Stained leather question
Stained leather question
I'm trying to help my father out he owns an 08 ls460 and a 2010 es330. My mother drives each of them occasionally and she has a big red leather belt she likes to wear. Both cars have tan interior and now both have red marks where her belt rubs against the seat. He took it to a place that does quick hand washes I would call them a semi professional detail shop and they could not get the red marks out. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Tom
Thanks,
Tom
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 308
Likes: 11
From: Hong Kong
i used this method to do my brother's RX but it was a last ditch effort.
problem: Brother had 4 pairs of same jeans with that stupid tag at the back.
Timeframe: About a year later, seat were blue and that tag area was Brown.
Tried: leather cleaners, etc.... didn't work.
Final solution: Magic Eraser (BE VERY CAREFULL CAN COMPLETELY REMOVE THE LEATHER DYE) and a leather conditioner product, NOT leather cleaner!!
Let leather conditioner sit on area for 5 mins...start magic eraser on it using cicular pattern and no pressure....apply very slight pressure if it doesn't come off and stop after a minute if its not working.
*Note* - i have been hearing wonders about leatherique line of rejuvinator oil and cleaner...wish i had the money back then for this.
problem: Brother had 4 pairs of same jeans with that stupid tag at the back.
Timeframe: About a year later, seat were blue and that tag area was Brown.
Tried: leather cleaners, etc.... didn't work.
Final solution: Magic Eraser (BE VERY CAREFULL CAN COMPLETELY REMOVE THE LEATHER DYE) and a leather conditioner product, NOT leather cleaner!!
Let leather conditioner sit on area for 5 mins...start magic eraser on it using cicular pattern and no pressure....apply very slight pressure if it doesn't come off and stop after a minute if its not working.
*Note* - i have been hearing wonders about leatherique line of rejuvinator oil and cleaner...wish i had the money back then for this.
Last edited by RuninRoach; Jul 4, 2011 at 11:29 PM. Reason: add note about leatherique.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,283
Likes: 63
From: FL
What has occurred is dye transfer. The dye from the belt has penetrated the Urethane topcoat of the tan leather. You can use leather cleaners and over time the stain will likely lessen and may even mostly disappear.
Using a magic eraser is like using sandpaper on your paint. You may wind up compromising the topcoat, both the color and finish, and that area will soil quicker. You also run the risk of sanding right through the topcoat and exposing the raw leather underneath. Better to live with the stain and clean it often and see if it fades over time.
You can prevent it from happening. Use of a leather protectant like Leather Masters Protection cream leaves a sealant like coating on the leather that prevents this dye transfer.
If you absolutely can't live with the stain, take it to a leather repair shop where they will re-dye and respray the topcoat.
Using a magic eraser is like using sandpaper on your paint. You may wind up compromising the topcoat, both the color and finish, and that area will soil quicker. You also run the risk of sanding right through the topcoat and exposing the raw leather underneath. Better to live with the stain and clean it often and see if it fades over time.
You can prevent it from happening. Use of a leather protectant like Leather Masters Protection cream leaves a sealant like coating on the leather that prevents this dye transfer.
If you absolutely can't live with the stain, take it to a leather repair shop where they will re-dye and respray the topcoat.
Rookie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: fl
Runninroach is not kidding,use Magic Eraser carefully.It was doing a great job cleaning IS seat 10-12 times but when cleaning it the last time a dark spot appeared and I rubbed a little harder and it got bigger,I had gone through polyurethane color coat.
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 308
Likes: 11
From: Hong Kong
yeah, Magic eraser is something that God sent down to man to help with tough stains. With its power came responsibility and one that yields this tool has to understand its divine nature to do good when used moderately and to destroy when used in excess!
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+1 for the Magic eraser
I can't stress it enough, BE SUPER CAREFUL! And get yourself a really good leather CONDITIONER. Make sure to condition the spot immediately after cleaning the spot. Also, if you want to kick it up a notch, dip the magic eraser into a bucket of warm water with oxiclean. GL
I can't stress it enough, BE SUPER CAREFUL! And get yourself a really good leather CONDITIONER. Make sure to condition the spot immediately after cleaning the spot. Also, if you want to kick it up a notch, dip the magic eraser into a bucket of warm water with oxiclean. GL
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 707
Likes: 1
From: ON
leather conditioner doesn't really do anything for coated leather. Better to get a protection cream or spray protectant like Ultima Interior Guard that will help repel stains.
Apparently, Carpro and Optimum are coming out with coatings for leather soon that are similar to the exterior coatings they make (cquartz & opticoat)...
methinks that should make all you tan interior guys out there very happy...
Apparently, Carpro and Optimum are coming out with coatings for leather soon that are similar to the exterior coatings they make (cquartz & opticoat)...
methinks that should make all you tan interior guys out there very happy...
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: NH
Assuming the stain has already happened:
Go to the grocery store and purchase a bottle of murphy's oil soap. It'll probably be with the floor cleaners as it's normally used on wood floors.
Take a damp washcloth (not sponge, it will be too wet). Apply liquid soap directly to stain with one side of washcloth, then wipe off giving a gentle scrub with the cloth.
This SHOULD lift the stain. If it does not, you will probably need to have it professionally removed.
It WILL NOT remove or damage a poly coat, it's a gentle cleaner.
A magic eraser will also work but I caution you to seal the leather immediately afterward.
EDIT: Disclaimer, I am not responsible if you try this and it doesn't work or damages your leather. It should work fine but I do not know the wear on your seats, or what caused the stain.
Go to the grocery store and purchase a bottle of murphy's oil soap. It'll probably be with the floor cleaners as it's normally used on wood floors.
Take a damp washcloth (not sponge, it will be too wet). Apply liquid soap directly to stain with one side of washcloth, then wipe off giving a gentle scrub with the cloth.
This SHOULD lift the stain. If it does not, you will probably need to have it professionally removed.
It WILL NOT remove or damage a poly coat, it's a gentle cleaner.
A magic eraser will also work but I caution you to seal the leather immediately afterward.
EDIT: Disclaimer, I am not responsible if you try this and it doesn't work or damages your leather. It should work fine but I do not know the wear on your seats, or what caused the stain.
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