Interior Cleaning

[chris_eitniear]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 2001 Le Sabre Custom with leather seats. I've been using Lexor to clean and condition the seats, only because I can't find Zymol in my area. It works well enough, I suppose, but I'm wondering what to use to clean and protect other stuff like the dash pad, and door panels, etc. I've been using Armor All for those, but I'm not really impressed with it. I should add that I'm a bit fanatical about keeping the car in good shape and would like to have it look as good in 10 years as it does now, so what's the best on the market that can be gotten in a rural area?

['97ventureowner]

Since you can't purchase Zymol in your area , have you ever thought about buying it online? I did a Google search and there are a few sources you can check out to see who has the best prices with shipping. That is what I have done in the past when I could no longer get an item I needed and was pleased with it's performance Sometimes a product may be discontinued or ceased being sold in certain areas, but still be available online.

[chris_eitniear]

Yeah, that's a good idea. I just don't like to buy online because that usually means using a credit card, but I see that one of the places accepts paypal for ordering, so that's probably who I'll go with.

Thanks for the tip!

[polarzak]

Hey, Chris...that car looks just like my wife's. Beautiful cars. I use Lexoil for my leather and have been happy with the cleaner and conditioner. Why do you feel
Zymol is better?

I use ArmorAll low sheen on the door panels/dash. Works for me.

[chris_eitniear]

Originally Posted by polarzak

Hey, Chris...that car looks just like my wife's. Beautiful cars. I use Lexoil for my leather and have been happy with the cleaner and conditioner. Why do you feel
Zymol is better?

The Lexol does work pretty well; it makes the leather quite soft for a while, however I bought this car about six weeks ago and I don't think the previous owner ever did anything with the seats. Zymol is supposed to not only condition the leather but return it as close to new as possible. I know that's quite a claim, but I've been using Zymol wax for a couple of years now and its the best stuff I've ever used. If their leather conditioner is half as good as they claim, it should be just the stuff I need. The seats aren't terrible, but they do show a bit more wear than they should.

Originally Posted by polarzak

I use ArmorAll low sheen on the door panels/dash. Works for me.

I can't get the low sheen Armor All here. I'm pretty much limited to what's on the shelf at the local Walmart or Advance Auto, and all they carry is the original formula, which puts too high of a gloss on the dash. The reflection in the windshield on a sunny day is terrible.

I figure that if I'm going to have to order online to get something different, I might as well order from a line of products that I've been satisfied with.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by chris_eitniear

Yeah, that's a good idea. I just don't like to buy online because that usually means using a credit card, but I see that one of the places accepts paypal for ordering, so that's probably who I'll go with.

Thanks for the tip!

Check with your credit card issuer(s) as some have a new feature with "virtual credit card numbers" that are what I would call "one time use/disposable" that way it's harder for someone to get ahold of that number and use it for other purchases. The info for these is on their website. I have many cards and know a few of them offer this option. That way if a site doesn't take PayPal, then you're covered.

[HotZ28]

I have several bottles of Lexor and Zymol in my mass supply of leather conditioners. I have quit using both of them, since Armor-All came out with their “Leather Conditioning GEL”. It works better; smells better and last longer than the other top rated brands! Try it and you will like it!

[polarzak]

Originally Posted by HotZ28

I have several bottles of Lexor and Zymol in my mass supply of leather conditioners. I have quit using both of them, since Armor-All came out with their “Leather Conditioning GEL”. It works better; smells better and last longer than the other top rated brands! Try it and you will like it!

Thanks for the tip. Does it leave the leather shiny or like original? I like Lexol for the protection, but I am not fond of the shiny look that it leaves. While it is great for Equestrian leather, I might try the Armor-All Leather Conditioning for my car if it is low or no sheen.

Also, Thanks Chris for the reply

[HotZ28]

Armor-All will dry to a natural leather appearance, (no shine) just like saddle soap.

[polarzak]

Thanks..I will give it a try this weekend.

[jase386]

the company that makes Lexol, also makes a product for plastic and vinyl called vinylex. it is engineered like the Lexol, to restore the materials natural moisture so it doesnt crack.

have had several different upholstery people tell me that armor-all products have a chemical in them which extracts the natural moisture and replaces the material with the armor-all chemical, and when you stop using the armor-all it cracks all to hell. i use lexol on my leather. and vinylex on my plastic. its not slick.


lexol brought back hard, crackly leather in my lincoln also.

[polarzak]

Originally Posted by HotZ28

Armor-All will dry to a natural leather appearance, (no shine) just like saddle soap.

Sorry, HotZ28, it does not. I bought the Armor-All today and tired it. Now my test spot shines like my bald headed uncle. I use saddle soap on my saddles, sports jackets, etc. and it is fine for that application. GM leather is coated, and seems to welcome a shine. It is a different leather process than Equestrian leather, soft glove leather like a sports jacket, so while I appreciate your suggestion, Armor-All is not what I am looking for. $8.00 in the garbage.

[chris_eitniear]

Originally Posted by polarzak

Sorry, HotZ28, it does not. I bought the Armor-All today and tired it. Now my test spot shines like my bald headed uncle. I use saddle soap on my saddles, sports jackets, etc. and it is fine for that application. GM leather is coated, and seems to welcome a shine. It is a different leather process than Equestrian leather, soft glove leather like a sports jacket, so while I appreciate your suggestion, Armor-All is not what I am looking for. $8.00 in the garbage.

I'll probably be getting some Zymol Treat Leather Conditioner in the mail sometime next week, and I'll let you know how that works out for me.

[HotZ28]

Polarzak, sorry to here about your “shiny spot” experience using Armor-All Gel!
After reading your post, I did some research on what may be some difference in leather products used in the LeSabre and PA. I have two PA’s & two LeSabre. The PA leather is definitely different from the LeSabre. The PA is much softer (like a glove) and does not shine like the LeSabre leather when using conditioner. Of course, both of my PA’s have neutral (tan) leather and one LeSabre burgundy and the other blue leather. I tried some “gel” on the blue one, and it did appear to leave somewhat of a shine, however, after it dried & wiped down with a towel the shine was no longer apparent. BTW, for best results using any type of conditioner, the leather needs to be very warm. I usually apply conditioner after the car has been sitting in the hot sun for several hours with the windows closed. That equals about 125-135 deg where I live.

[polarzak]

Originally Posted by HotZ28

Polarzak, sorry to here about your “shiny spot” experience using Armor-All Gel!
I usually apply conditioner after the car has been sitting in the hot sun for several hours with the windows closed. That equals about 125-135 deg where I live.

Hey, no problem HotZ28. It was worth a try and I can use it for something else.
I might try it again using your leaving the car in the sun method. It was only about 65 in the garage last night when I tested so the seats were definitely not warm.
Thanks.