How to Use Lexol Leather Cleaner: Guide & Best Practices

The Lexol Leather Cleaner is advertised as an effective cleaning agent for various types of leather. Their ‘original formula’ is said to be wax and oil free, and has the ability to renew, restore and revive your leather articles. 

In this guide, we’ll be teaching you how to properly use the Lexol Leather Cleaner on leather and also share with you some of the most important tips that you should take note of during the cleaning process. 

Here’s a quick summary of how to use the Lexol Leather Cleaner:

1. Shake the Bottle Well
2. Apply Lexol Onto a Cloth or Sponge
3. Apply Lexol to Your Leather
4. Wipe Excess Away With a Cloth
5. Let Your Leather Dry Naturally
6. Use Lexol Leather Conditioner (Optional)

When cleaning your leather products, please make sure to follow each step carefully. You’ll have the option to skip the conditioning step. However, we highly recommend it. 

Important Tip: Please note that the Lexol Leather Cleaner should not be used on soft leathers such as nubuck or suede, as it may permanently change its texture. For suede and nubuck, use a cleaner that is designed for soft leather types. 

1. Shake the Bottle Well

Lexol recommends that you give the bottle a good shake before proceeding to apply it. The reason for this is so that the ‘original formula’ can properly blend, giving your application its maximum effect. A couple of small shakes will do the trick. 

2. Apply Lexol Onto a Cloth or Sponge

In the second step, you’ll need to apply a small amount of the Lexol Leather Cleaner onto a cloth or sponge. It’s best to start with a small amount first and then add more if you didn’t apply enough the first time. 

The reason for this is because this solution can lather relatively quickly and applying too much may just end up wasting more of it. When using a cloth, make sure that it’s a microfiber cloth, which is dry and clean.

If you’re planning to use a sponge, then we highly recommend using the Lexol Applicator Sponge that was designed for this exact purpose. These sponges are soft and enable you to easily apply any type of product onto your leather. 

Pick which application method is most suitable for you and proceed to the next step. While this leather cleaner is safe to use and isn’t harmful on skin, we don’t recommend using your fingers to apply it, as it doesn’t seem to evenly coat the leather. 

3. Apply Lexol to Your Leather

Now, apply the Lexol cleaning solution to your leather using your favorite applicator. If you’re working on larger leather items, such as car upholstery, jackets, or sofas, it’s best to start at one area and work your way through the entire surface. 

Quick Clean (2 – 3 Minutes)

To give your leather a quick clean, simply apply light pressure on the applicator and use circular, as well as back and forth motions across your leather. 

Ensure that you get an even coat and also make sure that all stitches, seams, crevices and embossed areas are well covered. Depending on the size of your leather product, this should take about 2 – 3 minutes. 

Deep Clean (3 – 5 Minutes)

If you want to give your leather product a deep clean, you should use moderate pressure on the applicator. Instead of only using circular and back and forth motions, also consider massaging the leather cleaner into the leather. 

Similarly, ensure that you manage to get an even coat and apply more of the cleaning solution if you need to. Depending on the size of your leather product, a deep clean should take between 3 – 5 minutes. 

4. Wipe Excess Away With a Cloth

Once you’ve cleaned your leather, it’s time to remove the excess leaning product away with a coth. Here, you’ll have the choice of using a damp or dry cloth. You should avoid using a wet cloth, as water may penetrate your leather and actually remove all of the nourishing elements that you have applied to it. 

If your cloth is completely covered with excess cleaning solution, simply wring it over a bowl or a sink and repeat the process until all of the excess solution is removed and the entire surface area of your leather has an even layer. 

Your leather should appear slightly darker, as Lexol and all other cleaners contain liquid, which refract light differently. Don’t worry, your leather only appears darker, but will retain its original color once you’ve completely dried it. 

5. Let Your Leather Dry Naturally

Now, you’ll need to dry your leather article so that it can absorb all of the nourishing substances of the cleaner. Leather is always best to dry naturally in a dry environment. This is also applicable when cleaning your leather products with Lexol. 

Additional Tip: To speed up the drying process, you can also use a fan or a hair dryer on a cool setting. Just ensure that you avoid heating up your leather with warm air. 

Avoid drying your leather under direct sunlight or in damp environments, after cleaning it with Lexol. To be safe, you can also simply leave it to dry overnight. 

6. Use Lexol Leather Conditioner (Optional)

Lastly, you may use a conditioner. While any type of conditioner will work, you can also use the Lexol Leather Conditioner, that is a great add-on to their leather cleaner and they’re both fully compatible and are designed to work well together. 

When applying a conditioner on your leather, you’re essentially adding a protective layer that not only replenishes the oils, but also gives it a new shine and increases its overall lifespan. 

Important Tips When Using Lexol Leather Cleaner

In this guide, we’ve shared with you a general approach on how to use the Lexol Leather Cleaner on your leather products. However, there are a few tips and tricks that you should familiarize yourself with. 

While not all of these tips may apply to you, most of them will be helpful so that you can get the most out of the Lexol Leather Cleaner, as well as your leather items.

• Don’t Use Too Much Product – The Lexol Leather Cleaner is a very potent cleaner, meaning that you won’t need to use too much at a time. Start with a small area and see how it spreads across the leather. 

• Do Regular Touch-Ups – Lexol recommends that you perform a deep clean every 6 months and a quick wash about every 2 months or wherever required. 

• Don’t Overdo It – Cleaning your leather products is an important step to have them look vibrant while also increasing their lifespan. However, applying too much product or cleaning it too often may remove your leather’s natural oil. 

• Let Your Leather Dry Naturally – When using Lexol the Leather Cleaner or the Lexol Leather Conditioner, always remember to let it dry completely. This will allow it to absorb all of the nourishing substances. Also ensure that you apply Lexol on dry leather. If it’s wet or damp, let it dry first. 

• Don’t Use It On Suede or Nubuck – Remember that Lexol doesn’t recommend using this product to clean soft leathers such as suede or nubuck, as this can change its texture. Instead use a product that is designed for these types of soft leathers. 

• Use It On a Variety of Items – Lexol Leather Cleaner can be used on a wide variety of leather items such as car upholstery, sofas, jackets, gloves, shoes, boots handbags and many other leather products.