This is my first time using this. I choose it because I trust the brand (been using their wax for decades). And being mid-price, I figure it must be good.

Most of all, I was getting tired of the oily feel of many leather cleaner-conditioner, etc.

I like it that it does not leave an oily feel.

However, I noticed my wipe rag is dirty. Like I'm wiping off dust and oil stains.

Am I removing the color of my leather?

I tired it on both cars. The interior color is black and dark gray. So I can't tell if this cleaner-conditioner is removing the color of the leather, or am I really that dirty on my seats and steering wheel?

 

I watched a vid on youtube of a professional cleaning a tan leather interior & the color was lighter after he was done cleaning. The dirt gets rubbed around evenly I guess.

 

I have never noticed it removing color on my cars and that is the brand I use.

 

you will be surprised at how dirty the leather gets.

 

I agree. Most of the time, the lighter color leather is due to the dirt removal. However, strong agitation will remove coloring.

My concern is that you mention the leather being several shades lighter. IMHO, cleaning leather shouldn't make that much lighter.

 

It definitely depends on the leather. I tried using Lexol on my leather couches once and it absolutely removed the coloring from the leather. Nearly all of those products say to test it in an inconspicuous spot first before applying it all over.

 

Correct. I just was not sure if my seats are really that dirty, or the past leather conditioner did nothing at all, or it's removing color.

 

Been using it for years and never had any issues about fading.

 

Leather cleaners definitely can remove some color.
Always test on a hidden spot, and use a towel that will show the color transfer if any.

if you can't see any transfer it's possible the seats/wheel and just that dirty.

 

What I will do next time is to wipe it down with a wet rag, and a tiny bit of soap. And they try it, so I can see if it's color or I am really that dirty.

 

The best and the cheapest way to clean leather first use simple green with clean towel or cotton cloth apply soft brush if needed and once dried use the Magquire leather conditioner and your interior will shine really great. I don't know how tan color will look but I have a complete black interior and boy it looks very sharp after when I detail it including the two steps.

 

I wouldn't use Simple Green on leather... They even say it on their site.

Is it safe to use Lemon Scent Simple Green All-Purpose Wipes on leather?

The rule of thumb is, "If it is safe to pour water on it, you can clean it with Simple Green." Most leather will not tolerate water. It becomes hard and dry. Therefore, it is not a good idea to use Lemon Scent Simple Green All-Purpose Wipes on leather, suede, dry-clean only fabrics such as some silks, velvets, etc.

http://consumer.simplegreen.com/cons_prod_lwip_faqs.php

 

This thread just reminded me....wow, I have not clean the seats since then.