L-SB-0014-16_Rev

L-SB-0014-16
Rev1
March 17, 2016
Leather Care Best Practices
Service
Category
Vehicle Interior
Section
Seat
Market USA
Applicability
YEAR(S)
MODEL(S)
2010 - 2018
CT200H, ES300H, ES350,
GS F, GS200T, GS350,
GS450H, GX460, HS250H,
IS F, IS200T, IS250,
IS250C, IS300, IS350,
IS350C, LC500, LC500H,
LFA, LS460, LS500H,
LS600H, LX570, NX200T,
NX300H, RC F, RC200T,
RC300, RC350, RX350,
RX450H
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
REVISION NOTICE
January 19, 2018 Rev1:
 Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles.
Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
Introduction
The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to elevate awareness and provide best practices for leather
care in Lexus vehicles. As an additional resource, if the vehicle is equipped with factory leather
seats, the vehicle Owner’s Manual will highlight the importance of proper maintenance and
provide guidance for care.
NOTE
Leather seat covers that are replaced for dye transfer or soiling are NOT eligible for replacement
under warranty. Likewise, damage caused by unapproved cleaning methods are NOT eligible for
replacement under warranty.
Warranty Information
OP CODE
DESCRIPTION
TIME
OFP
T1
T2
N/A
Not Applicable to Warranty
–
–
–
–
© 2018 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Page 1 of 4
L-SB-0014-16
Rev1
March 17, 2016
Page 2 of 4
Leather Care Best Practices
Background
Leather is a natural material covering used on seat covers and other interior trim that requires
periodic maintenance and cleaning comparable to the exterior of the vehicle. Usage will dictate
frequency and schedule.
NOTE
 Appearance conditions such as cracking, peeling, and dye transfer may occur to the protective
coating of the leather top coat. Abrasive cleaning methods expose the top coat to the surface and
effectively remove resistance and protection against dye transfer.
 Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the cross-section layers of leather seat material. Protective coating applied
to the top coat portion of the material provides resistance to staining if not removed by
abrasive methods.
NOTICE
Many commercial cleaners damage factory coatings and protectants by utilizing solvents and
propellants that destroy factory coatings. Strictly adhere to these instructions to ensure the
longevity of the vehicle’s interior.
Figure 1.
Figure 2. Top Layer Close-up
1
1
2
2
3
1
Top Coat
1
Top Coat
2
Material Backing
2
Material Backing
3
Protective Coating
Figure 3. Wear Caused by Outside Influence
© 2018 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA
L-SB-0014-16
Rev1
March 17, 2016
Page 3 of 4
Leather Care Best Practices
Leather Care Best Practices
Listed below for reference are excerpts from the 2016 GS Owner’s Manual on how to maintain and
care for leather seat products. ALL Owner’s Manuals include a brief description on leather care.
NOTICE
 Harsh cleaning practices will remove some or ALL of the protective coating applied to leather
during production and will degrade the longevity of the material over time . Vehicle leather
should ONLY be cleaned by hand with water and mild detergent.
 Do NOT apply cleaners directly to the leather.
1. Do NOT:
 Use mechanical means of cleaning other
than hand cleaning (e.g., brushes,
sanders, or steel wool).

Use harsh cleaners that may contain
solvents or propellants.

Let stains remain untreated.

Gouge, scratch, or use abrasive
materials against the surface.
Figure 4.
© 2018 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA
L-SB-0014-16
Rev1
March 17, 2016
Page 4 of 4
Leather Care Best Practices
Leather Care Best Practices (Continued)
2. Do:
 Hand clean.

Clean frequently (when soiling is first noticed).

Use clean, high-quality microfiber cloths.

Remove loose dust or dirt prior to cleaning.

Dust off surface with a dry microfiber cloth or gently vacuum the surface.

Perform general surface cleaning with a microfiber cloth moistened with clean water.

Apply cleaners to microfiber towels instead of directly to the seat.

Spot clean localized stains with a microfiber cloth soaked in baby soap solution, rubbing the
cloth with moderate hand pressure.

Wipe off residues with a clean, wet microfiber cloth.

Finish drying the surface with a dry microfiber cloth.
© 2018 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA