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Hi jfelbab, which Leather Masters Cleaner should I purchase from Amazon, please? I see they list a Strong Cleaner, Soft Cleaner, and a Nubuck Foaming Cleaner. I'm not sure which one to get. Thank you.
I use the strong cleaner and mix it 50/50 with hot water for al but the most soiled leather.
I have been using the Lexus brand leather cleaner (picture attached) and it quickly cleans practically any stains. I would then apply the Lexus brand leather "conditioner" and the seats in my SC430 (46K miles with the light ecru/tan leather) look, feel practically new. These also leave a new car smell (I don't like Lexol - greasy without the new car smell)
Jim (jfelbab), any thoughts on how the Leather Masters Strong Cleaner and the Leather Masters Leather Protection Cream compare to the Lexus brand "equivalents"? Does the cleaner work as fast? Thanks.
I have been using the Lexus brand leather cleaner (picture attached) and it quickly cleans practically any stains. I would then apply the Lexus brand leather "conditioner" and the seats in my SC430 (46K miles with the light ecru/tan leather) look, feel practically new. These also leave a new car smell (I don't like Lexol - greasy without the new car smell)
Jim (jfelbab), any thoughts on how the Leather Masters Strong Cleaner and the Leather Masters Leather Protection Cream compare to the Lexus brand "equivalents"? Does the cleaner work as fast? Thanks.
Thanks for sharing, MyLS460. Does the Lexus-brand leather cleaner/conditioner leave behind a shiny or oily surface? I received my Leather Masters Strong Cleaner but haven't had a chance to use it yet, nor the Protection Cream.
My opinion... the Leather Masters cleaner works better and is more versatile. I previously mentioned I buy the LM Strong Leather Cleaner and dilute it 50/50 with hot water. This makes for a very effective cleaner that is also quite affordable. For heavier soiling I add less hot water to strengthen the detergent ratio. Frankly, I was not all that impressed with the Lexus leather products but in fairness, I've not used them in about 10 years. I suspect it is a rebranded product, likely the same product that all other auto manufacturers also sell in their parts department. I find it telling that Lexus does not recommend these products in their owners manual.
IMO leather conditioners, as a class, are not very useful on coated leather. There is a difference between a conditioner and a protectant. Conditioners are typically oily or waxy and cannot penetrate the leather topcoat to do anything for the leather. Conditioners do not inhibit dye transfer like a protectant will. I only use protectants on my leather.
Sadly there is not a universally accepted definition of what a leather conditioner is or what a leather protector is. I've found that water based fluorocarbon protectors are my product of choice for keeping leather stain free and pristine. Finding which products contain fluorocarbon protectors and to what level is often difficult. Many manufacturers don't want to divulge what is in their bottle. Products that contain oils, aloe, lanolin, silicone, etc., are not desirable.
Thanks for sharing, MyLS460. Does the Lexus-brand leather cleaner/conditioner leave behind a shiny or oily surface? I received my Leather Masters Strong Cleaner but haven't had a chance to use it yet, nor the Protection Cream.
Not at all. After applying/cleaning/wiping (really the same action, turn/replace the lint-free cleaning cloth as often as needed to avoid spreading the dirt/grime around - any stains not easily removable, I'd use a soft toothbrush to scrub out in circular motion), apply/spread/rub down the leather conditioner to the cleaned surface area. Allow for it to dry and voila - done! The leather will not be shiny or oily but rather feel and smell as new. A shiny piece of leather is just not luxurious.
All said, I am interested in learning more about the Leather Masters products. Good luck!
With all the suggestions for leather cleaners that can be confusing, the attached link with "View poll results" for the various options can be quite helpful.
NuLuxe is an engineered leather or faux leather. It should be cleaned with the same methods and products as coated leather. NuLuxe does not benefit from leather conditioners and yet will resist stains and dye transfer with a water-based fluorocarbon protectant like Leather Master Leather Protectant.
Lexus has suggested cleaner with their name on it but like most car leather, it has been "processed " to the point where It does not matter that much. I know others will not agree as this can turn into almost a religious thing of do's and don'ts. Main thing is after cleaning to apply a conditioner to keep the surface from drying out to prevent cracks.
Bought a bottle of Leather Master Strong Ckeaner for Leather, a bottle of Leather Master Leather Protection Cream and a bottle of Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer Cleaner - my assessments are (scoring is 1 to 10, 10 being best).
- LM Strong Cleaner Vs. "Lexus" Genuine Leather Cleaner (officially no longer available but can be found on line): 7 for LM, 9 for Lexus as it can take out heavy stains, ink marks with little effort; that said, I am satisfied with the LM Cleaner.
- LM Leather Protection Cream vs. "Lexus" leather conditioner: 9 for LM, 9 for Lexus. LM is lighter and easier to apply; Lexus, thicker but leaves a new leather smell. None stinks as some folks have implied. LM is a bit pricier per fluid ounce.
- Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer Cleaner - a great alternative to other cleaners with UV protectant and is safe on leather (for light cleaning) with a reasonable fragrance (some may not like) that goes away after the cleaning/wipe down.
There, you won't do wrong with these LM and Meguiar's products.
05-08-16, 06:54 PM
