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Whether it’s a bag or a comfy couch, items crafted from leather have an extra luxurious feel. The smooth, sleek material doesn’t just look high-end, it lasts longer than many other materials and can be easy to clean. Because of its quality and long-lasting nature, leather can be pricier — so it only makes sense you’d want to keep it in tip-top shape.
According to textile and cleaning experts we spoke with, taking care of leather goes beyond simply wiping it down occasionally. You can take several steps to protect leather and keep it looking good. To help you with your leather pieces, we got advice on how to best care for your leather and insight on what damages it and how to use a leather conditioner.
SKIP AHEAD What causes leather damage? | How to take care of your leather | How to use a leather conditioner | 5 highly rated leather conditioners | Why trust NBC Select?
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What causes leather damage?
When it comes to leather, a bit of wear and tear is totally normal. For example, when you first buy leather it may be stiffer and have a bit more shine. You’ll notice it gets softer and slightly dull as it breaks in. But beyond that normal wear and tear, several things can accelerate leather aging or cause damage.
“Excessive moisture, heat and direct sunlight can lead to fading, cracking or even mold growth,” says Simon Elliott, founder and operations director of custom clothing brand Clifton. For example, you may notice fading if you have a leather chair near a window with lots of sun. Or, if you store your leather shoes in a hot room, you may notice the leather will crease or crack.
Another thing that can cause damage is what you choose to clean your leather with. Harsh chemicals can damage leather, says Eliana Coca, owner of E.C. House Cleaning. Many cleaners contain things like bleach, alcohol or other chemicals that can sink into the pores of leather and degrade the material, stain it or cause fading. “It’s much better to use things with natural ingredients,” adds Coca.
How to take care of your leather
The good news: Taking care of leather is relatively easy. Yes, it requires more attention than some other materials, but once you familiarize yourself with how to deal with it, you’ll quickly realize how easy it is. According to the experts we spoke with, these are the most important things to do to take care of your leather:
- Do a wipe down: “You need to clean up spills immediately,” says Elliott. This will help prevent staining. To wipe up a spill, use a soft cloth (a hard, textured cloth can scratch the material) and gently wipe away the spill. By doing this, you ensure it won’t sink into the pores of the leather and cause an irreversible stain.
- Keep dust away: Periodic dusting can prevent discoloration and damage, says Elliott. Wipe down leather furniture with a dry, clean cloth every few weeks. Store leather garments (think jackets or pants) in a garment bag. For shoes and bags, place them in a dust bag in your closet to keep the dust out.
- Embrace a conditioner: Use a leather conditioner every three to six months to maintain the suppleness of the material, says Salvador Villarreal, owner of VIP Dry Cleaners. Not familiar with leather conditioner? It’s a balm or cream that usually includes natural oils and is specifically made to help leather retain its moisture and prevent it from drying and cracking.
How to use a leather conditioner
“Conditioning leather is important because it maintains the material’s natural oils, preventing it from becoming brittle and extending its lifespan,” says Elliott. Wondering how you do it? It’s actually very easy.
If you are conditioning an item of clothing (like shoes or a coat), remove any non-leather pieces like laces or removable buckles. Then wipe down your item with a lint-free cloth to remove dust or any other particles. From there, you’ll want to choose a leather conditioner. Our experts all agreed that choosing one that contains natural oils can help maintain the health of your leather and prevent it from cracking. “Apply a small amount of your chosen conditioner on a soft cloth and rub it into the leather in circular motions,” says Elliott. Before using, let your item fully dry — experts say 24 hours is ideal.
The 5 best leather conditioners
Below, find five conditioners free of harsh chemicals to help keep your leather moisturized and in good shape. All of these have at least a 4-star average from over 1,000 reviews.
Leather Honey Leather Conditioner
This non-toxic leather conditioner is free of harsh solvents and silicone and can be used on all leather items. The positive effects of this conditioner last for up to six months and the formula is odorless so it won’t leave behind any scent, according to the brand. It has a 4.5-star average rating from over 59,350 reviews on Amazon.
Bick 4 Leather Conditioner
This leather conditioner has a 4.7-star average rating from over 11,530 reviews on Amazon and can be used on boots, jackets, couches, car interiors and more. It maintains breathability, moisture and shine and won’t leave behind a sticky residue or darken your leather, according to the brand.
Weiman Leather Cleaner, Polish and Conditioner
Made specifically for leather car interiors and furniture, this spray formula cleans, polishes and conditions. It helps to remove dirt while moisturizing and adding shine back to leather that has gotten dull from use. To use, you simply spray your item and then wipe away the spray with the included microfiber towel. This spray has a 4.5-star average rating from over 3,140 reviews on Amazon.
Leather CPR
A cleaner and conditioner in one, this option dries in minutes, according to the brand. It has a 4.5-star average rating from over 4,550 reviews on Amazon. Along with cleansing and moisturizing, this cream formula buffs away minor scratches and smoothes any imperfections, according to the brand. It can be used on apparel, accessories, furniture and more.
Fiebing’s Yellow Saddle Soap for Leather
This balm cleanses and conditions simultaneously and is ideal for any item made from smooth leather. To use this balm, use a lint-free cloth and rub it over the balm, then rub the cloth in circular motions over your leather item to apply the conditioner. This option has a 4.7-star average rating from over 5,750 reviews on Amazon.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Simon Elliott is the founder and operations director of custom clothing brand Clifton
- Eliana Coca is the owner of E.C. House Cleaning and has worked in cleaning and organizing for over 20 years.
- Salvador Villarreal is the owner of VIP Dry Cleaners in San Diego, California.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed experts on how to take care of leather.
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