Although leather is one of the most enduring fabrics on the planet, it must be maintained if it is to continue looking sleek and feeling supple. For this, you will require some sort of leather conditioner. That said, if your car or motorcycle seat are exposed to direct sunlight or rain, you will need the best leather conditioner that rejuvenates. You will also require the conditioner to not dry, discolor, or crack the leather. The type of conditioner you choose may depend greatly on the product you are wanting to condition. The best leather conditioner for your car seats may not necessarily be the best leather conditioner for your leather work boots for instance. Let’s get into our short guide.
Permeability
Water for instance, will ultimately dry your leather. Oils can leave a film. Your car seats may also succumb to damage from debris, small granules that wear away at the leather over time. Even the best car vacuum can only clean so much. You can protect from this damage though. You should look for a conditioner that will penetrate deep into the leather and dry without cracking. Additionally, it should dry clearly, without any coloring.
Application
Depending on your personal tastes, you might want a wax-based conditioner that can be applied with a sponge or cloth wrapped around your finger. For best results, however, wax-based conditioners must be polished and buffed.
If you do not like the idea of polishing wax, you should look for one that can be sprayed on and wiped away. Unlike wax-based conditioners, spray-on conditioners shine quickly. However, they also dull relatively quickly, so you have to apply them more often. Over time, spray conditioner might dry out your leather.
Thick, oil-based conditioners apply with a cloth, but they permeate deeper than liquid spray. Additionally, they are thinner than wax-based conditioners, so they require less polishing and buffing.
Protection
Depending on your needs, you should look for a conditioner that can provide protection against ultra-violet light. Additionally, you should look for one that can repel moisture. Finally, you should look for one that prevents cracking.
Duration
Another quality that falls under the category of personal preference is how often the conditioner needs to be applied. Some will last for more than a month. Others might only last a few weeks.
Toxicity
You should absolutely look for a conditioner that is non-toxic. This requirement seems self explanatory.
Versatility
Because some other types of fabrics might need upkeep, you should look for a conditioner that can be applied to other materials. For instance, blinds, table cloths, or curtains can fade from the sunlight. Additionally, table tops or cloth sofas might benefit from conditioning. For other types of leather, you should look for a conditioner that works well on such materials as faux-leather or polyester blends.
Finally, different finishes of leather might require different types of conditioner. For instance, smooth leather might require one type of conditioner while suede or rough leather that boots are made of might require something else.
Best Leather Conditioner – Comparison Table
Image | Product | Features | Rating |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1. Chamberlain's Leather Milk Leather Conditioner | Revitalizes Antique And Severely Damaged Leather Application Sponge Included | 4.5 out of 5 |
![]() | 2. Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Conditioner | Wax Free Easy Application | 4.7 out of 5 |
![]() | 3. Weiman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner | Uv Protection Works On A Variety Of Thick Leather | 4.5 out of 5 |
![]() | 4. Kiwi Conditioning Oil | Waterproofs Leather Restores A Variety Of Leather Surfaces | 4.7 out of 5 |
![]() | 5. Leather Honey Conditioner | Used For Decades Works On A Variety Of Leather Objects | 4.5 out of 5 |
![]() | 6. Lexol Leather Conditioner | Odorless Restores Original Oils Dries Without A Greasy, Film Residue | 4.5 out of 5 |
![]() | 7. Leather CPR | Non-toxic Tested By Dermatologists Works On Gloves And Shoes | 4.5 out of 5 |
![]() | 8. Skidmore's Biker Edition | Protects Against Sun Damage And Ultraviolet Rays Works To Remove And Hide Scuffs And Scrapes | 4.7 out of 5 |
![]() | 9. Care Touch Leather Cleaner Wipes | Non-toxic Phosphate Free Works On Premium Leather Surfaces | 4.3 out of 5 |
![]() | 10. Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP Leather Conditioner | Industrial-grade Conditioner Withstands Abuse Caused By Extreme Heat And Chemicals Continues To Work As The Material Bends | 4.8 out of 5 |
Best Leather Conditioner Reviews
1. Chamberlain’s Leather Milk Leather Conditioner
Features
Chamberlain’s Leather Milk is designed to maintain leather. However, it also restores the luster. For instance, it will penetrate into leather and make it supple. However, in moisturizing the leather, it also helps the leather heal, so to speak, by making cracks much less noticeable.
Highlights
Although this leather milk will work wonders on new and slightly used leather, it is actually designed specifically for leather that is in very poor, dry shape.
It is important to note that once leather is physically split, scratched, or sliced, the physical defect cannot be actually be healed because no new material is applied to fill in the scuff or scratch. However, this conditioner does help swell the leather and refinish it such that splits, scratches, and slices are virtually invisible.
Once you understand that damaged leather remains damaged leather, it is difficult to reconcile the amazing effects this conditioner has on leather because the final result looks so much like new leather, it is hard to explain.
Simply put, this stuff works.
Pros
- revitalizes antique and severely damaged leather
- application sponge included
Cons
- must be applied every 90 days
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2. Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Conditioner
Features
Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Conditioner is specifically made to handle the rough wear and tear boot leather receives. Boots encounter a lot of abuse along the toe, heel, and sides. However, this renews the moisture content of dried leather, helping to restore it to its original shine.
Highlights
In the same way it helps restore boots, Bick 4 Leather also works on purses, furniture, and car interiors. Additionally, it does not darken the leather, so you can use it on light-shades. Because it is wax free, your boots will not stiffen or harden as the conditioner dries.
Being wax free, the conditioner also takes a lot less effort to apply. In this case, all you have to do is pour a little onto a cotton rag, wipe, and allow to dry.
Pros
- wax free
- easy application
Cons
- small bottle
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3. Weiman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
Features
Weiman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner comes in a spray bottle, allowing you to easily apply it with a squeeze of the bottle’s trigger. Once applied, you need only to rub the conditioner into your leather items, ensuring even coverage across the surface of whatever it is you are restoring.
The conditioner is non-toxic, so it will not harm you during application. Additionally, it will not harm children or pets who might later touch or chew your boots, respectively.
Although it is effective on boots, it can also be used on other thick leathers, such as those comprising vehicle upholstery, handbags, or purses.
Highlights
This conditioner comes in a handy two-pack, ensuring you have enough for several months of reapplication.
Additionally, once applied, it protects against future UV damage, ensuring your belongings remain attractive and smooth.
Pros
- UV protection
- works on a variety of thick leather
Cons
- no application pad included
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4. Kiwi Conditioning Oil
Features
Kiwi conditioning oil is, perhaps, one of the most famous brands of leather conditioner. It comes in a small, recognizable tin, and it can be wiped on with a soft, cotton rag. When applying, you should start with dabbing your cloth-wrapped finger tip into the conditioner.
With a dollop of conditioner applied to the rag, rub in equal-sized, concentric motions until the leather is restored. For best results, you can buff the leather with a dry rag to increase the shine and penetration.
Highlights
Kiwi Conditioning Oil works on a variety of leather surfaces, including purses, boots, and furniture. In addition to restoring your leather, it also waterproofs. Please note, for some types of light-colored leather, it will darken the material.
Pros
- waterproofs leather
- restores a variety of leather surfaces
Cons
- requires buffing
- can darken certain types of leather
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5. Leather Honey Conditioner
Features
Leather Honey Conditioner provides up to half a year of protection, prolonging the lustrous life of a variety of leather surfaces. To apply the conditioner, you can use a rag or paint brush.
Highlights
This conditioner has been a popular conditioner for nearly 50 years. Once moisturized, the leather is a lot less likely to crack or tear.
Pros
- used for decades
- works on a variety of leather objects
Cons
- must be careful to not over-saturate the leather
- must be diluted with water
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6. Lexol Leather Conditioner
Features
Primarily used for auto interiors, apparel, and furniture, Lexol Leather Deep Conditioner also works to restore shoes, handbags, and leather accessories, such as belts. It is available in a variety of bottle sizes, and it works to replace and restore oils used in the initial tanning process. For best results, you should first clean the leather with Lexol Leather Deep Cleaner. Once the leather has been cleaned, you can apply this conditioner via a lint-free, cotton rag.
Highlights
One application lasts for several months.
Pros
- odorless
- restores original oils
- dries without a greasy, film residue
- contains no silicon
Cons
- not for use on napped leather, suede, or gloves
- prior to conditioning, requires Lexol Leather Deep Cleaner to be applied
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7. Leather CPR
Features
For people who might be sensitive to cleaners, conditioners, or chemicals, Leather CPR is non-toxic. It is also one of the only dermatologist-tested conditioners available. Although it is designed to not irritate, it is as powerful and as effective at restoring leather as its common counterparts.
Usage requires you to apply it in generous amounts to the leather and then rub it in until it is absorbed. It is important to note that you should not use a cloth for applying Leather CPR as the cloth will absorb most of the conditioner.
Highlights
Leather CPR can be used to condition old leather or break in new leather. Additionally, it is designed to remove dryness caused by winter salt.
Pros
- non-toxic
- tested by dermatologists
- works on gloves and shoes
Cons
- not for fine furniture
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8. Skidmore’s Biker Edition
Features
Skidmore’s Leather Cream is designed for motorcycle upholstery and gear, such as seats, vests, and chaps. These types of leather receive a lot of abuse from sun, rain, and impact. However, this leather cream restores any leather in very bad shape. For instance, it is designed to moisturize dry leather, removing scratches, slices, and scuffs.
Highlights
Skidmore’s Leather Cream is non-toxic and chemical free. Additionally, it is designed specifically for motorcycle club members interested in restoring their colors. In addition to moisturizing leather, customers are provided a 100-percent guarantee–for a lifetime. If they are ever not satisfied, they receive their money back. Although this is probably a very prudent policy when it comes to dissatisfied bikers, it also represents the confidence Skidmore’s has in the ability of their leather cream to work wonders.
Finally, it also works on windshields and windscreens as a water repellent while also helping to minimize scuffs. Moreover, it returns faded taillights and other polymers to their original, bright colors.
Pros
- protects against sun damage and ultraviolet rays
- works to remove and hide scuffs and scrapes
Cons
- application sponges sold separately
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9. Care Touch Leather Cleaner Wipes
Features
For people not interested in squirting a bunch of conditioner onto a sponge or rag, Care Touch Leather Wipes cleans and conditions old leather with a swipe of a pre-moistened rag. The rags are long-lasting and are able to cover a lot of square footage, so you only have to use a few to restore your vehicle’s entire interior.
In addition to restoring old leather, this conditioner also protects against UV rays that dry, crease, and crack leather.
Highlights
These wipes are non-toxic and phosphate free. Additionally, they are scented, so you do not smell chemical odors for days. These wipes can be used for all leather surfaces, including premium leather seats, custom-leather bags, and racing gloves. When you are finished, because they are non-toxic and free of phosphates, you can throw them in the trash without worrying about the environment.
Finally, if you have a lot of leather to restore or protect, Care Touch Leather Wipes comes in a two-pack.
Pros
- non-toxic
- phosphate free
- works on premium leather surfaces
- does not dry your skin
- immediate results
- cleaner and conditioner in one
Cons
- requires several for large surfaces
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10. Obenauf’s Heavy Duty LP Leather Conditioner
Features
This heavy-duty leather conditioner is designed from a bee’s wax formula that protects leather and keeps it moist for months before another layer is needed. Once applied, because it is wax-based, it provides a water-resistant finish. Additionally, it repels salts, chemicals, and acids.
Being that leather is an organic material, it is subject to both mildew and mold. However, once you work this conditioner into the leather, it protects against both mildew and mold.
Unlike other creams and oils, Obenauf’s leather conditioner is designed as an industrial-grade conditioner that will restore severely damaged leather, such as saddles, boots, and antique furniture. Because it is made of bee’s wax, it coats every fiber within the leather, creating a barrier that protects against scrapes, scratches, and scuffs.
Highlights
This conditioner was originally designed to protect leather fire gear from dryness caused by extreme heat and fire-retardant chemicals. The bee’s wax also works as an ongoing lubricant. For instance, as the leather flexes or is compressed, the conditioner releases oil that further moistens and restores.
For wet or humid environments, two coats are recommended.
Pros
- industrial-grade conditioner
- withstands abuse caused by extreme heat and chemicals
- continues to work as the material bends
- protects against UV rays
Cons
- requires retreatment every eight weeks
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