It's a really nice car with 112,000 miles. No real cosmetic abuse evident, but the off-white leather won't come clean. I've tried Lexol and the Woolite thing with just minimal results. The leather is still supple and not cracked. Is there another cleaning option or am I facing a dye job? I'll dye it if I have to- the car is that good otherwise. Your advice is appreciated.

Any good leather cleaner. NOT crap over the counter from WalMart. Good quality leather cleaner. If you have the money I suggest nothing but Leatherique http://www.leatherique.com/

If you don't have that kind of cash I use the leather cleaner form Gary's place. Perfect Auto Finish http://www.perfectautofinish.com/

You can also use stuff form Zainos http://www.zainostore.com/ and Griots Garage.http://www.griotsgarage.com/

All of these products are top notch but Leatherique is definitely the world renowned leather cleaner. Additionally use a horse hair brush for spots that need some agitaiton.

MLinn.....If you're able to shop locally, or maybe online, find a can of saddle soap. It's exactly that. Been used for 200 years, and it works. Ask Roy Rogers.........;)

Thanks for your quick replies!

Mike

If you dont mind some minor abuse to your leather, you can use steel wool lightly and some all purpose cleaner. It is extremely abrasive so I don't recommend doing it a lot, but when I come across cars with white leather that havent been taken care of thats what I use. Clean it once with the steel wool, and then keep it clean so you dont have to use it again.

Try an apc like p21s total auto wash. I use that on a lot of details where the leather seems stained to no end, but after some work, usually comes clean. I'll post some pics when I get home.

Thanks for the help.

I'm just waiting for warmer weather here in Ohio!

I like the Lexol cleaner and conditioner, but when I got my '02 with shale seats, they were quite dirty and the Lexol cleaner didn't quite cut it. Surprisingly, Lexol's plastic and vinyl cleaner did. I think it's called Vinylex...? It's in the same kind of bottle as Lexol, only it's blue. I used that first, and it took off all the dirt without hurting the leather. Then followed that by regular Lexol cleaner, then conditioner. Good as new.

I recommend Saddle Soap. Take a terrycloth wash cloth (or shop towel), scoop on some Saddle Soap, wet the towel with some warm water, and wash with rubbing and some pressure (just like washing your own skin). Then wipe with plain watery wash cloth (no saddle soap). Depending on the soil level, you may need to repeat several times. For leather polish, I like Meguiars.

Another vote for Saddle Soap. Follow the directions on the can. Then follow up with a leather conditioner (there are many fine products out there). Let us know how you make out.