Leather cleaner
If you want to keep your leather seats looking great, you have to clean them. You can’t just reach for the same old cleaner you use on your dashboard or windows though. For the best results, and to ensure you don’t accidentally damage your upholstery, you need to use a dedicated leather cleaner.
To get rid of stubborn grime and marks, we highly recommend TriNova Leather Cleaner. It is a pH-balanced formula that can remove surface stains and extend the life of your upholstery, especially when combined with the brand’s conditioner.
Those who want to get the job done as quickly as possible though, may want to opt for a dual-purpose product that cleans and conditions in a single step, and you can find some great recommendations for those at the end of this guide.
What to know before you buy a car leather cleaner
Cleaner vs. conditioner
Many people assume that leather cleaners are conditioners and vice versa. However, this isn’t true, and each of these products is designed to do a different thing. Cleaners remove dirt, debris and oils from the surface of the leather. The work they do is completely topical and cosmetic.
Conditioners nourish the leather, which helps it remain soft and supple over time rather than hardening and potentially cracking with age. Unlike cleaners, which do all their action on the surface, conditioners are absorbed by the leather fibers. Some are even capable of strengthening leather.
Spray vs. gel
Leather cleaners come in spray and gel options. As you might guess, sprays are thinner liquids that are easy to apply quickly over large surfaces. You can spray them directly onto the leather itself, and then use a soft cloth to wipe them off. The downside to sprays is that they can be a bit messy. There is always a chance a little overspray winds up on other areas of a vehicle’s interior.
Gels have a thick consistency and are usually designed to be applied to a cloth that you then use to rub the leather. This allows for concise application in the exact places you need it, though it can be a more time-consuming process.
Concentrate
The majority of leather cleaners come ready to use, though you can also buy a concentrate. The former is quick and easy, whereas the latter adds an extra step in the process. You’ll be rewarded for your willingness to spend the extra effort though, with better value for your money. When fully diluted, the cost per ounce of concentrates is often considerably less than that of ready-to-use formulas.
Car leather cleaner features
Conditioner
Many leather cleaners are multipurpose products that also contain conditioners. This is convenient, as it allows you to get everything done in a single step. However, these dual-action formulas often aren’t as effective as dedicated products. If you are willing to go through the whole process of cleaning, followed by separately conditioning your leather, you will generally get the best results. But, if you know that you won’t actually spend the time to also apply a conditioner after cleaning your leather, it is best to opt for one that both cleans and conditions.
Protection
Along with conditioners, some cleaners also include ingredients designed to create a protective layer on your leather. This protective layer may prevent fading from UV exposure, as well as repel dust, lint, dirt and liquids to prevent the buildup of grime and reduce the chances of stains.
Car leather cleaner cost
You can find dedicated leather cleaners and combination cleaner conditioners for between $5 and $20. You can also find kits that contain separate leather cleaners and conditioners for $15 to $25.
Car leather cleaner FAQ
Can I use a home- or shoe-leather cleaner in my car?
A. Yes. For the most part, you can use any kind of leather cleaner on all your leather items. However, make sure to read the manufacturer’s usage guidelines on what your particular cleaner is suitable for. You should also test it on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t cause any fading or other damage. Note that suede requires specialized cleaners.
How often should I clean my leather upholstery?
A. The answer to this depends on how often you use your car and what abuse it is subjected to. A single person who just drives to and from work every day won’t have to clean their leather as often as a family with two kids who often spill food and drinks. Generally speaking though, you should give your leather a basic cleaning at least once a month and condition it at least three times a year.
Which car leather cleaner should I get?
Best of the best car leather cleaner
TriNova Leather Cleaner: available at Amazon
Our take: Simple to use yet very effective, Trinova Leather Cleaner is a good choice for those who need to get rid of stains that other formulas may struggle with and who don’t mind having to use a separate conditioner.
What we like: It prolongs the life of leather and can also be used on vinyl and faux leather surfaces.
What we dislike: The label doesn’t list the ingredients.
Best bang for your buck car leather cleaner
ArmorAll Leather Care Gel: available at Amazon
Our take: This budget-friendly option comes from a well-known brand and is packaged in a squeeze bottle that makes it easy to apply.
What we like: In addition to cleaning, it also conditions and protects to keep your leather looking tip top for years to come.
What we dislike: Some may find the smell unpleasant.
Honorable mention car leather cleaner
303 Leather 3-in-1 Complete Care: available at Amazon
Our take: Those who don’t like their leather to look shiny or feel greasy will like 303 Leather Complete care because it dries to a non-sticky, matte finish.
What we like: It conditions and protects against fading and cracking from UV exposure.
What we dislike: Struggles to remove stubborn stains.
Brett Dvoretz is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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