Leather being one of the toughest and the most durable materials, can also be damaged and corroded over time. Over time, moisture, dryness, and dirt lead leather items to develop cracks, scratches, and tears. Even though leather has the natural ability to resist the build-up of dirt, we must clean and maintain leather to increase its longevity.
The best leather conditioners are the ones that are formulated to moisturize leather by lubricating its fibers and preventing friction. Using a good leather conditioner can also deepen the hue of your leather items and enhance their beauty.
If you go online to search for the best leather conditioners for car care cleaning, you might get puzzled by a large number of options available in front of you. Worry not! We are here to make your work a lot easier with our well thought out list of the nine best leather conditioners.
Top 9 Leather Conditioners 2021
1. Leather Honey Leather Conditioner
Rejuvenate your old and brittle leather items and protect your new ones with the Leather Honey leather conditioner. This leather conditioner is non-toxic, free of silicone, chemical solvents, and animal products, and penetrates deep within the leather material. It is non-sticky and odorless, making it one of the best leather conditioners for cars.
It works wonders for many leather items like leather furniture, shoes, belts, purses, gloves, saddles, jackets, motorcycle seats, truck seats, and leather car interiors. However, this product is not suitable for other materials like faux leather, suede, or vinyl.
A small dollop of this leather conditioner goes a long way. Warm it slightly and use the Leather Honey Lint-free Applicator Cloth to apply a thin layer of this product on your leather item. It is recommended to do a patch test on a discreet piece of leather to avoid any mishaps.
Pros
- It lasts for a long time as a minimal amount of product is required.
- This product ensures an easy and mess-free application.
- It does not leave any weird smell.
Cons
- It can be slightly sticky.
- It can darken the color of certain types of leather.
2. Weiman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
The Weiman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner not only cleans and conditions leather surfaces but also protects them from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. It features UVX-15 sunscreen formulation to make sure the leather doesn’t get damaged when exposed to prolonged exposure to the sun.
It promotes the flexibility of any leather surface with its rejuvenating formula. The natural oils present in this leather cleaner and conditioner deeply moisture the leather item while removing any undesirable build-up dirt, soil, or residues. The Six natural oils present in this leather cleaner and conditioner form a magical concoction that deeply moisturizes and softens the leather surface and minimizes scratches.
Two simple steps of wiping and buffing with this leather cleaner and conditioner can clean, condition, and smooth out leather items like furniture, clothes, boots, briefcases, purses, motorcycle seats, and automobile interiors. You must not clean suede, nubuck, or any kind of unfinished leather material using this product.
Pros
- It has a non-toxic formulation.
- It provides UV-X protection to the leather surface.
- It does not leave behind any obnoxious smell.
Cons
- It takes a long time to dry up.
3. Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Complete Leather Care Kit
The Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Complete Leather Care Kit is one of the best leather cleaners and conditioners for cars, homes, offices, and a wide array of other leather products. Both products in this leather care kit are OEM approved and do not contain any color or odor. These make your leather feeling fresh and now by lifting out dirt and debris and also fills in cracks and crevices.
The Leather Cleaner penetrates deep into the pores of the leather and cleanses all the dirt and residues. It maintains a stable pH level that helps maintain the strength and durability of the leather surface.
Formulated with Vitamin E, the Leather Conditioner lifts oil and dirt while leaving behind a lingering subtle leather smell. You only require a pea-sized amount to clean and condition your leather items. This product comes with the assurance of The Chemical Brothers and has outstanding customer service to listen to all your concerns.
Pros
- It is effortless to use
- The leather care kit comes with a cleaner and a conditioner to provide complete protection to your leather items.
- It leaves the right amount of shine.
Cons
- The smell can be bothersome.
- Stickiness stays for a long time.
4. Leather Love – The Best Leather Conditioner On The Planet
Are you looking for the best leather conditioner that can transform the outlook of your leather products? Your search ends with the Leather Love Leather Conditioner! This leather conditioner, formulated with nourishing ingredients like amino acids, lanolin, lipids, refined natural oils, and other components, instantly rejuvenates any leather surface.
Unlike most other leather conditioners, this product also works for some unfinished leathers like vinyl. The natural antioxidants and Ultraviolet inhibitors bring new life to worn-out, drying, and cracked leather. The high viscosity consistency provides deep hydration to new leather products.
Be it leather couches, boots, car seats, dashboards, armrests, etc., this leather conditioner can bring new life to any leather items by softening and smoothing them while imparting a leather-like natural smell.
Naturally derived, pure, refined, and light essential oils present in this leather conditioner lift all dirt, dust, and debris and impart moisturization to any leather surface. It also comes with an unconditional warranty period, which means you will get a full refund if you are dissatisfied with the product at any point in time while using it.
Pros
- It comes in a convenient tin packaging.
- Formulated with natural ingredients and refined essential oils
- Transforms the leather surface in 60 days
Cons
- It does not last long in dry climates.
5. Armor All Car Leather Conditioner Gel, Interior Cleaner for Cars, Truck, and Motorcycle
Clean, condition, and protect your expensive automobile leather interior with the rich and luxurious leather conditioner gel from Armor All Store. Their advanced leather formulation seeps deep into the layers of leather and cleanses and conditions it from within. This leather conditioner gel exposes clean, smooth, and supple leather by removing dirt and oils that last for a long time.
Leather interiors of automobiles are often exposed to the sun’s damaging rays, moisture, and dryness. This leather conditioner restores the leather item’s softness and suppleness and restores its rich, natural color and smell.
This leather conditioner features powerful blocking agents so that you can bid goodbye to all the undesirable cracks, stains, discoloration, and premature aging of your leather items. Pampering and conditioning leather has never been more effortless! With a 100% money-back guarantee, this is indeed one of the best leather conditioners for cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
Pros
- It is exceptionally gentle on leather.
- It penetrates deep within the grains of the leather, imparting softness and flexibility.
- One bottle of this leather conditioner goes a long way.
- The non-sticky formula ensures a mess-free application.
Cons
- A noticeable difference is observed after 2-3 uses and not right away.
6. Lexol Leather Conditioner
Car interiors, leather furniture, softball and baseball gloves, leather shoes, satchels, leather briefcases, and purses are in constant usage and, as a result, are subject to daily wear and tear. They need care and pampering to restore their natural supple and smooth appearance. The Lexol Leather Conditioner is most definitely the best leather conditioner when it comes to preserving and protecting the appearance of your leather items.
This leather conditioner helps to increase the life of your leather items that are dried and cracked by the sun, moisture, and dryness. It prevents damage and discoloration of your favorite leather investments and also vanishes surface scratches instantly. It is not overly alkaline or acidic and has a neutral pH level that does not destabilize the leather fiber’s natural pH level.
The extra-fine and minute oil droplets of this leather conditioner lift dirt, oil, and debris from the leather’s deep layers. You can effortlessly wipe away these unwanted residues later. It has a thick consistency, is easy to use, leaves a minimal residue, and soaks in quickly and nearly completely.
Pros
- It is very creamy and easy to apply.
- It restores the original color of the leather.
- The smell is not overwhelming.
Cons
- It can leave the leather appearing too shiny.
7. Obenauf’s LP Boot Preservative
Originally developed to waterproof and protect firefighters’ leather boots, the Obenauf’s LP Boot is a heavy-duty leather preservative. It works for a wide array of products like leather belts, holsters, saddles, sheaths, boots, and many more. It gives natural waterproofing to leather items, making them resistant to static and dynamic water flow that penetrates leather and damages it.
This leather conditioner is formulated with the original bee’s wax and plant oils. It features a Propolis suspension formula that spreads out evenly even with a tiny amount. The heat helps the natural oils to lubricate the leather fibers, increasing their flexibility. Intense moisturization provides resistance against cracking, dryness, sweat, chemical abrasion, manure acid, and scuffing.
This leather conditioner is extraordinarily multipurpose and versatile as it works not only for pure leather but also for unfinished leather-like nubuck. It doesn’t stop at that! You can also protect your natural wooden furniture, cotton oilskin dusters, and hats with Obenauf’s LP Boot Preservative.
Pros
- It restores faded, sun-dried, and damaged leather.
- Formulated with real beeswax, which is known for its moisturizing properties
- It waterproofs leather by keeping it breathable and conditioned.
Cons
- You have to reapply it frequently.
8. Leather Afterlife Leather Conditioner
This leather conditioner from Leather Afterlife has a non-toxic, non-greasy formula that is safe to use and dries up very quickly, leaving a non-sticky finish. It brings back old and worn off leather to its previous luxurious feel and protects new leather from water penetration, scuffing, and cracks. It is one of the best leather conditioners for cars, saddles, boots, purses, etc.
It is recommended to clean the leather surface and apply a thin layer of this leather conditioner with a microfiber cloth, brushes, and sponges to ensure a mess-free and clean application. The solution dries rapidly within one to two hours, leaving no greasy feeling. A little goes a long way with this leather conditioner making the product worth its price.
Additionally, Leather Afterlife’s customer service is exceptional and impressive. It makes leather resistant to water penetration, scratches and cracking, and fulfills all its claims. It is most definitely the right choice when it comes to buying the best leather conditioner.
Pros
- It applies evenly and penetrates deep within the leather surface.
- It leaves a shine that buffs away easily.
- It dries within two hours.
Cons
- It leaves a slight odor.
9. Lexol Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
This leather conditioner, formulated with tiny and minuscule droplets of oil, seeps into the fibers of the leather and lubricates them. This subsequently makes the leather extremely flexible and stretchable. The Lexol Leather Conditioner nourishes and conditions leather surfaces, making them durable, strong, and resistant to breakage and water seepage.
This leather conditioner is an aqueous emulsion without any chemical solvents making it extremely lightweight and non-greasy. It makes the leather items from premature aging and will be your best choice for a leather conditioner.
It works wonderfully for authentic leather items like automobile interiors, shoes, luggage, furniture, car leather upholstery, sports equipment, etc. It also works on vinyl. However, you cannot use it for suede, napped leather, or incredibly soft leather-like that in gloves.
Pros
- It is very simple and easy to use.
- It does not leave any residue after it dries up.
- It deepens the color of leather beautifully.
Cons
- It can leave blotchy patches if not applied evenly.
- It leaves an unpleasant smell.
Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Leather Conditioner
There are a few factors to consider when buying the best leather conditioner which suits your purpose and preference. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons so that you don’t make a choice that does not fulfill your requirement.
It can be mind-boggling to choose one leather conditioner out of the several products available in the market. Still, it is undeniable that some products are more purposeful and versatile than the others.
1. Ease Of Application
It is not unknown that conditioning and cleaning leather items is a very messy process. Thick and sticky formulations create a lot of hassle while application and take an eternity to dry up. On the contrary, thin and lightweight consistency in leather conditioners not only penetrates deep into the grains of the leather material but also dries up quickly.
2. Type Of Leather You Own
Not all leather conditioners are suitable for every kind of leather. The type of leather that you own is a significant factor while buying the best leather conditioner. You can use most leather conditioners for real leather. However, a few leather conditioners are unsuitable for unfinished leathers, nubuck leather, faux leather, and suede.
There are different types of leather available. Nubuck and aniline leathers are soft and quickly form scratches, while real pigmented leathers are water repellent and corrosion-resistant. You should have an idea about what your leather items comprise to make the right decision while buying the best leather conditioner.
When it comes to vinyl, you can use almost every leather conditioner. However, a few leather conditioners are explicitly not for some specific kinds of vinyl. It is imperative to read the label carefully and go through customer reviews so that you can save your leather and even your money.
3. pH Balanced Formula
All kinds of leathers, like rawhide leathers or synthetic leathers, have a neutral pH. That is, they are neither acidic nor alkaline. The fibers of any leather material are the most stable when the pH level is adequate.
Overly acidic or alkaline leather conditioners can potentially damage the leather instead of conditioning and smoothening it. The best leather cleaner and conditioner for cars, furniture, boots, and other leather wares, is the one that has a neutral pH, which gently cleans while rejuvenating the leather surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Is A Leather Conditioner?
Just like we nourish and moisturize our skin and hair to keep them fresh, young, and rejuvenated, leathers also need good care to keep them healthy and soft. Leather conditioners can come in various forms. Creams, gels, waxes, and oils are some of the types available in the market.
The sun’s rays, moisture, dryness can cause the leather to develop cracks, breakage, and damage. A leather conditioner nourishes the fibers that constitute the leather and improves their flexibility, and restores their firmness and durability. Leather conditioners also help deepen and develop the color of new leather and restore the old leather’s glorious old color.
The best leather conditioner also has added features of UV protection and waterproofing. Leather conditioners often give off an unpleasant stench, which usually wears off with time. It is always a good decision to be informed about the ingredients and consistency of a leather conditioner before you ahead and buy one. -
How Often Should You Use A Leather Conditioner?
Leather is a naturally strong material that resists corrosion and abrasion for a long time. It requires very little maintenance. As a result, leather conditioners do not need to be applied and reapplied frequently. However, the duration between the two applications differs from one product to another.
The number of times you should condition your leather depends on the weather you live in. If it is a hot tropical climate or a dry climate, leather should be treated and conditioned at least three or four times a year. For cooler climatic conditions, one can apply leather conditioners one to two times per year. -
How To Use A Leather Cleaner And Conditioner?
Before putting any product on your expensive leather investments, the first is to do a patch test. Use a little amount of product on a small patch of leather and observe the changes.
Do not continue to use it if it does not get absorbed quickly, leaves blotchy patches, or makes the leather sticky and greasy. It is huge and almost impossible to get rid of the side effects if used on large leather items like automobile interiors and couches.
After doing the patch test, you need to clean the leather using the leather cleaner. Wash off the cleaner and dry the leather surface before applying the conditioner. It is recommended to use the conditioner with a microfiber cloth to avoid the formation of scratches. Buff the conditioner on the leather and wait for it to dry. -
Does A New Automobile Require Leather Conditioning?
One can use leather conditioners on any kind of leather, old or new. However, it is safe for new cars to go for leather conditioners, which have a lightweight consistency and don’t leave any sticky or greasy feeling. If stickiness prevails, your clothes may stick to the automobile seats and can damage the leather permanently.
The best leather conditioner for cars and other automobiles is the one that gives a waterproof finish and protects the leather from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. After all, prevention is better than cure! You also need to make sure that the leather conditioner has a neutral pH. -
Can Water Be Used To Clean Leather?
Even though it is not recommended, you can use mild soaps and water to clean leather if a suitable leather cleaner is not available. Saturating a leather item with water can stain the leather and totally ruin its outlook. If water is to be used, you may use a damp cloth to lightly wipe off the dirt and residues.
Whether you can use water to clean your leather goods also depends on the kind of leather. Top grain leathers are usually smooth and tightly sealed and do not allow water to penetrate through them. However, other types of leathers may not be able to resist static and dynamic water penetration.
Best Leather Conditioners – Conclusion
Leather Conditioners become an essential buy whenever you invest in a leather item. Whether it is an old leather item or a new one, leather conditioners can transform your leather into looking brand new. Nothing can prevent the leather surface from scuffing and bearing damages that come naturally with time, but a leather conditioner can help prolong the process.
We hope that we could filter out the best leather conditioners so that you make the right choice. Versatility and multifunctionality are the topmost priority when it comes to buying the best leather conditioner.