Member Since: 01 Jul 2005
Location: Hollyoaks, UK
Posts: 2682
Leather Softener Suggestions
Ferrying little one as budding Ronaldo (or whoever he is today) to Football, had one of those “break the bag” Ice packs split and spill all over the rear middle seat base.
No idea what the specific chemical(s) are in these bags but although I cleared it up quickly, it has left the middle seat as hard as rock and I mean solid - I could probably snap it like chipboard.
I have tried massaging various leather creams, conditioners, softeners etc., rubbing into the leather – even leaving some on for a day or two but still solid. Don’t think oils are the way – oily bum stains is not a good look should it not be completely absorbed, so before I go the replacement seat base route, just thought I’d give the Disco collective a go.
Any thoughts - I figure I can't make it any worse as the next step is replace so....
Many thanks!D3 HSE V8...
20th Jul 2023 9:51 am
ClassikFan
Member Since: 02 Nov 2016
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1027
I think you need to clean the leather first, then apply conditioner. I think a Borax/baking soda solution (Google for the exact proportions) is best for deep cleaning.Just 'cause you got the power... that don't mean you got the right.
25th Jul 2023 11:16 pm
LT
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23368
What brand of ice pack? It will help to work out what the contents were.
Typically these contain one of:
- ammonium nitrate,
- calcium ammonium nitrate, or
- urea
mixed with water.
Chances are that the active element has dried into the leather (crystalised) hence it being so stiff.
Knowing what it is will help decide what you need to use to treat it.I know it's not considered "kind" to say no these days, but no. Just no, ok? And if it's not ok, still no.
26th Jul 2023 8:57 am
Mossy
Member Since: 01 Jul 2005
Location: Hollyoaks, UK
Posts: 2682
Thanks all for the suggestions.
The pack was primarily Urea and Water, but not sure if anything else was included. It was a Koolpack (https://www.koolpak.co.uk/Hot-Cold-Therapy/Instant-Ice-Packs/Original-Instant-Ice-Pack). I have soaked the seat base well to try and break up the crystals and rinsed as best as I can, but its like a fine bit of hard wood now.
I'll try giving the folks are LT's suggestion a call, but will also give the Borax etc., route a go as I'm sure I have the necessary lurking un der a kitchen sink somewhere.
For urea that has been absorbed and dried in a fabric, plenty of clean, warm water circulated through the material is the recommendation - no additives, just warm water to saturate the dried urea, then remove with a wet vax or lots of towels. Quite literally a case of rinse and repeat.
Borax, like urea, is an acid that dries to a salt-like substance, so you may risk adding to the problem.I know it's not considered "kind" to say no these days, but no. Just no, ok? And if it's not ok, still no.
26th Jul 2023 11:46 am
Mossy
Member Since: 01 Jul 2005
Location: Hollyoaks, UK
Posts: 2682
Many thanks - Every day's a school day!!!
I have a feeling - having done some more reading that the leather base cover is removable - maybe I should start there as I can soak and flush through more thoroughly.
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