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Cleaning SofTex?

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Northernguy, May 29, 2013.

  1. Northernguy

    Northernguy Junior Member

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    My two big dogs (golden retriever & flat coated retriever) got into the back seat yesterday with muddy feet. I washed off the seat with a sponge and warm soapy water. I was wondering if I could use a leather cleaner or leather restorer on the sof tex. I'm thinking it may change the color or not sink in properly as my leather restorer has a slight greasy feel. Can someone give me ideas as to what worked well to clean and refresh this type of material?
     
    #1 Northernguy, May 29, 2013
  2. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Good question. Ask the dealership?
     
    #2 Air_Boss, May 29, 2013
  3. jgilliam1955

    jgilliam1955 Sometime your just gotta cry! 2013 Prius 4.

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    Order a pet cover. It will save your seats. Saved mine.

    SCH-I535 ? 2
     
    #3 jgilliam1955, May 29, 2013
  4. p00kienrayray

    p00kienrayray Active Member

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    Taken from Softex Cleaner | PriusChat :
     
    #4 p00kienrayray, May 29, 2013
    cycledrum, Northernguy and Air_Boss like this.
  5. syscon

    syscon Member

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    #5 syscon, May 29, 2013
  6. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Since Softex is NOT leather it is called a " Thermoplastic Polyurethane " . I would hesitate to throw a bunch of leather cleaners on it or solutions designed to clean leather.

    I would call your dealership and/or Toyota Customer Satisfaction and ask them what is recommended.

    This article tells a lot about Softex:

    New artificial leather gains increasing Toyota acceptance

    Unfortunately only stating that supposedly it has "easier to clean" properties, but not exactly outlining what or how one should clean it.
     
    #6 The Electric Me, May 29, 2013
    Northernguy likes this.
  7. kithmo

    kithmo Couch Potato

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    Some leather cleaners contain white spirit which could soften the colour pigments on some synthetic or coloured leathers making the colour rub away with wear.
     
    #7 kithmo, Jun 12, 2013
  8. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Ok, so you're looking for a Softex conditioner. I don't know, but I would NOT put leather conditoner on them. Call Toyota and press them on it. Find out what their dealer detailer has to say. I've met service advisors and techs that are really into detailing, they might have good insight.

    You might end up using something closer to a vinyl cleaner / conditioner, but ask around about it.

    btw, did an entire motorcycle outfit with Lexol leather cleaner pH and then conditioner, and I must say I am impressed to this point. Gentle cleaning, soft conditioning with a nice feel afterwards. No greasiness or slickness at all. Tons of positive reviews on Amazon, so I'm sticking with Lexol.
    There's other boutique stuff like Leatherique and Leather Honey has tons of good reviews on Amazon, but can get Lexol anywhere. anyhoo...

    Orange oil ? No thanks.
     
    #8 cycledrum, Jun 13, 2013
  9. SAronian

    SAronian Active Member

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    I've been using Meguiar's Quick Interior Detailer with very good results. It offers mild cleaning, UV protection and leaves no residue on the seats. Plus it can be used on any interior material without leaving an unnatural shine or surface residue.
     
    #9 SAronian, Jun 14, 2013
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  10. harold

    harold Member

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    #10 harold, Jul 31, 2013
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