Best leather cleaners and conditioners for cars 2021: Lexol, 3D and more – Roadshow [CNET]
Leather seats might be a treat for you in your car, but if you don’t take care of them, they won’t feel so luxurious with time. Like the outside of your car, leather seats are prone to wear, leading to rough patches, wrinkles and even cracking. That’s why when you’re thinking about car washes, car waxes, tire shine and other products that keep your car in tip-top shape, you should consider car leather cleaners and conditioners for your vehicle’s interior.
We’ve tested quite a few leather-care products over the years, so if you’re looking for the best leather conditioner for cars, as well as the best car leather cleaner, read on. Our choices below, which we update periodically, are based on first-hand experience. We’re spotlighting products that improve and maintain leather condition without leaving greasy residue in place of dirt and grime — a leather product shouldn’t leave leather seats feeling gross. We’ve also included some pro tips on the best way to apply leather care products.
Leather cleaner and conditioner details
Best leather cleaner and conditioner | Brand | Name | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Overall | Leather Honey | Leather Conditioner & Cleaning Kit | $38 |
For the money | Lexol | Conditioner and Cleaner Kit | $15 |
All-in-one | Chemical Guys | Sprayable Leather Cleaner and Conditioner | $15 |
Leather cleaner | Carfidant | Ultimate Leather Cleaner | $17 |
Leather conditioner | 3D | Leather, Vinyl & Plastic Conditioner | $14 |
Tips for using leather cleaner and conditioner
- Always test the product first in a safe place: Although each of the car leather products tested in our roundup performed well and had no poor reactions with leather, you should always test a new product in a spot to make sure you’re not left with a real headache after, say, cleaning and conditioning an entire leather seat. If you see a shadow left behind or discoloration on your car’s leather, for example, do not continue using the leather cleaning product.
- Make sure you use the right amount of product: Some leather cleaner and leather conditioner products don’t require much on an applicator. Others require more. Read the particular leather care product’s directions to ensure you use the right amount so you’re not left with greasy residue, especially when it comes to leather conditioner.
- Treat messes as soon as you can: Leather is really durable, but it’s not a miracle upholstery. If you decide to let a coffee stain sit, there’s a good chance it may not come out after it bakes in over time. Eventually, the car’s leather might absorb the stain, but that may take months. Try to wipe messes away quickly with a damp cloth or leather wipes.
- Try to leave leather alone after conditioning: In our experience, car seats looked and felt a million times better after letting leather conditioner absorb into the leather surface. Jumping on the seat minutes after you finish might interrupt this process. Ideally, let car leather cure for a day.
Enjoy soft, supple leather seats
With our top leather cleaner and leather conditioner picks, you’ll be on your way to cleaner, softer, protected leather car seats in no time. And there’s nothing like a comfortable seat while driving to make you feel just a little better.
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