymol today, but decided to further research the issue. I might get some Zaino leather cleaner, but I have a hard time convincing myself that the company does everything well. I like their polish, but how much leather experience do they have? Especially when it comes to the long-term.

I saw a couple of good notes about a product called Leatherique, but it's quite expensive ($25 before shipping costs for 8 oz of Rejuvinator Oil & 8 Oz Of Prestine Clean--their spelling, not mine), and I haven't heard much in-depth.

Anyone know of a good source of info for these various products?

[Jeannie]

You can buy leather cleaner and leather condtitioner in a shoe repair shop. Some shoe stores may have them but they'll probably be more expensive than your local 'shoemaker'.

You might also try a furniture store that specializes in selling leather furniture.

[fphinney]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ScottR @ Aug 1 2006, 03:08 PM) [snapback]295849[/snapback]</div>

I've been debating about what leather cleaner/conditioner to buy, and I can't really find anything definitive about them--no "scientific" reviews.

I do have Lexol (both cleaner and conditioner), but I'm hesitant to start using it again. I do use it on a leather jacket of mine, but I'd also used them in my former car, a '99 Solara. The leather cracked and got that worn-cardboard look, but I don't know if that's because of or in spite of using the Lexol. To complicate things, I used them infrequently enough to further raise doubt: did I not use them enough to prevent cracking, did I use them enough to cause cracking, or was it irrelevant either way?

Anyway, I almost bought some Zymol today, but decided to further research the issue. I might get some Zaino leather cleaner, but I have a hard time convincing myself that the company does everything well. I like their polish, but how much leather experience do they have? Especially when it comes to the long-term.

I saw a couple of good notes about a product called Leatherique, but it's quite expensive ($25 before shipping costs for 8 oz of Rejuvinator Oil & 8 Oz Of Prestine Clean--their spelling, not mine), and I haven't heard much in-depth.

Anyone know of a good source of info for these various products?
[/b]

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I picked up a product, just last week. I have a lot of faith in Magiures. Magiures makes a leather care product. I've tried it. Seems to not change the appearance of the leather.

[hwalker911]

You might want to check at a Tack Shop or Western Boot store. I used regular Saddle Soap with warm water to clean the seats on my MB, they used Mink Oil to condition them after they dry, seat still look new 1988 300 SE.

Good Luck!

[Godiva]

I don't have leather seats. I do have Priushoods leather glove box covers and driver's side cover.

I also have a leather couch.

I use Meguiar's leather cleaner and leather conditioner.

[priusenvy]

I switched from Lexol to Four Star a year or so ago based on glowing recommendations of Four Star on the car detailing forums at detailcity.org. I'm now switching back to Lexol. I wasn't that impressed with the Four Star product, and after seeing a video made by the manufacturers of Lexol, describing what is required in a leather protectant, and how they came up with their formula and the challenges they faced, I'm convinced they know more about leather care than any company whose business is auto detailing supplies (even if those companies are just buying drums of a product made by someone else).