A Guide to Leather Care

Leather, as unappealing as it sounds, is essentially skin. Just like we age, your car seats will start to show wear if they aren’t properly maintained. While many modern cars use seat leathers treated with synthetic coatings, making them more durable than untreated leather, that’s no excuse to neglect them. Ever seen leather that’s been ignored and mistreated? It’s not a pretty sight! Neglect causes leather to age prematurely, losing its elasticity, especially in warmer weather. Nobody wants that, which is why we’re here. We’ve put together some top tips to help keep your leather car seats in pristine condition.

When choosing leather-care products, it's essential to opt for oil-based options, as they effectively remove built-up dirt while keeping the leather soft and supple. Avoid vinyl-based products and petroleum-based silicones, which can leave a shiny finish on the leather—similar to the cheap £5 car wash look, if you know what we mean. The best products will leave your leather looking as close to its original factory finish as possible. If you have perforated leather (less common these days but still around), be cautious with lotions, as they can seep into the holes, leaving a difficult-to-remove white residue.

Leather can last a long time if you take the time to clean and protect it. Everyday dirt and oils from your skin can cause significant damage if left untreated. In the long run, it’s much more cost-effective to regularly maintain your leather than to deal with costly repairs later due to neglect.

Shabby-chic might be trendy in some areas, but it's a definite no when it comes to leather. While we've seen the "rat" look with rusted paint, thankfully cracked and dried leather hasn’t caught on as a fashion statement. Worn-out leather devalues your car, whether you're entering it in a show 'n' shine or trying to sell it. To get the most out of your leather, it’s crucial to thoroughly clean it before applying conditioner. If you skip this step, you'll end up sealing in dirt, grime, and bacteria, which can cause further damage.

Keeping your seats clean isn’t difficult, but consistency is key. Never wash leather with water—it can cause unattractive water marks and damage the surface, no matter how careful you are. Instead, use a leather-specific cleaner, like Auto Finesse Hide cleanser, which removes deep, ingrained dirt while being gentle enough to avoid damage. Pay special attention to creases in the fabric, as these areas tend to collect the most dirt. If the leather in these creases appears darker, it's a clear sign of build-up.

To clean, apply light pressure with a soft brush and let the cleaner do the work—scrubbing too hard can do more harm than good. After cleaning, use a fine microfibre cloth to buff away any residue. Once the leather is free of dirt and fully dry, apply a quality leather conditioner. Over time, leather loses its natural oils and UV protection, so a conditioner helps to restore these, keeping the fabric soft and preventing cracking.

Auto Finesse Hide conditioner, for example, helps bring back the leather's natural colour and oils, protecting it without drying it out. The result is a satin-matte finish that looks natural. When applying conditioner, use a foam applicator and work it into the leather in circular motions, ensuring all creases are treated to maintain the leather's longevity and appearance.

Don’t assume that conditioning your seats once will protect your car’s leather forever. Conditioners wear off and don’t come with a lifetime guarantee. It’s essential to clean your interior leather thoroughly and apply conditioner each time you detail your car. And don’t forget about door cards, dashboards, steering wheels, and gear knobs—these areas also accumulate wear and dirt over time!

The products mentioned are sold individually, but you can also buy them as part of a kit. The Auto Finesse Complete Leather Detailing Kit includes a cleanser, conditioner, brushes, foam applicator, and microfibre cloths. Plus, it comes with one of our delightful-smelling air fresheners—because, why not?!