Leather Car Upholstery Care: Dispelling Myths With Facts!

There are many myths and few solid facts concerning proper care for a leather interior.

Let’s clear up the confusion.

I want you to be able to give your car’s leather the maintenance it needs — It’ll look great for many years to come!

Car Leather Myth 1: My new car leather doesn’t need care

This particular myth is costing new car owners a lot of money!

Guys, this is a serious misconception.

I’ve even heard car sales professionals spouting this nonsense.

Here’s the truth:

Modern car leather upholstery has a super thin vinyl coating. This protection does not negate the need for regular care.

While new manufacturing technologies mean that modern leather’s durability has improved, your upholstery still needs regular cleaning and treatment.

Car Leather Myth 2: Once the new car leather smell is gone you can’t get it back

The fresh scent of fine leather is very alluring. Guess what!

It does not have to go away.

Properly maintain your car’s leather interior and that scent will remain for many years.

Did you lose the aroma?

You can partially restore it with a quality leather scent spray.

Car Leather Myth 3: I was told that a cream leather conditioner is best

This may be true if your car was produced before 1990.

The problem is a cream-based conditioner cannot get through micro-perforations in a vinyl coating. Leather with this vinyl has been in 95% of all cars manufactured since 1997.

Basically, all the cream treats is the vinyl coating.

What is really needed is a good liquid leather conditioner that actually reaches the leather to hydrate and condition.

Car Leather Myth 4: Water will stain leather, so don’t get your leather wet

Plain water will not hurt leather.

Consider that leather is tanned and cured using water. What’s damaging to leather (stain-wise) is stuff in water.

Leather upholstery can be wiped with a damp cloth. No problem with that.

In fact, you can even scrub it with a bucket of soapy water.

Just fully dry leather surfaces after they get wet. This will avoid any possibility of discoloration.

Car Leather Tips & Product Suggestions

Give your car’s interior regular care. That means fairly frequent cleaning and conditioning.

Carry out these tasks and it won’t require heavy cleaning and conditioning. You’ll save time and money.

There are many leather products. Probably the oldest and most respected name in leather care is Lexol.

Here’s what I use on the regular:

  • Lexol wipes (super fast and easy wipes!)
  • Vinylex Protectant (for treating all plastic and vinyl surfaces)

It’s best to clean and condition your vehicle at least four times each year.

If you can, monthly is ideal.

A combination of wipes and sprays will make the task as easy as possible. Use wipes when time is of the essence and sprays for deeper cleaning and conditioning.


Be sure to check out How to Clean a Car Interior the right way!