Proper Leather Care

Proper Leather Care

Leather should be routinely cleaned using a ph-balanced, non alkaline cleaner such as Lexol Leather Cleaner or BLACKFIRE Interior Cleaner. Cleaners loosen and lift grease and grime (like French Fry fingerprints) without drying the leather or affecting the hides natural ph.

To properly clean leather:

Spray cleaner to a wet applicator pad and apply to one area at a time (i.e. a seat back).

Gently agitate the surface with a leather cleaning brush. This removes stubborn grime and will not harm the leather.

Use a clean, damp sponge to rise the leather.

Towel dry with a clean terry cloth towel.

    In addition to regular cleaning, leather requires replacement of natural oils. (The smell of leather comes from oils evaporating out of the hide.) If these oils are not replaced, the leather will dry out, deteriorate and crack. Once every month or two, use a leather conditioner to restore these natural oils and keep the leather soft and supple. Leather conditioners with rich combinations of natural oils like BLACKFIRE High-UV Leather Conditioner are especially beneficial on neglected, abused or aged leathers that have developed "character lines".

To properly condition leather:

Apply conditioner to a damp applicator pad and wipe all leather surfaces in the vehicle.

Allow 15 to 20 minutes for the oils to penetrate and give a final wipe down with a clean towel. Don't be alarmed if there is conditioner on the wipe towel. The leather will only absorb as much conditioner as it needs.

    If you own a convertible with a leather interior, you should consider additional sunscreen protection. Leather conditioners typically do not offer any UV screening. The best solution is to alternate between a leather conditioner and 303 Protectant. One month I'll use a conditioner to keep the leather healthy and supple. the following month, I'll mist and wipe the leather with 303 protectant to add UV protection.

Coated leather.

    Most of the leather being used in domestic automobiles today has a top coating. The leather can be either "Semi-Aniline", (The Leather is dyed and a thin coating is applied for protection) or "Pigmented" (This leather is typically less expensive showing more "scars" and "defects" but is coated with a thick layer of colored pigmentation). Many leather conditioners, if used on this "coated" leather, will not penetrate the coating to allow the conditioning oils to reach the leather. Products to consider for treating these leathers are listed below. If you're not sure if your car's leather is vinyl coated, check with your car dealer or the manufacturer.

Blackfire High-UV Leather Conditioner

Collinite Leather and Vinyl Treatment

1Z einszett Leather Care "Lederpflege"

Leatherique Restoration Products

Optimum Protectant Plus