Simple Green and Leather Cleaning...

**BRUHA** · 11-20-2004, 03:57 PM

Has anyone used Simple Green to clean their leather???

**mynci** · 11-20-2004, 04:25 PM

No, not me. I`d recommend against it. Here`s a little info from their website regarding their All-Purpose Wipes:

Is it safe to use Lemon Scent Simple Green All-Purpose Wipes on leather?

The rule of thumb is, "If it is safe to pour water on it, you can clean it with Simple Green." Most leather will not tolerate water. It becomes hard and dry. Therefore, it is not a good idea to use Lemon Scent Simple Green All-Purpose Wipes on leather, suede, dry-clean only fabrics such as some silks, velvets, etc.

http://consumer.simplegreen.com/cons_prod_lwip_faqs.php

I suppose it`s relatively safe to pour water onto coated leather but as there are safer cleaners out there, I`d still recommend against using Simple Green on leather, whether it be coated or not.

**Jngrbrdman** · 11-20-2004, 04:50 PM

:yeah That is exactly right. Simple Green will dry the crap out of you leather and leave it very hazy and stained. I wouldn`t even use it diluted down. They make leather cleaner for a reason. I would stick to that. I`ve seen first hand what happens when you use Simple Green on leather and it is not a pretty sight. Meguiar`s #39 is a better choice for hard core cleaning. Even that should probably be used cautiously on leather. Especially if it is nice leather. Really soft and supple leather like that in a Mercedes or other high end car should probably only be treated with leather cleaner. I use Four Star Ultimate Leather Cleaner and Conditioner in my car. it is amazing how well it works. I can`t imagine Simple Green being able to accomplish the task any better than Four Star can.

**Rockpick** · 11-20-2004, 09:11 PM

Here`s a third on not utilizing SIMPLE GREEN as a leather cleaner.

The reason is that SG is a degreaser of sorts. Grease is oil. Oil is essential to the leather to maintain a supple feel as well as to keep it from cracking. Remove the oils and you`re creating a bigger problem than what you`re solving.

With that in mind, I highly recommend utilizing a quality leather cleaner like Meguiar`s Rich Aloe Cleaner and follow with a good cleaner like the Rich Aloe Conditioner.

There are oodles of great products out there on the market; I`ve simply named a couple that are readily available at most `mart` stores. Also, be sure to check out www.premiumautocare.com for other leather products including 4-star and Lexol products. Both are, again, a sure win!

RP

**Rob Tomlin** · 11-20-2004, 09:59 PM

What the heck, I will chime in too!

As others have stated, don`t use Simple Green. To add to the other recommendations, I really like Zaino`s Leather Cleaner (Z-9) and Leather in a Bottle (Z-10). Excellent products (I like them much better than the Lexol products).

**Jngrbrdman** · 11-20-2004, 10:04 PM

Hmmm..... given the choice between Lexol and Simple Green.... I`d have to go for the simple green. It`ll destroy your leather, but it will leave your car smelling fresh and clean and not like goat urine.

Oh, wait.... I already chimed in on this thread. My bad.

**Rob Tomlin** · 11-20-2004, 10:15 PM

:lol

**mynci** · 11-20-2004, 11:04 PM

Originally Posted by Jngrbrdman

Hmmm..... given the choice between Lexol and Simple Green.... I`d have to go for the simple green. It`ll destroy your leather, but it will leave your car smelling fresh and clean and not like goat urine.

Oh, wait.... I already chimed in on this thread. My bad.

Too funny!

**Bill D** · 11-21-2004, 12:17 AM

Want a cheap and effective leather cleaner? Try water: Woolite 6:1

**sgo** · 11-21-2004, 12:31 AM

Here`s another one against using SG on leather. The Woolite mix works surprisingly well and it`s certainly much safer.
Be sure it`s COATED leather you`re working on.

**TW85** · 11-21-2004, 01:05 AM

Use products made specifically for leather. AutoGlym has an awesome leather cleaner (removed gel coat that I had on my steering wheel, nothing else touched it) and the conditioner is pretty nice.

**Hawaiianelement** · 11-21-2004, 01:33 AM

Originally Posted by Bill D

Want a cheap and effective leather cleaner? Try water: Woolite 6:1

Thanks to guys like Bill D that share their secrets, this mix is my personal favorite . Got it from this board and have been using it on all leather dom and imp. with awesome results . Better than some high end cleaners. After the woolite mix I condition w/ Four Star leather conditioner.

**Rob Tomlin** · 11-21-2004, 10:55 AM

I need to try 4 Star`s Leather conditioner. I hear good things, and I have yet to try a 4 Star product that I haven`t liked!

**III** · 11-21-2004, 11:17 AM

I`m with everyone so far. Don`t use simple green. Try eagle one`s leather cleaner. It`s cheap and available locally.

**shaw** · 11-22-2004, 02:33 PM

FYI...

Here is an MSDS on Simple Green. It looks OK as far as health concerns. PH is not that far off like some cleaners. Never used the stuff, but heard a lot about it.

EO A2Z Wheel Cleaner is at the other end of the spectrum along with Castrol Super Clean. Danger, Danger Will Robinson! :bigscream

Saftey should be a paramount concern when interacting regularly with the chemicals.

http://www.simplegreen.com/pdfs/04_m...mple_green.pdf