How To Care for Automotive Leather Interiors

Typically, the only parts of leather car seats that are actually leather are the parts that you sit on. The sides and back of "leather" seats are usually made of vinyl. Keeping your automotive leather looking and feeling good is a two-step process: cleaning and conditioning. Leather upholstery resists wear and tear, is fairly easy to clean and does not become heavily soiled like fabric seats.

The most important tip for leather care is NEVER SPRAY ANYTHING DIRECTLY ONTO THE LEATHER! Spray or apply your product onto a microfiber towel or horsehair bristled brush and then work it into the leather surfaces. Wipe away the excess with a damp cloth if necessary.

If kept reasonably clean, most leather cleaning can be accomplished in one step with a two-in-one cleaner and conditioner. For dirtier or neglected types of leather, use a specialty leather cleaner first. Our top picks are Malco Leather and Plastic Cleaner and Meguiar's Leather Cleaner. Follow up with a good leather conditioner. Check out Griot's Garage Leather Care Liquid, specially designed to condition your leather if it is 3-5 years old, worn, dry and cracked. P&S Double Black Leather Treatment works great when applied with disposable gloves.