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TO USE OR NOT TO USE : Woolite to Clean Mustang Leather
I stumbled upon the *Woolite method of leather cleaning 7 years ago …
*Cadillac and Lexus are known to recommend using Woolite for cleaning automotive leather. However, it's important to note that some experts caution against using it due to its high pH level, which can damage leather over time.
Automakers That Endorse Woolite for Auto Leather Cleaning
RecommendationsSeveral automakers have been noted for endorsing the use of Woolite as a cleaning solution for leather interiors. Here are some of the key endorsements:
Suggests a 5% Woolite solution (20:1 dilution) for leather cleaning.
AUTOMAKER
ENDORSEMENT DETAILS
Cadillac
Recommends using Woolite for cleaning leather.
LexusUsage GuidelinesWhen using Woolite for cleaning leather, it is important to follow specific dilution ratios to avoid damaging the leather:
For Heavy Soil: Mix 6 parts water to 1 part Woolite.
For Light/Normal Soil: Use a 10:1 ratio (10 parts water to 1 part Woolite).
Lexus Recommendation: A 20:1 dilution is suggested for general cleaning
Considerations
While some automakers endorse Woolite, it's essential to note that there are concerns regarding its pH level, which may not be ideal for all leather types. Always follow up with a leather conditioner after cleaning to maintain the leather's integrity and suppleness.
I have used Woolite 20:1 dilution on my 2011 Mustang GT Light Sand Leather.
After 2nd “blue jean” cleaning in 3 years. Clean steering wheel also. Wiping with clean damp cloth afterward, No conditioner. Leaves a matte finish equivalent when brand new. No damage.
And cleaning my wifes’ 2017 Impala Premier White Leather. Clean steering wheel also. Wiping with clean damp cloth afterward. No conditioner used after. Blue jean stains come completely off. No damage after 7 years and 4 cleanings. Leaves a matte finish equivalent to when brand new.
I checked the soap solution with “PH sticks” PH is 7 using this method.
*Retired with 27 years Chemical Plant Production
Just a tried and true experience.
*My 2011 Red Mustang GT Convertible is for sale on cars.com. (due to health issues)
Thanks All,
Eric
I use Woolite Delicate Laundry Detergent. 1 empty Spray bottle.
A Battery powered variable drill. (slow to medium speed)
Ryobi soft blue brush kit. NO WORK involved.
Brush bristles are extremely soft! https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-So...SBK1/311738449
Last edited by 351venom; Jan 21, 2026 at 10:50 AM.
Reason: Attachments
I 'm Sorry to Hear you are Having To Sell Due To Health Issues. I Certainly Can Relate as Both My Wife & I Suffer From Poor Health & She Will Be Needing Surgery on Here Back Soon Due To a Slip & Fall Awhile Back Which We Were Hoping Would Heal on It's Own. It's Really Got Bad! We Are Using Some Natural Treatments Which Have Helped With the Pain & Will Continue Right Up To Surgery Although We Pray Surgery Won't Be Necessary Till it's Time!
I Hope You Have Checked For Natural Solutions as Well as Any Conventional Means For Whatever Your Health Concern is To Cover All Your Bases! I Know I'm Always Looking For Ways to Improve Our Health.
I Offer You a Prayer For Healing on on Your Journey!
Dear Lord,
I come before you today in need of your healing hand.
In you all things are possible.
Hold my heart within yours, and renew my mind, body, and soul.
Heal Our Mustang Source Brother Eric!
I 'm Sorry to Hear you are Having To Sell Due To Health Issues. I Certainly Can Relate as Both My Wife & I Suffer From Poor Health & She Will Be Needing Surgery on Here Back Soon Due To a Slip & Fall Awhile Back Which We Were Hoping Would Heal on It's Own. It's Really Got Bad! We Are Using Some Natural Treatments Which Have Helped With the Pain & Will Continue Right Up To Surgery Although We Pray Surgery Won't Be Necessary Till it's Time!
I Hope You Have Checked For Natural Solutions as Well as Any Conventional Means For Whatever Your Health Concern is To Cover All Your Bases! I Know I'm Always Looking For Ways to Improve Our Health.
I Offer You a Prayer For Healing on on Your Journey!
Dear Lord,
I come before you today in need of your healing hand.
In you all things are possible.
Hold my heart within yours, and renew my mind, body, and soul.
Heal Our Mustang Source Brother Eric! Amen
May God Bless!
Kc
————————————————-
Thank you so much Kc for everything!
1 total knee replacement helped tremendously. Now Hip-joint and lower spine arthritis and sciatic nerve shooting down the same leg, has hit all at once. Im 67 and feeling like eighty. Hip injections didnt work. Holistic naturals … are starting to work! its been getting better last few weeks. I’m done with doctors ‘treatments.” They just mask the pain and heal nothing, for the almighty dollar. Oops.
So I’m backing off all together. Let someone else enjoy this gem. (too uncomfortable fir me to drive). I just finished a very long slow detail job on the car. My high school friend Bobby, who still owns a nice rare 1969 GT 428CJ convertible, helped me pull the drivers seat out. The rear tilt-gear stripped. A $52 LMR power seat/gear reduild kit did the trick. I changed both tilt gears while I had it out. It comes as a double kit! I cant see any of todays’ Ford mechanics performing this 4 hour total job today …. lol.
Now everything on the car works again! It’s in top condition.
And At least two of my brothers are still restoring the 71-73 cars.
Well Thanks for the replies and encouragement.
God bless you all.
Eric in Louisiana