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PSA: Lexol Leather Cleaner
Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2023 6:40 pm
by Tom
Don't use Lexol on your new Porsche seats!
I've used Lexol over the years to clean car interiors, and have never thought much of it, other than it is super mild and rarely cleans much. I was fine with that because it seemed safe anyway. A few weeks ago, I spilled some Purell on the black leather seat in my 992 . I wiped it off and then 'cleaned' the area with Lexol. Unfortunately, the Lexol darkened the leather -- it was subtle, but very clearly 'stained" darker everywhere I had used the Lexol (even areas where I had not spilled the Purell). I tried letting it dry for several hot days to no avail, and I tried cleaning it with a water-damp towel hoping there was a residue that might come up.
Nothing worked, so I called
@Crazy Eddie, the leather bolster king. He was able to completely remove the dark patches with a product called "Malco Leather and Plastic Interior Cleaner." He tells me this is very popular stuff among pro upholstery shops. Not only did it remove the Lexol blotches, but he used it on my bolsters too and it removed any hint of 'shine' and made it look brand new and unused again.
I ended up buying a jug of it on Amazon and am already loving it. The Lexol is going in the garbage can. That is all.
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Re: PSA: Lexol Leather Cleaner
Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2023 6:58 pm
by blueline
That's great to know - thank you Tom and Eddie.
I've heard/read rumors the past several years regarding issues with Lexol products but never knew if they were true. I have new, unused bottles of the supposed "good" kit of their Cleaner and their Conditioner. Had them out to use but it wasn't a priority and I've been too busy so they've sat for months on the garage counter. I think I need to follow Tom's and Eddie's advice to toss them.
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To the trash I guess!
Re: PSA: Lexol Leather Cleaner
Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2023 7:02 pm
by blueline
The containers I have are different but I imagine the same product is inside.
Tom, was your Lexol old?
Regarding the new stuff Eddie put you on to, it looks like one product does it all - no 2-step, correct?
Re: PSA: Lexol Leather Cleaner
Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2023 7:05 pm
by Tom
I can't speak for all Lexol products, just the standard one in the orange bottle. I can't help but mention, however, that some (but not all) lexol products are advertised with 'non-darkening formulas' -- which would lead me to guess they are aware their other products darken leather.... Either way, the Malco stuff is awesome and I can vouch for it on Porsche leather.
- lexol non-darkening.jpg (350.49 KiB) Viewed 3477 times
Re: PSA: Lexol Leather Cleaner
Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2023 7:12 pm
by blueline
Thinking about it further, leather in newer cars that don't get driven much probably don't need a lot of cleaning but they will need some and the leather does need to be fed/conditioned, at least occasionally.
It's difficult to know what's good and what's bad.
Re: PSA: Lexol Leather Cleaner
Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2023 7:53 pm
by Crazy Eddie
Tom wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 6:40 pm
Don't use Lexol on your new Porsche seats!
I've used Lexol over the years to clean car interiors, and have never thought much of it, other than it is super mild and rarely cleans much. I was fine with that because it seemed safe anyway. A few weeks ago, I spilled some Purell on the black leather seat in my 992 . I wiped it off and then 'cleaned' the area with Lexol. Unfortunately, the Lexol darkened the leather -- it was subtle, but very clearly 'stained" darker everywhere I had used the Lexol (even areas where I had not spilled the Purell). I tried letting it dry for several hot days to no avail, and I tried cleaning it with a water-damp towel hoping there was a residue that might come up.
Nothing worked, so I called @Crazy Eddie, the leather bolster king. He was able to completely remove the dark patches with a product called "Malco Leather and Plastic Interior Cleaner." He tells me this is very popular stuff among pro upholstery shops. Not only did it remove the Lexol blotches, but he used it on my bolsters too and it removed any hint of 'shine' and made it look brand new and unused again.
I ended up buying a jug of it on Amazon and am already loving it. The Lexol is going in the garbage can. That is all.
lexol.gif
What!! no left handed complement
Re: PSA: Lexol Leather Cleaner
Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2023 8:19 pm
by Tom
Crazy Eddie wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 7:53 pm
What!! no left handed complement
My apologies. Long day and I didn't have the energy. Also, you saved my seat so I figured I'd give you the day off.
Re: PSA: Lexol Leather Cleaner
Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2023 8:20 pm
by Crazy Eddie
Tom wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 8:19 pm
Crazy Eddie wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 7:53 pm
What!! no left handed complement
My apologies. Long day and I didn't have the energy. Also, you saved my seat so I figured I'd give you the day off.
Re: PSA: Lexol Leather Cleaner
Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2023 8:52 pm
by Larry C
Car leather, even the semi-aniline, have a protective coating. My detailer has only used a slightly damp cloth on my cars’ leather over the last 40+ years. I’ll ask him what he uses for stains but I don’t think it’s a Lexol product.
Re: PSA: Lexol Leather Cleaner
Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2023 9:19 pm
by blueline
Larry C wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 8:52 pm
Car leather, even the semi-aniline, have a protective coating. My detailer has only used a slightly damp cloth on my cars’ leather over the last 40+ years. I’ll ask him what he uses for stains but I don’t think it’s a Lexol product.
Slightly damp is probably great advice. I would definitely like to know what he uses if/when he has to clean leather. Also, please ask if he uses the cleaner only when absolutely necessary and if he uses any kind of leather conditioner or if the product is an all-in-one. Thanks Larry.
