Semi-aniline leather?
Semi-aniline leather?
My wife has an 04 LS430 Custom Luxury. It has the perforated black leather interior. Is it semi-aniline? I did a search and came across this thread as I want to make sure I'm cleaning and conditioning it correctly.
Thanks
Thanks
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,810
Likes: 15
From: MI
I believe if your wife's car has custom or ultra luxury levels (has headlamp washers) with black leather, it is semi-aniline. With the 04-06 custom and ultra luxury levels, there was also a required leather upgrade: semi-aniline (black) or comfort leather (ecru or saddle).
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CL Community Team
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,916
Likes: 227
From: Alabama
The important thing is to remove any trace of dirt and abrasives before you rub in any cleaner or conditioner.
I always start my leather cleaning routine by vacuuming the seating surface with my shop vac making sure all dirt and potential grit and abrasives are removed from the leather and the seam cracks. Then I use a very lightly water damped microfiber towel - wiping down all seating surfaces. Then I follow up with a soft white cotton towel to dry any remaining dampness. no scrubbing - be gentle or you will damage the leather. I repeat as long as the white towel shows dirt - repeat until the white towel stays white instead of showing any dirt pickup.
Then I use a quality leather cleaner and conditioner like Lexol, Mequires, Zimol - I use various products and rotate them to put oils and conditioners back into the leather.
I always start my leather cleaning routine by vacuuming the seating surface with my shop vac making sure all dirt and potential grit and abrasives are removed from the leather and the seam cracks. Then I use a very lightly water damped microfiber towel - wiping down all seating surfaces. Then I follow up with a soft white cotton towel to dry any remaining dampness. no scrubbing - be gentle or you will damage the leather. I repeat as long as the white towel shows dirt - repeat until the white towel stays white instead of showing any dirt pickup.
Then I use a quality leather cleaner and conditioner like Lexol, Mequires, Zimol - I use various products and rotate them to put oils and conditioners back into the leather.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,489
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From: AZ
In 1991 when I bought my 1992 SC400 I found Lexol to be my favorite brand. Their instructions pointed out that leather hide is skin and you should treat it just as you do your own skin. They recommended washing with a very wet cloth with their cleaner as soap, following with a clean wet cloth to remove the soap, and then drying with a towel. Made a lot of sense to me. However, I don't know if that philosophy is holds, as leathers are now treat and coating added which even prevent conditioners from actually being absorbed into the leather.
In 1991 when I bought my 1992 SC400 I found Lexol to be my favorite brand. Their instructions pointed out that leather hide is skin and you should treat it just as you do your own skin. They recommended washing with a very wet cloth with their cleaner as soap, following with a clean wet cloth to remove the soap, and then drying with a towel. Made a lot of sense to me. However, I don't know if that philosophy is holds, as leathers are now treat and coating added which even prevent conditioners from actually being absorbed into the leather.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 107
From: AZ
I forgot to mention in my previous post that Lexol also suggested that you apply conditioner with your bare hands and rub it in just as you would use lotion on your body. I've always done that. It would seem to rub in and you could tell when to stop, let it dry a bit and buff it dry.
I still use conditioner on my LS430 just as I had always done. I can't tell that it rubs in, but it gives you a good feel as to whether you've covered all the surfaces, softens up your hands, and gives the car that leather smell. That's good enough for me! I've actually read in the car car section that our cars leather is coated and conditioners don't do any good. But then again why do the Lexus dealers sell conditioner?
I still use conditioner on my LS430 just as I had always done. I can't tell that it rubs in, but it gives you a good feel as to whether you've covered all the surfaces, softens up your hands, and gives the car that leather smell. That's good enough for me! I've actually read in the car car section that our cars leather is coated and conditioners don't do any good. But then again why do the Lexus dealers sell conditioner?
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