Auto Leather Conditioner: The Facts and Myths

When it comes to the subject of auto leather conditioner, there exists much bad information. Largely driven by an industry wanting to sell more and more product, it is no wonder we as consumers are forever mislead.

• Does my leather need conditioning?
• What kind of conditioners are best?
• Do I need to clean my car leather first?
• What is the difference between leather oils and conditioners?
• How often do I need to clean and condition my car leather?

Opinion Based on Experience

As society, we are on information overload; the Internet has only added to, and complicated this fact. And here is yet another person adding his opinion to the mix. This is why I am going to tell you that my opinion is based on actual real life experience straight from the world of professional auto detailing.

I see all kinds when it comes to cleaning leather car seats and conditioning car leather. From the worst of the worst, to the best of the best; not all leather is created equal.

The Facts and the Myths

Like everything else in this world, things evolve; car leathers are no exception. The leather of the past, is not the leather of today. The leather of today's cars are made to withstand much wear and tear. Just as your cars paint has a protective layer of clear coat, so does modern day leather within your car have a transparent protective layer. Whether you want to make a direct comparison to that of the clear coat on your paint, or more like wood sealer that permeates the microscopic fibers of wood doesn't really matter, the critical point is this:

Any conditioners you might be applying, would not be penetrating the natural leather material.

Sorry to bring you the harsh reality, but hey, apply all the conditioner you want.

Answers from the World of Professional Detailing

As I said earlier, my opinions on auto leather conditioner is based on first hand experience and come from over twenty years of professional car detailing; so read further and become an informed consumer.

• I have never used leather conditioners on any of my personal cars.
• I have leather that looks amazing after 20 years of use, through proper cleaning and maintenance.
• The key to getting leather to last and stay nice is to keep it clean; consistently.
• Consistently means at least every 2-3 months at a minimum.
• I also never used leather conditioners in my professional auto detail business.

Some Final Words

Let me close this page on auto leather conditioner by listing some general rules regarding your cars leather:

• Not all leather is created equal.
• We generally get what we pay for in life and the same holds true for leather; the more expensive the car, the better the leather is going to be.
• The more expensive your car, the more leather will be used within the car itself: seating, steering wheel, shifters, headliners, etc.
• Synthetic materials that look like leather are commonly used within cars; you need to verify before you assume.
• Actually, most of the rules that apply to leather can be applied to other car interior materials; keep them clean...consistently!

I will close by also adding this little warning that is also based in much experience: many people will be so fixated on keeping their leather conditioned, that they insist on using it, but neglect to properly clean the leather first. So what people get over time, is a thick, grungy build up of dirt and leather conditioner, that actually becomes counter-productive to the original intent.

So if you insist on using some form of auto leather conditioner... please clean first!

Home | About | About This Site | Privacy Policy | Contact Me