sleepi

iTrader: (1)

I recently purchase a new 2009 ES 350 would it be smart to use this on my seats or should I just leave it alone for now?

DetailMan

Most important thing for leather is to keep it clean and protected. I would remove whatever dressing the dealership applied, then apply the 303. However, I recommend you get Leather Masters cleaner and protectant from Detailers Domain.

Chris@GlimmerGlass

iTrader: (3)

There'd be nothing wrong w/ wiping them down w/ 303. In case you need a link to 303 stuff
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/303products.html

sleepi

iTrader: (1)

Thanks so much Chris I went ahead and purchase the 303 and 3 other products from that site. Also love the 15% off coupon. By any chance do you know what would be the best cleaner for me to use on the leather? I bought some Meguiars Gold Class Rich Leather cleaner/condition wipes. Wondering if that would be fine if I use those and after that apply the 303 product. Do you know how often I would need to apply the 303? Is it every time I use the Meguiars wipes?

DetailMan

The Megs wipes will remove 303. I dont want to keep pushing LM, but they offer some of the best dedicated leather products out there. I highly suggest you look into them.

sleepi

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the information I'm going to purchase the LM products and use them as cleaners and protectors instead of the megs. I'm best using the LM cleaner and condition first then the 303? Do you know how often someone should clean and conditioner there leather?

DetailMan

You dont need the LM conditioner, just the cleaner and protectant. Or you could just buy the cleaner and continue using 303.

Chris@GlimmerGlass

iTrader: (3)

IMO, you have a brand new vehicle and you wont need a leather cleaner for a while. I'd say at least 6mos. Just doing an occassional wipedown w/ the 303 will be plenty for right now.

Chris@GlimmerGlass

iTrader: (3)

and fwiw, whenever the time comes, consider Leatherique. Heres some info posted by another member along w/ a link. But again, I dont think these steps are necessary any time soon.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...rs-no-56k.html

http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/lepa.html

DetailMan

I recommended he clean the leather to remove whatever dressing the dealer put on it.

Chris@GlimmerGlass

iTrader: (3)

You sure they applied something to the seats? Just my .02, but I dont think he needs an expensive leather cleaner just b/c the dealer may have applied a dressing to the seats. Even if they did, there would be no harm in allowing it to wear off. I've never seen a set of seats go bad from the owner not removing an interior product after purchase, so I'm just curious why you think it'd be necessary.

DetailMan

Well hes got the car, so he will know whether or not the dealer applied something. If they didn't, he can simply wipe the leather to dust it off, or lightly spray a microfiber towel with water and use that. If they did apply a dressing, all it will do is cause the leather to be shiny, slippery and attract dirt. The crap they use serves no helpful purpose. Will the leather be ruined if he doesn't, no, but its a new car, might as well start off on the right foot.

eyezack87

iTrader: (4)

Erm, not knowing Lexus standards in "prepping" a car, but wouldn't the stuff they put on themselves be Lexol or the Lexus Leather Cleaner/Conditioner? Neither are the best nor the worst products out there but they do do their jobs. If that is the dressing they applied, I personally feel that it should be safe to leave it on there

Also, don't forget that the new cars have coated leathers, so rarely any of the chemicals really get "into" the leather to begin with . And yes, I do believe that it still does something, just nothing at its full potential thats all

DetailMan

Right, they really dont get into the leather. Which is why putting "conditioners" and what not on the leather will just cause the leather to attract dust. As a result, the coating will start to wear down.

jfelbab

One of the big issues with putting anything on protected leather is that it leaves a coating that attracts and holds dirt. Dirt is the enemy and will cause your leather to wear prematurely. Dirt will abrade and make your leather look shiny.

Proper leather care should clean and protect the leather without leaving an oily coating. Products that contan silicones or oils should never be used.

When cleaning the leather use a gentle PH balanced product. Don't use a lot of water or over-wet the seats. Work the cleaner gingerly with a foam pad or very soft bristle brush and after cleaning use a clean dampened MF to wipe off any traces of detergent and then use a couple of dry MF's to buff dry.

If you are going to protect your leather this will make the seats more resistant to dirt and easier to clean, apply it in a thin and even coat. Let dry then buff.

Don't confuse a conditioner with a protectant. In car paint terms, a conditioner is like a glaze and a protectant is like a sealant. One is oily one is not. A conditioner might make the seats feel different but it is the product sitting on the urethane coating you are feeling. This same film will attract dirt where a protectant will not feel oily and not attract or hang on to dirt. Your seats should neither feel slick nor grabby after you have finished.

FWIW, I use Leather Masters cleaners and protectant on my own vehicles every two to three months and can wholeheartedly recommend it. For a quick wipedown I use Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer.

Use of regular Woolite 1:10 (1:6 for heavily cleaning and up to 1:20 for light cleaning) makes a fine cleaner as well. Just be sure to wipe down any cleaning detergent with a damp MF to remove all traces of it and don't get the seats too wet. I've safely used this to clean many cars over the years.