Prius v 5, Good leather cleaner?

Soap and water, a damp cloth. Seriously - anything more could damage the material. Read the manual.

 

Stuff the dealer uses and it is like armor all and 2001. It is not soap and water.

It would be hard to damage this stuff with any know quality care product for vinyl. Used this on many Prius and other cars. Let me know when you have read all 800 pages. War and peace.

Cleaning detergents ●Do not use the following types of detergent, as they may discolor the vehicle interior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces: • Non-seat portions: Organic substances such as benzene or gasoline, alkaline or acidic solutions, dye, and bleach • Seats: Alkaline or acidic solutions, such as thinner, benzene, and alcohol ●Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel’s or other interior part’s painted surface may be damaged. ■Preventing damage to leather surfaces Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration of leather surfaces: ●Remove any dust or dirt from leather surfaces immediately. ●Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Park the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer. ●Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or containing wax on the upholstery, as they may stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior heats up significantly.

It is best to wipe off excess run off of armor all. This stuff is made for vinyl and will allow your stuff to last forever. Never once had an issue even with leather.
Also preserves bodies and skin.

VINYL, RUBBER & PLASTIC
Extend the Life of interior Surfaces
VINYL, RUBBER & PLASTIC
The interior of your car is constantly exposed to sunlight and heat, and over time, the parts of the interior made of plastic, rubber, or vinyl-like dashboards or seats will become discolored, and could dry out and crack if not treated properly.

Protectants are the most effective way to treat these surfaces because they contain surfactants to remove dirt and offer protection from UV damage.

VINYL SEATS
To clean vinyl seats, use soap and water or a protectant. If using soap and water, make sure to use as little water as possible, and dry quickly so water doesn’t soak through to the cushion or padding. Use a brush or toothbrush along seams to get into the pleats. After cleaning, dress with a protectant to protect from the sun. If the vinyl is already faded from the sun, repeated applications could help restore its luster.

Different protectant products have different shine levels. Select the shine level you prefer. If using a protectant spray, it is better to spray it directly onto the surface rather than onto a cloth, which will absorb some of its cleaning and protective agents.

VINYL OR RUBBER FLOOR MATS
If your floor mats are made of rubber or vinyl, remove them from the car and clean with soap and water.

DOORJAMB PANELS
Clean your door panels as you have cleaned other parts of your interior that are made from the same material. Check to make sure the door drains are clear (they’re at the bottom of the door). If clogged, use a thin wire brush such as a pipe cleaner to clear them. Wipe a damp rag over doorjambs to clean.

Clean vinyl and plastic door panels with soap and water or a cleaner. Dress them with a protectant after they dry.

Vacuum upholstery door panels. If they need more service, follow the same procedures for cleaning upholstery.

Use a protectant-soaked cotton swab to get into tight spaces.

LEATHER DOORJAMB PANELS
Leather doorjamb panels should be cleaned and conditioned the same way as other leather portions of your car.

Use a small brush, such as a toothbrush, to clean around door handles, pulls, and window cranks.

After cleaning, consider applying a lubrication substance to the doors’ latching apparatus. Check your Owner’s Manual to see if special lubrication is required.

DASHBOARD CONSOLE
Protectants will not harm dashboards or cause a console to crack. The protectant penetrates the surface of the dashboard and can provide shine and UV protection to help extend the life of your plastic surfaces.

Make sure to clean the surface with an Armor All® Protectant.

If using a protectant spray, it is better to spray it directly onto the dashboard or console rather than onto a cloth, which will absorb some of its cleaning and protective agents. When working around sensitive areas such as the instrument panel, however, avoid overspray by spraying the protectant onto a cloth before applying or by using wipes or gels.

Use a protectant-soaked cotton swab to get into tight spaces, such as air vents. Consider using protectant wipes or gels or a toothbrush to get into tight areas.

NOT SURE WHAT PROTECTANT TO USE?
Armor All® has different products to fit your needs:

Armor All® Ultra Shine Protectant

• Our HIGHEST SHINE Protectant
• Helps prevent cracking, fading, discoloration and premature aging
• Enhances your vehicle's deep, rich look while adding incredible shine
• Renews and revitalizes vinyl, rubber and plastic

Armor All® Original Protectant Wipes

• Proven protection of Armor All® Original Protectant in convenient, disposable wipes
• Helps prevent cracking, fading, discoloration and premature aging
• Enhances your vehicle's deep, rich look and adds beautiful shine
• Renews and revitalizes vinyl, rubber and plastic
• Lint-free – won't leave greasy residue on hands

 

In for answer.

Softex is the Toyota Prius leather material at least for years 2015/ 16.

Was Softex used in earlier years...any members have this material long term and has it cracked, creased or have an unremovable stain or wear pattern?

Yes, it is a synthetic material and yes the owner's manual says mild soap and water only.

I am unsure if a leather cleaner/ conditioner will change the color or if an interior plastic/ vinyl spray will also change the color or harden the material.
I am even hesitant to use the OEM Toyota branded interior cleaner as shown in a post above.
I really don't want to be the tester as I have the beige colored Softex.

Lastly, I have yet to find a specific Softex answer on an internet search for the OP's original question other than soap and water.

Again in for answers.

 

They changed in 2012.

I do not have my 2012 manual anymore but I do have the window sticker/says sofTex. Both 2016s say sofTex. Have used vinyl protectant on all my 9 hybrids since 2002. My pics above are the 2011, 2012, and 2016 dealer supplied care packages for Prius. I owned a 2011 and 2012. All included a re-newer that looks and smells like armor all. All have had a dealer applied sealant to the interior before delivery. The 2016 manual does not say soap and water only so I cannot verify what the 2012 manual said.

If you feel safer with soap and water then that is for you.


Not a crack or fade since my 2009 Prius and 2003 Civic Hybrid./1974/1975 240D and 300D, 1973 Olds 98, 1970 Monte Carlo, 1978 Corolla, 1980 Chevette, 1980, 1981, 82, 83 VW Rabbit diesel, 1964 Rambler Ambassador, 1985 Buick V6 Diesel, 1985 Cadillac Sedan Deville V6 diesel, 1986 Cimarron, 1987 S10 truck, and on and on and all used armor all.

please check my signature block as I owned the Prius Four Solar except maybe the color. My two were Pearl and sandy beach.

However, I do remember beating on a dash during a rock song and cracking it in on a Chrysler in 1965.

Lived in the UP of Michigan for 4 years and used it on all my vehicles. Good cheap effective stuff.

 

Section 7-1 Page 411 Prius v Owners Manual

"Cleaning the synthetic leather areas
● Remove loose dirt using a vacuum cleaner.


● Apply a mild soap solution to the synthetic leather using a sponge


or soft cloth.

● Allow the solution to soak in for a few minutes. Remove the dirt and


wipe off the solution with a clean, damp cloth."

Above is the quote from my manual.
Seems to me to say soap and water (as perhaps mild means the soap is diluted with water) for Softex.

Softex may be porous and absorb any product placed onto it surfaces, again bringing up my fear of discoloration.

I believe post 6 is stating they had great success treating Softex w/ vinyl protectants and having no long term detriment and for those of us needing a cleaning the Toyota products are a winner.

Again in for answers.

 

I have the beige interior and my blue jeans left stains/marks that no cleaner could remove. Then my co-worker told me about some new product that he used at home called Mr Clean Magic Eraser. Ive used it before but on shoes, walls not car stuff. Out of curiosity i tried it on my seats..... blue jean stain came off with ease and my seats never looked newer cleaner then when i first bought the car. Seat color didnt fade nor discolor.

 

Did notice the 2016 interior was not as thick as the 2012. Also, I always sit on a towel in the drivers seat. Did have dash mats for all my cars but I retired this year and decided to not get them for the new cars.

Real dead cow leather in the direct hot sun requires special care. In hot climates I would consider window tinting on the back window to protect real leather seats. I always left my rear seats down when not in use and or a towel over the head rests.

 

Would recommend Autoglym,it's very good. I use neutral anti bacterial wipes on Leather seats in my CT200h. Smells nice and cleans very good. No problems at all with them.


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