The Best Leather Conditioner
For us, leather means luxury. It's also practical, too, since it's the kind of durable material that can last a lifetime. However, leather requires some maintenance if you want to get the most out of it. With the right leather conditioner, you can hydrate your leather to protect it and give it a handsome shine. That's why we decided to scour the market for the best leather conditioners that money can buy. Our search was guided by three main questions: Is it the right consistency for a smooth, even, easy application? Does it have any fragrances or colors? Is the price fair? Our favorite option was the widely-acclaimed Leather Honey conditioner, which did a fantastic job in hydrating all sorts of products, from jackets to couches. We especially liked how easy it was to use, so it's a great option for beginners, as well. We also found an excellent conditioner from Weiman. It's our go-to for taking care of boots since the powerful formula adds extra protection to your scuff-prone footwear. Clearly, there's a lot to consider, so let's dive right in to our in-depth reviews of the best leather conditioners.
Leather Honey Leather Conditioner
Like magic in a bottle
If you’d like a bit extra out of your leather conditioner, this product is a great choice. The odorless non-sticky conditioner will add a handsome shine to your items and add a water-repellent trait to your leather pieces. Apply using a soft cloth at room temperature or higher, and wipe away excess when finished for a brand-new look to your favorite possessions. This product’s recipe is created with the ability to reach every pore of the material, hydrating thoroughly and leaving your leather soft and beautiful for up to six months.
Pros:
- With this affordable conditioner, a little really does go a long way, so you’ll get your money’s worth.
- Even if your leather product is really dried out and faded, give this one a shot. It can restore old leather to its former glory with a single application, leaving it feeling soft to the touch.
Cons:
- This is a powerful conditioner, so it can darken light-colored leather by a shade or two.
Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner & Conditioner
The two-in-one treatment
For a two-step process that gets the job done well, take a look at this product by Chemical Guys. The first bottle is a cleaner that is pH-balanced to give your leather an authentic shape-up without compromising its natural state. Once you’ve finished applying the cleaner, it’s time to move on to the conditioner that is created with vitamin E oil to nourish and protect your piece from UV damage. With a slight new leather smell in the second bottle, this item is wonderful for refreshing your car seats for a new car smell.
Pros
- We found this one to be more “colorless” than most options, so leather products retain their original colors.
- This is a great option for rejuvenating leather car seats since the cleaner first removes any stains from canines and messy passengers.
- It’s also easy to use, so you don’t have to be a pro leatherworker to get awesome results.
Cons:
- The “new leather smell” may bother some people, though it fades after a while.
Weiman 3 In 1 Leather Kit
Get your kicks looking slick
This Weiman 3-in-1 bottle works wonders for all leather products from car seats to cowgirl boots. The three aspects of this formula are cleaning, conditioning, and protection for all-around preservation. The best part of this kit is its ability to do a wonderful cleaning and conditioning job without darkening your leather or leaving behind an oily residue.
Pros:
- We prefer this option for boots since it smooths out scuffs and then protects the leather from future damage. It also doesn’t darken the leather, so you can enjoy the original color of your shoes.
- In the world of leather conditioners, this one is closer to a protectant. It hydrates leather Because this conditioner is colorless and Doesn’t darken leather
Cons:
- The consistency is more liquidy than we’re used to, so dispensing the correct amount requires careful attention.
Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Conditioner
Condition it all
Made in the USA, this product by Bickmore not only cleans and conditions but will also polish and protect. This item is very easy to use as it is a one-step process that is applied with any soft rag. If you’re looking for a versatile cleaner that can be used on any of your favorite leather items, this is a great choice. Grab a bottle of Bickmore for brand-new quality on all of your boots, seats, belts, and more.
Pros:
- If you’re looking for a leather conditioner that will give your leather a polished look, go with this one. It adds a beautiful shine while still conditioning it for a soft and supple feel.
- Even on light-color leather products, there’s little to no darkening.
Cons:
- Really damaged leather may need several treatments.
Obenauf’s Heavy Duty Leather Conditioner
Beeswax for your boots
It’s always a huge plus when our cleaning products are easy on the environment and derived from naturally sourced ingredients. It’s especially hard to find earth-friendly products in a tough cleaner, but Obenauf has nailed that with their heavy-duty leather conditioner. This product can be used on any finished leather product from dress shoes to old car seats. Since this conditioner is made with beeswax, it naturally has waterproofing properties as well as protection against grime and wear.
Pros:
- This option is heavy-duty and soaks in fast, so it’s ideal for really old leather products that need a little extra oomph.
- Compared to most other options, we noticed better waterproofing with Obenauf’s, especially on large leather surfaces like couches.
Cons:
- This one darkens leather by a shade or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean and condition my leather product?
Depending on the shade of the leather, the answer could vary from four times a year to once a month. For darker tones, it’s not necessary to clean the item more than three to four times a year. As for light leather, it’s usually necessary to clean it once a month or every other month since the dirt is more visible with lighter tones.
When it comes to conditioning, it’s recommended to apply the conditioner of your choice once every six to twelve months to ensure a soft material and prevent cracking. This could be increased however if the product is used daily, thus being more exposed to cracks or rubbing. A good rule of thumb is to clean your leather every three months and condition it every six months for the best results and longest lifespan.
Am I able to use a leather conditioner on my faux leather items?
Unfortunately, since the fake leather has a less sturdy quality, it may not react well to conditioner as opposed to real leather. However, there is still an easy and inexpensive way to maintain the look of your faux leather without compromising its quality. Simply grab a jar of coconut oil and a small cloth, apply a light amount of the oil to the cloth and rub it on your item in small circles until the entire piece is covered. This is a wonderful way to hydrate your piece without breaking the bank on expensive products or losing its overall integrity.
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