Reddit reviews Lexol Leather Cleaner and Conditioner and Sponge Kit, For Use on Leather Apparel, Furniture, Auto Interiors, Shoes, Handbags and Accessories

This is an awesome boot/leather shoe care kit. Good price and has everything you need.

At the suggestion of multiple reddit users, I use this cleaner/conditioner and this brush, which have worked well enough for me.

Careful magic erasers basically sand off a thin layer leaving leather and vinyl raw and it will get dirty again quick. After you use magic erasers to get everything off use some leather conditioner like Lexol to make it look like it just came out of the box. Then its protected and will look new for longer.

First, get a pair of cedar shoe trees to keep in the boot (you don't have to insert it all the way if you don't want)
Next, buy a horse hair shoe brush. After you wear your shoes, brush them down. If there is some stubborn dirt/grime, you can wipe them down with a damp rag, let them dry, then brush them.
Every few months, depending on how often you wear them, give them a good cleaning with Lexol cleaner, then condition them with Lexol conditioner. Let the conditioner dry, then brush vigorously.
That is literally all you need to do. No Obenaufs, no oils, nothing fancy.

Shopping list:
http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Product_11001_10050_101593 (these go on sale pretty frequently for $8-$12)

http://www.amazon.com/Kiwi-100%25-Horsehair-Shine-Brush/dp/B0010TR6NE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1408110167&sr=8-5&keywords=shoe+brush

http://www.amazon.com/Lexol-907-Leather-Care-Kit/dp/B005H7DRQA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408110196&sr=8-1&keywords=lexol

The cost of cleaning and conditioning isn't really dependent on the specific shoe. Given how cheap the products used are in bulk, you're basically paying for his time.

25 bucks will get you this which should be enough to last you basically forever, and 10 bucks will get you this which is the same thing in smaller quantities.

This is all you'll ever need for them:

http://www.amazon.com/Lexol-907-Leather-Care-8-oz/dp/B005H7DRQA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453281124&sr=8-1&keywords=lexol

That seems to be the 4oz version. It's a better deal to get this one

I rather spend around $12 for a real leather conditioner + cleaner than risk my shoes/boots with uncertainty.

But to answer yours; yes, it will be a poor decision.

I did not take care of mine for over a year so the whole boot was scuffed. Here is what I did. First, Lexol Cleaner, then Lexol Conditioner 4 times in 2 days. Once nice and softer again, I just did a quick polish with Kiwi Tan, that one doesn't darken and matches the rest of the boot. They look brand new again and you can't see where the scuffs were located.

First, you should check /r/autodetailing

There's lots of options and everyone will have their favorites based on experience. One thing's for sure though, stop wiping down with ONLY water as that is probably making things worse other than getting some dirt and grime off. It makes the leather dry and prone to even more cracks. You need some sort of leather-specific PH-balanced cleaner and a conditioner to follow it.

My favorite value option that's easily sourced from your local Advance Auto/AutoZone is Lexol. Amazon has a kit that's pretty cheap for you to see if you like the results:
http://www.amazon.com/Lexol-907-Leather-Care-Kit/dp/B005H7DRQA

Gliptone is also another well-liked value option:
http://www.amazon.com/Gliptone-Leather-Care-Combination-Kit/dp/B003VV423G

There are other higher end brands like Leatherique and Leather Master, but the results just didn't feel it was worth the price difference.

As for the dashboard, avoid junk like Armor All. Go with something like Einszett Cockpit Premium: http://www.amazon.com/einszett-Cockpit-Premium-16-9-fl/dp/B0002Z2MZ4

Very Important:

• Horsehair Brush
  
• Some sort of cleaner (Lexol)
  
• Some sort of conditioner (Lexol, Bick4)
  
  Optional:
  
  
• Buffing Rag - could also just use old socks or cotton shirts. Make sure whatever you use is 100% cotton since nylon can scratch
  
• Pigmented Cream Polish - Can be used to recolor damaged spots and build a patina. WILL DARKEN YOUR SHOES.
  
• Cuir Gras - My preferred conditioner for greasy leather (like CXL). Not necessary unless you want to spend the extra money over Lexol.
  
  Be sure to review the Leather Care section in the wiki to get a good overview of products and care techniques.

It really depends on how much work you want to do. A quick brush shine with some polish will do a lot to make them look better but if you want to rejuvenate them it will take more work.

Step 1. Clean the boot. Saddle soap works but there are good leather cleaners out there. I will link to the one I use. A damp cloth and some elbow grease will work as well, although to a lesser extent.

Step 2. Condition the leather. There are a lot of options. I use lexol with comes with a cleaner. https://www.amazon.ca/Lexol-907-Leather-Care-8-Ounce/dp/B005H7DRQA

Step 3. There are leather repair products that would help fix that tear on the left boot but since these are work boots I wouldn't bother.

Step 4. Brush shine with black shoe polish. Put a little polish on the boot with an applicator brush then brush off the excess with a horse hair brush.

I work in a technical environment in the military and this works wonders.

I'm pretty new to boots as well, but I'd suggest picking up a few things if you don't have them already. This will apply to most leather shoes/boots (doesn't really apply to suede or roughout leathers... for that you'll need a suede brush)

FYI below is basically a tl;dr of this post that got me started on all of this. I recommend you read through it all and check out /r/goodyearwelt and maybe just use this post as more as a quick reference or for ideas.

• Split toe cedar shoe tree (shoe trees can be found on sale for ~$10 sometimes, but make sure they are split toe cedar shoe trees)
  
  
• Leather cleaner & conditioner (This will work great, but some people use coconut oil as a conditioner)
  
  
• Horsehair brush
  
  
• Shoe horn
  
  Once everything is acquired you'll be ready to give your boots an initial tune-up and have some daily-care tools.
  
  

1. Brush off your boots as much as you can with the horsehair brush
   
   
2. Wipe down your boots with a wet rag
   
   
3. I'm guessing you won't get everything off, so wait for them to air dry and then use the leather cleaner on them (you probably won't have to use leather cleaner every time... and you might not want to as it dries out the boot)
   
   
4. Wait for your boots to air dry
   
   
5. Condition the leather on your boots.
   
   
6. Wait for your boots to air dry
   
   
7. Repeat whenever your boots need it. On average that will probably be every 3-6 months, but the best way to tell is by feel.
   
   Daily Care
   
   

• Use a shoe horn to put your shoes on
  
  
• When you take off your shoes give them a quick brush. Ideally you'll take off the shoelaces first but it won't kill them if you don't do this every time. I'd recommend at least brushing them off once every few wears, and brush+wipedown with water/rag every 5-10 wears.
  
  
• Always put cedar shoe trees in your leather boots/shoes when you take them off and leave them in until your next wear... this is what happens if you don't. The shoe trees will help keep your boots from developing unwanted toe spring, will help control moisture inside the boot, and will keep them smelling fresh.
  
  
• Let your boots rest/dry for 24hrs in-between wears with shoe trees in. If you wear them every day you will significantly reduce their lifespan.

Check this out.

My first GYW pair as well, also black cherry. I picked up a Lexol Leather Care Kit that comes with leather cleaner and conditioner. I wore them a few times and then cleaned and conditioned them according to the kit instructions. After each wear I brush them down with a horse hair brush and when I'm not wearing them I put in shoe trees.

I clean/condition them after about 5-6 weeks, unless I get them really muddy or something. There are surely others on this sub with better knowledge of leather care, but this routine has been working fine for me so far. Most will recommend giving them 24 hours to rest after wearing, but, y'know, they're boots.

This is the exact set I bought. It doesn't squirt or spray, it has a screw on top with a small nozzle, like on a shampoo bottle.

http://www.amazon.com/Lexol-907-Leather-Care-Kit/dp/B005H7DRQA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1395619579&sr=8-3&keywords=lexol+cleaner

The chair looks to be in pretty good condition as it is. I would just give it a once over with some lexol cleaner then conditioner. Depends on your usage, but it shouldn't need more than one application a year.

FWIW, I'm planning on using Lexol as well. I too recently got the 8119's and after reading hours of guides and opinions on leather conditioning, it seems that Lexol is the best for what I want, which sounds like what you want too - moisturize the leather without fucking up the color too much.

Amazon's got a good kit for $12 Prime.

Try a leather cleaner and conditioner combo.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005H7DRQA?pc_redir=T1

I use this stuff it's cheap and works great.

I'm fairly new, myself. I've driven clunkers most of my life. Spent about five years downtown where I didn't have a car. Now I'm back in suburbia, so I've got a brand new GTI, and it's the first one I've ever cared to take good care of. Here's what I started with:

• Meguiar's D101 APC - the D103 APC+ has apparently been discontinued.
  
• Two Chemical Guys detailing bucket kits, which each have a bucket, lid, grit guard, 16oz citrus wash, and some washing pad thing I didn't really want.
  
• Two-pack of Rag Company Dry Me a River towels
  
• Five-pack of Rag Company detailing towels
  
• Bottle of Stoner Invisible Glass
  
• Two-pack of Griot's Garage microfiber wash mitts
  
• A Nanoskin wash mitt
  
• 32oz Optimum No Rinse Wash and Wax - for use as a quick detailer and easy maintenance washing.
  
• Lexol leather care kit
  
• Thee-pack of spray bottles
  
• A microfiber window towel
  
• A cheap electric blower
  
• 16oz Chemical Guys Jetseal
  
• Microfiber applicators
  
  I should have picked up some of Chemical Guys' citrus wash and clear, too, to help deal with a winter's worth of grime left by terrible touchless car washes. I've also got a tire brush, hand vacuum, and some assorted cheap microfiber towels around already.
  
  Your kit looks a lot more cost-effective, though. Throw in some cheap buckets, grit guards, wash mitts, and drying towel, and an extra stack of cheap microfibers and you're still under $100 for practically everything you would need for a proper two-bucket wash and wax.

For cleaning and conditioning, check the lexol kit for $10 on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lexol-907-Leather-Care-Kit/dp/B005H7DRQA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414503723&sr=8-1&keywords=lexol+care+kit

Idiot proof shoe care. Don't use this on shell, don't put it on the outside of suede shoes. I've been told you can condition the inside of suede others have suggested no care is necessary.

It appears that you have Amazon...
http://www.amazon.com/Lexol-907-Leather-Care-8-oz/dp/B005H7DRQA

If not, check this guide https://www.reddit.com/r/goodyearwelt/comments/1ubpyl/introductory_leather_care_guide/cegfreo

I've been lurking for a while but finally made an account to ask this:

I decided to go with Red Wing Beckmans (9023) as my first high-quality footwear purchase. I also purchased a Kiwi 100% Horsehair Shine Brush, a Lexol 907 Leather Care Kit, and Woodlore Adjustable Men's Shoe Tree (Cedar).

My first question is: how should the shoe trees fit into my Beckmans? I went to a Red Wing store and got sized. They said I have wide feet and recommended I get 8.5 (I usually wear 8.5s in regular footwear like Van's and Nike). I purchased the 8.5 Beckmans and I've worn them about 8 times now. Out of paranoia, I double checked with the Red Wing store to see if the boots were creasing properly (as I have a lot of toe space and was worried that it might be too big). They assured me that It was fine. I ordered size medium (8-9.5 size) and They arrived yesterday. I inserted them into the boots but noticed that it was pretty difficult to get them in there and the heel of the shoe tree scratches against the heel of the boot when inserting. I notice if I wiggle the front of the shoe trees in a bit more before inserting the heel, it doesn't scratch the heel of the boot. I apologize if the picture quality is poor , I only have my phone at this time. Is this okay for my Beckmans? Or should I return these for a different shoe trees? I'm worried about them being stretched improperly. If I should get different ones, can someone direct me to a specific shoe tree? Here are some pictures of my 9023s with the shoe trees.

My second question is, do I need any other care products than the ones I listed above? My care regime currently will be to brush after each use, shoe trees for a minimum of 1 day before next wear, Lexol clean and condition once a month and/or after they get really dirty.

I used Lexol for my brand new glove last year and then, play catch a lot. I saw a video on YouTube about it and give it a chance.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005H7DRQA/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687662&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000637TNM&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=00WTQ71RB2S53X1ZGBDE

This product is great, you can even use it regularly to clean the glove.

I highly recommend it.

Lexol makes some really good stuff. I like their cleaner and conditioner.

I bought this exact listing from Amazon. It comes with a pad and the Lexol has instructions on the package as far as application, but it isn't too tough. Just make sure the leather is clean, and try pouring like a quarter-sized amount onto the cleaning pad. You can work up from there if you want to use more at one time. The good thing about Lexol is you can wipe off excess with a clean cloth (I use a spare washcloth) and no harm done.

Personally, I wipe down first with an old rag, then use the cleaner if needed (usually isn't). Then I brush, use the conditioner, and let it sit a while. Then I wipe clean and let it sit for a while again. It's kind of a superstitious process to be honest. If you're conditioning your leather on a schedule and using shoe trees, you're already doing way more than the average person.

Remember that the Lexol WILL darken your leather a little. I tried to show some comparisons in my original post. But the coconut oil will be more in my experience.

Edit: I actually bought the "Like New" version via an Amazon Warehouse deal to save a couple bucks. it was basically just an open box item. Neither bottle had been opened.

I assume I should be using this for the cleaner and conditioner?

Leather just takes a bit of work (and extra maintenance), to be honest. The best brief leather harness guidelines I've found: "Leather can be cleaned with soap and water, with leather cleaner or saddle soap. Allow to air dry for at least 24 hours. Use leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple. Never soak leather."

You might check out a leather-specific cleaner plus conditioner pack. Works best with a microfiber cloth. The conditioner is only necessary occasionally.

A good place to start is with some conditioner. Every 2 or 3 months or so it is good to condition your boots, lexol works well: http://www.amazon.com/Lexol-907-Leather-Care-Kit/dp/B005H7DRQA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422498360&sr=8-1&keywords=lexol+leather
Visit /r/goodyearwelt for more care info

Lexol Leather Cleaner and Conditioner and Sponge Kit, For Use on Leather Apparel, Furniture, Auto Interiors, Shoes, Handbags and Accessories https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005H7DRQA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_t78OCbRYWN9HC

SQ: Is there anything I else I should be doing to care for my 1ks?

Sorry the pictures might not be the best to judge. Got these as 2nds from STP a while back.

Shortly after purchase, had a local cobbler add half soles.. for some reason he dressed the edges using black polish or something, which eventually wore away.

I'm wondering if he also tried to buff and polish the uppers or something, because I feel like the wear around the toe showed up shortly thereafter and I don't really beat things things up as much as they look like I do.

Half soles started coming off not too long after, definitely not using that cobbler again, haha. Not too worried about the soles though, at some point I'll probably hit up B.Nelson or something for a proper fix.

I'm much more worried about the uppers, so far I've given them the occasional cleaning and conditioning with this basic lexol kit which I mainly got for my Beckmans (which are holding up much better, haha). Should I grab VSC or Pure Neatsfoot or something instead?

I'm thinking I might like something to darken the leather, right now they're a little chalky looking.

Any advice? I've been doing a lot of lurking and searching over the past year but I still feel pretty clueless.

This sub recommended me to use Lexol for my new Iron Rangers. Is this the package I should be going with? Or a Lexol spray? Thanks!

Quick question, is this the correct Lexol cleaner and conditioner mentioned in the sticky thread?

https://www.amazon.com/Lexol-E301123100-Leather-Care-Kit/dp/B005H7DRQA/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1521777927&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=lexol&psc=1

Saddle soap or this Lexol cleaner/conditioner kit.

Just got the Red Wing Iron Ranger 8083 the other day. Would something like this work for leather care? What kind of brush should I get? What else do I need to know?

Thanks!

Would you suggest me getting the lexol leather care kit or just the lexol conditioners? Is the cleaner necessary?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005H7DRQA/

Is this what I need? https://www.amazon.ca/Lexol-907-Leather-Care-8-Ounce/dp/B005H7DRQA

Are these your only boots or do you have another pair to rotate out? If you let the leather rest every few days they will maintain their shape and you'll be less prone to wrinkles and deterioration. Either way you should be wiping off any excess water, salt, or slush and using a leather cleaner when needed and a conditioner every 3-6 months. Here's the stuff I use personally.

If you are literally walking through heavy snow then I would look into weather dressing the beckmans. But be forewarned that it IS going to darken the leather and will diminish the depth of the leather color. Here are three examples of the darkening of the leather. Please read the comments too as there are helpful bits of info in there. Obenaufs carries a Heavy Duty Leather Protector and a leather oil.

I don't have a perfect yes/no answer for you. I live in the Midwest US and have a pair of Iron Rangers that I don't intend to treat other than with conditioner. We can get some bad winters here but I'll just take my chances. I also plan on picking up a pair of waterproof boots so that I have something to switch out with the IRs.

I finally got my Iron Rangers in Copper Rough & Tough in. What leather conditioner should I use? Should I get this Lexol kit or Red Wing's leather conditioner?

Also, what kinds of suede brushes do you guys recommend?

This Lexol pack look any good? Or should I just stick to the conditioner? What is "leather cleaner"? Just like a more mild saddle soap or like Saphir Renomat?

Get yourself some Lexol leather cleaner and condition. Link

This stuff is absolute magic and used for car interiors, shoes, bags, or anything leather. I use it on my Plycraft replica (real leather) as well as my Red Wing shoes. A lot of the leather cleaners/conditioners or Internet Knowledge is extremely overboard for leather care. The users at /r/goodyearwelt and /r/malefashionadvice swear by this stuff for leather care.

You will not harm or discolor the leather on the chair at all. There's some kind of magic sauce in it. From the Amazon link

• Lexol pH-balanced Cleaner is purely a cleaner. NO silicones, alcohols, waxes, oil, or additives to interfere with its cleaning action or to cause dirt to be trapped in the leather.
  
  
• Lexol Conditioner leaves no greasy residue and it contains no harmful silicon ingredients which dry out leather over time. Lexol Conditioner results in supple, strong, and beautiful leather.

Roughly these, though I bought them a year and a half ago before I knew about proper care.

I'm currently thinking this leather care kit, a horsehair brush, and mink oil

Thanks for the feedback on sizing. It feels good enough considering my oddly shaped feet. I'll look into the brands that you mentioned!

When people say to use Lexol, is this what they're referring to?

The standard for leather care (the only cleaner & conditioner I've ever seen stocked at leather supply stores) is Lexol.

Amazon Link

I would not recommend either product:

Magic Eraser: The magic erasers are basically a mild sandpaper made to scratch away the dirt. While great in kitchens, not so good on your dyed leather as if you were to use it regularly it would eat right through the dye and hide.

Armor all: You'll get a lot of hate for most of the Armor All products from the pros. They are just poor products and there are way better manufacturers and specific products out there.

If you want to do a basic leather clean up I would recommend Lexol cleaner and conditioner. It's cheap, and readily available at hardware and auto parts stores as well as a light brush. Someone below recommended a brush for leather shoes. Provided it is soft I see no issues with it.

Start with a wipedown on a microfiber cloth with the cleaner, and move up to light use with the brush if its needed. Another wipe down with a dry cloth, then you can condition.

Thanks for the video! It was very helpful. He kept referencing an "interior cleaner." What brand of cleaner do you recommend? Lexol 907?

Bought my kit on Amazon... free shipping after 35$..

https://www.amazon.ca/Lexol-907-Leather-Care-8-Ounce/dp/B005H7DRQA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484105863&sr=8-1&keywords=Lexol+907+Leather+Care+Kit%2C+8-Ounce

Not sure just how broke you are, but I bought this 8 oz lexol kit for ~$11 like 2 years ago and I'm not even halfway through it. Comes with applicators, cleaner and conditioner.