[2010Escape]

I just noticed the driver seat (right side bolster) appears to have the dye from my jacket bleeding hrough it along with a section on the armrest. Anyone encounter this and it is only 3 days old. I detail cars and have never encountered this as I cannot clean/remove the dye.

 

[megascape]

I have not read anything similar to you problem but I would take it to ford and see what they say and insist that the seats or stain be removed since it is a new vehicle.

 

[kkreit01]

If it's "from your jacket", I doubt the dealer will be responsible. Pics?

 

[2010Escape]

If it's "from your jacket", I doubt the dealer will be responsible. Pics?

No pics....sorry and I doubt it would show up in the photo. Having said this, it seems like a fairly rare problem once I googled it. I have a hard time believing one should settle for a car seat that doesnt protect itself from something like this after paying $40k to Ford they better do something.

 

[kkreit01]

Try posting this question on Autopia.org, or similar detailing forum. Have you tried Woolite/water mixture? Leather cleaner/conditioner?

 

[DaveJ]

I've had this happen on our Lexus RX300 that we once owned. The black die from my wife's jacket bled into the seat. It's not the car's issue, it's the jacket. I had a very difficult time removing the stain and I never did get it all out. Try Pristine Clean from Leatherique, it's great stuff. You can call Leatherique before you buy it and they will discuss the problem with you.
See here for Leatherique: http://www.leatherique.com/

 

[ajc6882]

Someone slipped a florescent pink paper flyer in my window and it landed on my the lighter grey leather down the center of my seat and it drizzled on it through the sunroof and when I lifted the paper the pink had transfered to the leather. (the funny thing is that it was for a car detailer). I was able to remove it with rubbing alcohol and a white terry cloth. The key is not to rub it too much. just blot. After the alcohol drys you have to apply some leather conditioner to renew the moisture of the leather. This takes time. I did it over a couple days. It took 95% out. The remaining 5% faded out over a couple days. I rubbed conditioner on it a few times over the following days till it faded. Just remember to test it out on an area that doesnt show. It's been over 3 years now and the leather is still fine.

40K for a Ford Escape? Holy Cow. That seems high?

 

[2010Escape]

Someone slipped a florescent pink paper flyer in my window and it landed on my the lighter grey leather down the center of my seat and it drizzled on it through the sunroof and when I lifted the paper the pink had transfered to the leather. (the funny thing is that it was for a car detailer). I was able to remove it with rubbing alcohol and a white terry cloth. The key is not to rub it too much. just blot. After the alcohol drys you have to apply some leather conditioner to renew the moisture of the leather. This takes time. I did it over a couple days. It took 95% out. The remaining 5% faded out over a couple days. I rubbed conditioner on it a few times over the following days till it faded. Just remember to test it out on an area that doesnt show. It's been over 3 years now and the leather is still fine.

40K for a Ford Escape? Holy Cow. That seems high?

I am in Canada and the truck was $38k+ taxes of 13% and the other crap. Having said this, I didn't pay this much as I had a trade and got a great deal.

 

[2010Escape]

I have been doing some research and I am not convinced the "leather" seats in the Escape are in fact leather. It appears as though it may be coated plastic/leather (someone correct me if you know). This has an impact on the cleaning options. Unfortunately, any alcohol based product is detrimental (sp) to the surface regardless of leather or vinyl etc... I am bringing the Escape to Ford next Wednesday to have them look at it. Most people won't see it but I know it is there. My 2 options are to have a company called fibrenew (google them as I have used them many times on my collector cars) as they will re-dye the portion for about $75-$100 or I can order a new "leather" seat cover from Ford for $140.00 online.

Cheers

 

[kkreit01]

^ True that. Most all cars built in NA are not "true leather". Some very few, high end European cars may have real (uncoated) leather.

Article below:

http://www.303products.com/shop303/inde ... eather.cfm

 

[DaveJ]

^ True that. Most all cars built in NA are not "true leather". Some very few, high end European cars may have real (uncoated) leather.

Article below:

http://www.303products.com/shop303/inde ... eather.cfm

Lexus has used coated seats for many years. Even on coated seats, some say leather conditioners are still good if you work the conditioner into the seams and stitching. I've used Leatherique conditioner on my Escape's leather seats, and it definately gave the leather a more softened and natural look. I did the water test and the Escape's seats seem to absorb a little water. In contrast, our Lexus seats clearly just allows the water to sit on the surface.

 

[ajc6882]

I forgot to mention that I used a diluted rubbing alcohol off the shelf. It was a 50/50 mix. of water and alcohol. Like I said it works and its been three years and still no problems. Alcohol will dry fast. The major thing is to reapply a natural conditioner. I use Meguires Aloe leather cleaner and their Aloe conditioner. Its better than having a dye stain on your seat or having to pay for a new leather seat cover. I you cant get ford to pay, or cant get the detailer to get it out. Its worth a try. Ask the detailer what he is going to use to remove it. I was a little aprehensive at first with the alcohol/water but it worked and the leather looks beautiful.. I very picky with my cars and keep them in perfect condition as you can see in my pictures I wouldnt do something that would damage it. Shes my baby. Give it a shot if you have no other choice. Worst that could happen is that you save 300-400 for a seat cover installed. Good luck.

 

[ajc6882]

I have found some articles that may make you feel more comfortable.
http://www.catalogs.com/info/home-impro ... ather.html http://laundry.about.com/od/stainremova ... kremov.htm
http://theinteriorguyllc.com/hstains-in-leather-seats/
Just dont use acetone as Ive seen it eat through plastic. I know that ford tends to put a clear coating over there leather and the acetone could damage that. Alcohol with water is the harshest you can go with out damaging the leather. Again good luck. I feel your pain.

 

[ajc6882]

Ohh and When the leather guys say "redye" they mean paint. So it may not be as durable in the future. You'd be better off buying the seat cover from ford.

 

[2010Escape]

Thanks.....