ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

Lexus: How to Deep Clean Old Leather

Keep your Lexus looking sharp by preserving the life of your interior.

By Bart Kempff - December 15, 2014

This article applies to the Lexus IS, GS, RX and ES (2005-2014).

The leather interior of a Lexus isn't invulnerable and will get dirty eventually. Many people falsely believe that there's nothing you can do to clean the old leather and bring it back to its original look and finish. Following the steps below, you will be able to clean, improve the look, and preserve the longevity of the leather in your Lexus IS for many years to come.

Materials Needed

  • Leather cleaner or homemade leather cleaning solution
  • Bucket of warm water
  • Clean microfiber towels and a lint-free cloth
  • Leather upholstery sunscreen solution

Step 1 - Choose a leather cleaner or make one at home

There are many choices for leather cleaning products available at your auto parts or local hardware store. There might even be leather cleaning products lying around the house that were used on furniture. Before using any leather cleaning product, be certain to double check that it is safe for automobile use. Also, smell the product. That scent will stick around the vehicle for a period of time after cleaning. Making a homemade solution is popular option, too. Just mix two parts linseed oil and one part vinegar into a spray bottle. This homemade solution is less abrasive than many of the over-the-counter brands, however some people do not care for the smell.

Figure 1. Lexus' genuine leather conditioner.

Step 2 - Perform a patch test on the leather interior of your Lexus IS

Before beginning the cleaning process, it is important to test the cleaning product on the leather interior. Take a small dab of the leather cleaning solution and apply it to an inconspicuous part of the leather interior. An area in the lower part of the back seat is a good place to start. Quickly wipe down the area to be tested with the water, wait for it to dry, then use the leather cleaning solution on the patch. Wait for five to ten minutes to see if there is any discoloration and check to see if the cleaning solution is working to your satisfaction. If everything looks good after the patch test, move on to Step 3 and continue cleaning the entire vehicle.

Figure 2. Test in an inconspicuous location like the one indicated above.

Step 3 - Wipe down the leather interior

Using the warm water and towels, wipe down all of the interior leather of your Lexus. You will also want to wipe down the dash and any other areas where you are applying the leather cleaner or sun protectant. Some owners will use a soft soap in the water, but unless your interior is extremely dirty, this is not necessary.

Figure 3. Wipe down the leather with a damp towel.

Step 4 - Spray on the leather cleaning solution

Using either the store bought or homemade solution, spray the leather cleaner on to the interior. Generally, you will only need two or three sprays on the area that you are cleaning.

Figure 4. Spray leather cleaning solution onto the surface.

Step 5 - Use the lint-free cloth to rub in the leather cleaning solution

Depending on the brand of leather cleaning solution, the cloth might need to be slightly moist to activate the foam in the cleaner. Many cleaners are self-foaming as well. Gently rub the leather cleaner into the surface using circular motions. Leave the leather cleaner on the surface for 10 to 15 minutes. Follow the bottle's instructions if it specifies a different time frame.

Figure 5. Rub leather cleaner into the surface with a microfiber towel.

Step 6 - Wipe off the leather cleaning solution

Using the dry end of the lint-free towel, wipe off the excess leather cleaning solution from the interior. If you believe that some areas have not been fully treated, go back to Step 5 and begin again.

Figure 6. Wipe off excess cleaner.

Step 7 - Apply the sunscreen protector

Confirm that you are using a sunscreen product that is safe for leather and interior surfaces. Typically, the sunscreen product can be sprayed onto all of the leather interiors, including the dash; however, you may want to use the dry end of the lint-free towel and rub the product in appropriately.

Figure 7. Apply a conditioner that contains sun protectant.

Featured Video: How to Clean Leather Seats

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