The Lexol company was formed in 1933 to provide a leather conditioning formula that could help treat and protect leather used in the world of horse riding. The conditions that saddles, bridles, reins and halters were put through were harsh and could destroy expensive leather goods quicker than some people could afford to replace them. Lexol’s conditioning formula contained many of the same oils that are used in the leather tanning process so that the leather stays soft and supple, resistant to drying and cracking caused by wind, sun and dirt.
Lexol offers a several step process to good, all around leather care. The two formulas being reviewed are two of those steps: conditioning and cleaning. Not every piece of leather needs a vigorous, 4 step process every time to stay well cared for. While these formulas have been developed for use on leathers of all types as well as some vinyls and similar materials, it is important to read the entire label especially precautions before first use. A small spot test may be in order for older leathers, leathers that are in poor condition or for very expensive items.
These products should not be used on suede, suede like materials or very soft leather.
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Product
#1. Lexol E300858000 Leather Conditioner in 1 Liter Bottle Size
This leather conditioner comes in a 1 liter bottle but is also available in a 3 liter size as well. It is meant to be used on cleaned and dried leather as the second step in the leather care process but can be used as a standalone treatment for leather of all types including furniture, clothing and shoes, handbags, wallets and belts and car interiors. It can also be used on leather saddles and other related items.
The Benefits of Leather Conditioning
Lexol Leather Conditioner contains oils formulated to have the smallest droplets so that it can bond with the leather’s fibers more effectively. The oil serves to condition and lubricate the leather so that it is resistant to cracking and signs of aging without leaving a greasy or sticky residue behind.
Properly conditioned leather remains supple and flexible so that it does not feel stiff and does not crease or rub against itself while in wear or in storage.
Easy to Use Formula
Whether you use the Lexol Leather Conditioner as a part of your overall leather care routine or on its own, you will find it remarkably easy to use. Simply spray the formula directly on to the leather surface and then rub it in gently. Buff the surface with a clean, soft cloth and then wipe dry with a second, clean soft cloth.
Is this a recommended leather conditioner?
As part of a leather care process and as its own product, the Lexol Leather Conditioner does seem to work effectively and as intended. There are some issues with the smell of this product but general common sense precautions including using in a well-ventilated area or outdoors should prevent any serious problems. Always test a product on a small spot before committing especially on apparel.
- Easy to use formula.
- Larger size bottle.
- Can be used on a wide range of leather products.
- No greasy residue.
- Many complaints of a very offensive odor with this formula.
- May not work on deeply cracked or very old leather.
- Not recommended for use on very soft leather.
#2. Lexol Leather Cleaner in the 1 Liter Size
Available in a larger size as well, the Lexol Leather Cleaner is the first step in the recommended leather care routine. Designed to lift dirt and oils from the leather’s fibers it has no waxes, oils or other unnecessary ingredients that can leave behind a residue that simply attracts more dirt. Note: this leather cleaner will not change the overall appearance of leather. Matte surfaces will stay matte while glossy surfaces will retain their shiny finish.
Easy to Use Formula
To use the Lexol Leather Cleaner simply apply to the leather surface with a slightly dampened cloth. Once applied, work into a thick foam with another clean cloth making sure that you are not rubbing against the grain of the leather which can cause surface scratches to appear. Remove the foam and agitated dirt with a clean, damp cloth until it is thoroughly rinsed through using care not to overly saturate the leather. Pat dry with a soft cloth, preferably a chamois or a high quality microfiber towel.
Because of the process it should not be used on suede or similar types of leather.
What is in it?
Lexol Leather Cleaner contains glycerin, mild detergents, leather preservatives and water without added chemicals or harmful ingredients.
Is this a recommended leather cleaner?
While it is billed as “easy to use” it involves several steps and many cloths (4 or more depending on the size of the item and level of dirt that needs to be cleaned away). If this is a standalone routine and only done once or twice a year, it might not be that bad, however if it is part of an overall leather process it might be more time consuming than many people are going to be interested in devoting. There are some issues with odor from this formula as well, which could be problematic for people who are overly sensitive to smells as well as those with chronic breathing issues like asthma and COPD.
- No harmful ingredients.
- Meant to gently agitate dirt to the surface so that it can be wiped away.
- Easy to use cap controls the amount of cleaner that is dispensed to prevent waste.
- Overpowering, offensive odor may be too much for some people.
- Lengthy, labor intensive process uses four or more cloths to clean one area.
#3. Lexol Leather Conditioner in the 16.9 ounce bottle
This Leather conditioner and its corresponding leather cleaner are both also available in the “new look” version for a slightly higher price.
The Lexol Leather Conditioner is made of a super fine oil which is meant to be absorbed into the fibers of the leather to help it stay supple and resist cracking and other signs of age.
Easy to Use Formula
The leather conditioner can be used alone or as a second step in an overall leather care routine. To use: simply apply to the leather surface and then rub in with a soft cloth. Buff with a second cloth making sure to wipe any excess conditioner away.
Is this a recommended leather conditioner?
Unlike the other leather conditioner in this review, this smaller sized bottle seems to have a different formula and is not as effective nor as highly recommended. It is important to test this product on a small area and let it dry completely before proceeding as there are many complaints of a sticky residue being left behind on many different surfaces. You should also be warned that this leather conditioner does have the potential to stain some lighter colored leathers.
- Great price.
- Small size allows you to try it out before committing to a larger container.
- Fairly easy to use.
- May leave a sticky residue behind on some surfaces.
- Results may not be as long lasting as they should be.
- May stain some lighter colored leathers.
- May strip the color from some lesser quality types of leather.
#4. Lexol Leather Cleaner in the 16.9 ounce size bottle
The Lexol Leather Cleaner is meant to “renew, restore and revive” leather of all kinds with an easy to use formula. It is ph balanced and adjusted to match the ph of the average leather. It should not be used on suede, leathers that are similar to suede and on very soft leather.
Easy to Use Formula
The leather cleaner should be applied to the surface of the leather with a damp sponge and then worked into a foam. Once the foam has been allowed to bring dirt to the surface it can be rinsed away using a clean damp cloth making sure that the leather is not allowed to become overly wet. Pat the entire surface dry and apply your choice of leather conditioners if you are using them.
Is this a recommended leather cleaner?
For many types of leather, this may be the perfect solution to the dirt and grime that is marring its appearance. For others, it may be the formula that destroys it completely. It is important to be careful with any type of application with leather especially one that uses water in the process because it can cause damage to become worse. This leather cleaner does have quite a few steps and requires not only elbow grease but a lot of soft cloths in the process as you should not just use any cleaning rag when working with leather. Some people did report issues with a residue after using this leather cleaner which defeats the entire purpose. Any residue will leave attract further dust and grime to settle on the leather.
- ph balanced to the leather.
- Helps remove dirt and oil including sweat residue that can build up and destroy leather.
- Small, well priced bottle.
- Easy use cap helps control the amount of cleaner that comes out to prevent waste.
- Although it is billed as “easy to use” this leather cleaner has several steps that each require a separate, clean cloth.
- May not work as expected.
- Results are not as long lasting as they should be.
- May stain lighter colored leather.
- May lift the color from leathers of lesser quality.
- Should not be used on suede, suede like materials or on very soft leathers.
Conclusion
Lexol has been in business for nearly 100 years so it is obvious that they know a thing or two about caring for leather. A company that does not sell quality products does not get to last this long without having the goods to back it up. One of the things that Lexol does very well is their customer service which is very responsive to comments and concerns and does everything they can to work toward customer satisfaction.
The entire Lexol line of leather care products can be used on every leather item in and around your home including furniture, clothing and shoes, handbags and car interiors. Some people do use the multi step process to keep their leather looking as good as new for as long as possible while some people like to let their leather take on the more rough around the edges, lived a life of adventure appearance with just some leather conditioner to keep it from feeling rough.
No matter where you fall on that spectrum it is important that you use quality products and that you use them as directed. Remember that it is normal for some types of leather conditioners and cleaners to have some scent and use the average precautions of working in a well ventilated room or even outdoors and allowing the item to air out before wearing or storing.
Spot testing is vitally important here and a step that far too many people ignore. Even if you have used Lexol products in the past, remember that formulas can change over time. A spot test can show you the problems that you might run in to when using the product and will allow you to make the decision to proceed and hope for the best or to make an entirely different choice for the item you are working with. If you are doing a spot test make sure that you follow the directions exactly so that you get the results that you would get from a real application. If there is any drying time required, make sure that you wait to check the final results.
Leather is a natural fiber and comes with its own imperfections that give it character. It can become dry and brittle over time especially in areas with dry air or extreme heat. The right leather conditioner keeps the cracking and rubbing from happening and can slow the overall aging process. It is important that in addition to cleaning and conditioning that you learn to care for your leather the right way as well including keeping leather furniture from direct contact with heat sources and furnace vents as well as out of direct sunlight, and storing your leather apparel correctly so that dust and debris does not accumulate on it between wearings.
Leather-like materials which can be made from a wide range of materials can also be cleaned and conditioned with these products however be careful with the lower quality items which are leather trimming pieces that are fused to a material backing as the cleaner could loosen the glue that holds the layers together. Lexol leather conditioners and cleaners may also be used on some vinyl but again, be careful of the backing. Very stiff vinyl will probably not see any results from either of these products as it is sealed with a plastic coating that cannot be penetrated.
