Best Car Leather Cleaners for 2023

Nothing adds class to your car’s interior like leather seats. They look and feel great, last a long time and help with resale value down the road You want these leather thrones to look as spiffy as possible, and luckily they’re easy to clean. A simple vacuum session is a good start, and a wipe with almost any interior cleaner can’t hurt.
However, leather seats require some extra care to look and feel their best. Cleaning your seat with leather-specific products can help remove body oils, stains, and other grime, while also preventing cracks, discoloration, and other wear and tear. For best results, always use leather conditioner with leather cleaner. Some of the products on this list have conditioning properties, while others do not. Always double check the label and purchase accordingly.
So if you really want that cowhide to shine, leather cleaner is what you need. But which one should you buy? There are many different brands to choose from, so we’ve rounded up 5 of the most popular to find out which ones work best.
Read Also: Best Auto Interior Cleaner 2023
Top 5 Best Car Leather Cleaners for 2023
- Leather Honey Leather Cleaner
- Leather Honey is one of the most popular leather care brands on Amazon, and their leather cleaner is no exception.
- This pH-balanced cleaner is safe for all types of leather, including delicate and exotic leathers.
- It effectively removes dirt, oil, and other stains without drying out or damaging the leather.
- The product comes with a microfiber cleaning cloth for easy application and is backed by a satisfaction guarantee.
2. TriNova Leather Cleaner
- TriNova’s leather cleaner is a versatile and effective option for cleaning car leather seats and other leather items.
- The gentle formula is safe for use on all types of leather, including synthetic and faux leather.
- It removes dirt, grime, and stains, leaving the leather looking and feeling clean and refreshed.
- The product comes with a free cleaning brush for easy application and is backed by a satisfaction guarantee.
3. Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
- Chemical Guys is a well-known brand in the car care industry, and their leather cleaner and conditioner is a top-rated product on Amazon.
- This all-in-one formula cleans, conditions, and protects leather, leaving it soft, supple, and hydrated.
- It removes dirt and stains and restores the natural shine and color of the leather.
- The product is safe for use on all types of leather, including perforated and suede leather.
4. Meguiar’s Gold Class Rich Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
- Meguiar’s is another trusted brand in the car care industry, and their Gold Class Rich Leather Cleaner and Conditioner is a highly rated product on Amazon.
- The 2-in-1 formula cleans and conditions leather, leaving it looking and feeling like new.
- It removes dirt, oil, and other stains and restores the natural luster and suppleness of the leather.
- The product is safe for use on all types of leather, including perforated and suede leather.
5. Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
- Weiman’s leather cleaner and conditioner is a cost-effective option for those looking for an effective and versatile product for cleaning and conditioning car leather seats.
- The formula cleans and conditions leather, leaving it soft, supple, and protected against future damage.
- It removes dirt, grime, and other stains and restores the natural shine and color of the leather.
- The product is safe for use on all types of leather, including bonded leather and vinyl.
Overall, these top 5 car leather cleaners for 2023 offer a range of options for cleaning and conditioning car leather seats and other leather items. Whether you’re looking for a pH-balanced cleaner, an all-in-one formula, or a cost-effective option, there’s a product on this list that will meet your needs. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and use the included tools and accessories for the best results.
Tips for Using Car Leather Cleaners
Test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first
- Before using a new car leather cleaner, test it on a small area of the leather that is not visible to ensure that it does not cause any discoloration or damage.
- This will also give you an idea of how much cleaner to use and how long to leave it on the leather.
Use a microfiber cloth
- When cleaning car leather seats, use a microfiber cloth to apply the cleaner and wipe away dirt and grime.
- Microfiber cloths are soft and gentle on leather, and they are also effective at picking up dirt and debris without leaving streaks or scratches.
Don’t use too much cleaner
- Using too much cleaner can leave a residue on the leather, making it look dull and greasy.
- Follow the instructions on the label and use only the recommended amount of cleaner for the size of the area you are cleaning.
Avoid harsh chemicals
- Harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia can damage leather and cause it to dry out and crack.
- Stick to cleaners that are specifically formulated for leather and avoid using any products that contain abrasive or harsh chemicals.
Condition the leather after cleaning
- After cleaning car leather seats, it’s important to condition the leather to restore its natural oils and prevent it from drying out and cracking.
- Use a leather conditioner that is formulated for car leather and apply it according to the instructions on the label.
Store your car in a shaded area
- Direct sunlight can cause car leather seats to fade and crack over time.
- If possible, park your car in a shaded area or use a car cover to protect the leather from sunlight and other environmental factors.
By following these tips for using car leather cleaners, you can keep your car’s leather seats looking clean, fresh, and new for years to come. Remember to always follow the instructions on the label and use only products that are safe for your specific type of leather.
FAQs
How do I know if my leather seat is dirty?
Leather seats do an excellent job of hiding stains that build up over time, especially stains that naturally occur from body oils. (You might not even notice your car seat is getting dirty.) But leather seats require extra care, so you should clean them regularly—even if they don’t look too shabby.
Why should I clean leather seats?
Stains and other crud can seep into the leather if left unchecked, making future cleaning difficult. Ignored dirt and grime can cause deep stains and cracks, which will require some heavy-duty scrubbing or even repairs. You can avoid this with routine cleansing and conditioning with skin care products.
What is leather conditioner?
It’s important to include a leather conditioner in your routine, whether purchased separately or included with your cleanser. A leather conditioner is a product that nourishes the leather and prevents it from drying out and becoming damaged. Some of the leather cleaning products we’ve tested here have conditioning properties, but some don’t.
What household items can I use to clean the leather on my car?
Unless it’s a household leather cleaner, we don’t recommend using any household item to clean the leather on your car. It’s popular to see vinegar, lemon juice, and even toothpaste recommended as ways to clean leather, but you can easily damage your seat using these things. Protect your car’s resale value and properly care for your leather seats by purchasing a cleaner specifically formulated for the job.
Why trust us?
This test was conducted in an environment that provides equal test procedures for each product: car and driver’s garage. We tested each leather cleaner on a dirty leather seat with equal tap-off sections and measured how well each section was cleaned. We took detailed notes on performance including smell, residue and hydration. After collating our results, we agreed that our test was fair and valid and provided the best information for us to recommend our picks to our readers.
Hearst Autos combines the talent, resources and expertise of three of the world’s largest, most influential automotive publications. We don’t need to game search engines to get traffic or promote bad products just to make a sale. We care deeply about our legacy, our reputation and the trust our readers place in Autoweek, Car & Driver and Road & Track to provide honest reviews and expert opinions.