What's the best leather conditioner to prevent cracks?

wakeskate420 · 01-12-2010, 10:10 AM

I live in Virginia, and though it's not below 0 here, it definitely get's below freezing. My leather has creases in it where i sit, and I noticed a minimal amount of cracking. I've been using McGuire's leather cleaner and conditioner (in one) and haven't been getting good results. The leather seems to stay dry or unmoisturized and very vulnerable to cracking. I understand that McGuire's is top of the line but maybe not for leather products. Anyone have any luck with other products? Thanks.

**grogie** · 01-12-2010, 12:54 PM

I've been using Meguiars as well on the leather in my wife's daily driver KJ. I just upgraded to their gold, but I've noticed that it is both a cleaner and conditioner in one, and that Zaino has an individual cleaner and conditioner which I think I'll try instead (I currently use their paint care products). Now I will add that only the driver's seat has some cracks were the passenger seat does not, so I suspect the cracks are coming from the driver's seat not being conditioned enough for it's use, plus dirt builds up, then gets rubbed in.

thecommander · 01-12-2010, 01:11 PM

i always use maguiars gold on my leather. never had a crack yet!

MissKays01WJ · 01-12-2010, 04:20 PM

Go to a tack shop or any kind of farm supply store and get some leather saddle cleaner. It'll help keep it moist and conditioned. I'm sure they can point you in the direction of a good saddle cleaner. It has always seemed to work fine for me. Then again that's what I had laying around. Good luck

BigE3 · 01-12-2010, 04:56 PM

If its real leather. use the stuff they use on horse saddles.

**squashman702** · 01-12-2010, 05:10 PM

Lexol cleaner, then Lexol conditioner. Keeps the 5.9 fresh!

wickerham · 01-13-2010, 08:19 PM

Meguiars here......no cracks

93jeepyj · 01-13-2010, 08:23 PM

x2 on the lexol I got some black leather seats from a junkyard in sad shape for my first car and that stuff did wonders, I can only immagine if they were in decent shape to begin with.

RhinofiedZJ · 01-13-2010, 08:35 PM

Lexol I don't have leather but I use the blue bottle on dirt on my dash whenever I get back from mudding and it gets the stain off better than any other kind of interior detailer.

MudMenace · 01-13-2010, 08:44 PM

I use Duragloss from napa parts stores, it's none silicone base. Works great! I detail cars for a living and my clients are pleased with it.

Greengc4x4 · 01-13-2010, 09:30 PM

Meguiars is far from top of the line

2xturbo · 01-14-2010, 09:56 AM

Best cleaner is some water with mild soap. (I used to work for the the largest OEM leather supplier and that's what we recommended)

Bets conditioner is personal preference, I like lexol products. I've been using Meguiar's recently as that was all I had laying around and it really sucks.

wakeskate420 · 01-14-2010, 10:35 AM

McGuires is dirt, Lexol it is

Mike1084 · 01-14-2010, 10:52 AM

The basic idea behind leather conditioning is to replace the natural oils that the leather loses during daily wear. If leather get wet when it dries the natural oils gets pulled out too. How often you apply a conditioner depends on conditions in you area and on how hard and how much use the leather sees.
I use mink oil on my boots, cars seats and occasionally my leather jacket. The leather absorbs the oil and repels water and dirt. The only thing I can say against it is if get really cold the leather is not as soft as if using Lexol.
Dont apply anything to leather if its wet.

**BlackDaddyZJ** · 01-14-2010, 01:00 PM

I dont have leather seats in my zj but my parents have leather in their suburban and we have stp son of a gun and it works amazing. I use it on tires, plastic cladding, bumpers and interior plastics and everything looks amazing. although, you might have a hard time finding it, we bought a ton of it and i havent been able to find any anywhere around anymore.