So...the interior of my LS 430 is just about to be 20 years old (it's a Nov 2004 vehicle), and there are definitely some smells and stains. What have you used to clean the interior, including the carpeted floormats?
My primary concern is destroying what is now very very old fabric at this point, and rather leave things be than replace. I've uh....never actually cleaned the inside of a car before.

Please only answer if you've actually used the products yourself on your own LS 430

Thanks!

 

I've had it cleaned professionally once or twice over the years. For general cleaning, I read about and have used woolite diluted as safe. I have not applied leather conditioner myself. Found this: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/aut...are-ls430.html

As you pointed out fabrics can be fragile. My side pillars near set belts have some fraying, and my Alcantara headliner (ultra lux) has some serious worn-away spots and pilling near driver door from moment I got my 2005 in 2009. Not sure how that happened i first place... a very tall driver?

The woolite helps with grime but is no miracle worker. Grease stains from seat belts caught in door remained, etc.

 

Our onwer's manuals only state the dilluted Woolite solution. I emailed Lexus.com about it once and asked what else I would do to the leather and they responded they could not comment beyond the owners manual. Interesting. I still run Lexol cleaner and conditioner over it 2 or 3 times per year. As for carpets, I just don't like how much soap they use, always too much. I always request as little soap as possible and extra rinse. Fortuntely I have not had to have anything done to my current car.

 

I just got my LS430 about a month ago and it definitely needs gone through.... I will probably remove the front seats and take it over to carpet cleaning company locally and have them steam clean it and use an enzyme spray to break down any food particles and just a regular soap solution they find that works... and put a big fan on it to dry it out quickly. I live in a dry climate so no worries for mildew.

The interior I have had huge success with leather on my 2011 ES350 using Griot's Garage Odor neutralizing Leather cleaner. Then follow up with Bick 4 leather Conditioner (its inexpensive and hydrates the leather - actually a cowboy boot product and doesn't color - I have 8 pairs - so I've used it a lot) Then I follow up with Meguiar's Ultimate Leather Detailer... leaves the leather with an amazing smell and does protect it well.

another product worthy of mention is Chemical Guys VRP for Vinyl and Plastic.... It provides UV protection and has a beautiful sheen (not oily and looks new) that holds up for a long time.... My dash on the ES350 gets compliments all the time And I've used it on my black exterior trim on my 02 Tundra and looks fantastic. use it 2 times a year on exterior and 1 time interior.

Just bought Torq polisher and will go through the paint with cut and polish after I clay brick it and use an iron remover from Adam's... and also have some paint touch up and clear coat.
Then apply Adam's Advanced Graphene Ceramic Coating. Good for 10 years... bit pricey 130.00 - probably the best stuff out there.
When I nerd out on stuff and go down the rabbit hole. I look for the best solutions.

Forgot to mention using just regular baking soda can kill odors too... leave it on for a few days and then use a strong vacuum to remove.

 

For carpets, I use Folex. I just go over the heavy traffic areas every time after I vacuum. The carpet was this filthy after I brought the car home. It didn't occur to me to lift up the paper floor mats dealer uses. You can find Folex at Home Depot. Works on the factory carpet floor mats as well.

Before first use of Folex.


After first use.

 

anytime i buy a used car, i take the carpet out and pressure wash it. I typically put a mix of Oxy-clean and dawn dish soap, let that sit for 1 hour, then pressure wash. The carpet will look and smell as close to new as possible. Just let it dry for 2-3 days before putting back in.
This before and after picture is from a beatup Landcruiser I bought this summer. I was amazed at how clean I was able to get the carpet, it almost looks and smells new