I have an ‘08 Eddie Bauer Expedition with the Camel leather seats. I noticed my black leather belt was leaving a dark discolored area on the seat back. I immediately removed the belt, now I can't remove the discoloration. The Owner's Manual says my leather seating surfaces have a clear, protective coating over the leather. They say not to use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions, solvents or cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl and plastics, or oil/petroleum-based leather conditioners because these products may cause premature wearing of the clear, protective coating. Ford recommends Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-11-A).

<O</OI've tried soap and water, Meguiar's Quick Interior Detailer Wipes (stopped when I read they contain Isopropyl Alcohol), and LEXOL-pH. None of that would touch the discoloration. I've ordered and will try the Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner, but wondered if anyone else has already seen this problem and had success with restoring the seat to original.<O</O

 

I have the same leather seats, Camel color. Most interior leather has a coating on it to prevent wear, stains, etc. I think that the seats in the 07 and 08 expeditions have as little protective coating as I have seen in a car. The seats appear dry even when conditioned. I notice the seats are very prone to stains because of the surface being more porous from the lack of protective coating.

The dye on your leather belt came off and was absorbed by the 'coated' leather.

I would take clean microfiber towel, run it through hot water, ring it out, rub the stain lightly, then apply some Lexol cleaner and work the stain lightly from different angles. Don't rub too hard. Start off lightly, and try it a few different times.

You don't have to be too overly catuos about cleaners. Any Mequirs or Lexol products designed for leather are safe. Twice a month I wipe down all of my seats with a damp warm microfiber towel and then condition all of the areas-leather and vinyl with Lexol conditioner or Zaino Leather in a Bottle. I coat the seats with the conditioner, leave it on overnight, then wipe down with a dry microfiber the next day.

I would also post your question, with pictures, on this site. These guys are experts at detailing their Fords.
http://www.f150online.com/forums/care-detailing-22/