First leather - How to care for

[rtbrick]

Just purchased a new Nissan Altima with the Blonde leather (black car). This is my first vehicle with leather. I guess the leather is coated, so how should I care for it? Cleaning and conditioning or just cleaning? What products should I use? Lexol is very popular with the 4 Star right behind. The Poorboys Leather Stuff is much discussed as well. Decisions, decisions.

 

[Poorboy]

Congrats on the new car :bigups
It's coated and you won't really need a leather conditioner . You will need a light cleaner and just a water-based dressing with some UV protection like Natural Look, it will be getting very hot inside that black car.

 

[kimwallace]

I Have not used Poorboys Leather Stuff yet but have tried many other products and the 4 Star has out performed them all. The cleaner does a great job ... I add an additional step to the directions which removes even more dirt and that is to wipe off the seats with a damp terry cloth prior to drying. The conditioner when used according to directions does not leave a sticky or greasy feeling like so many other products.

 

[black bart]

Congrats on the new car :bigups
It's coated and you won't really need a leather conditioner . You will need a light cleaner and just a water-based dressing with some UV protection like Natural Look, it will be getting very hot inside that black car.

Interesting I have a Corvette and it has coated seats and I have been using a conditioner.
Steve are you saying that a conditioner should not be used on coated leather.

 

[Beemerboy]

Interesting I have a Corvette and it has coated seats and I have been using a conditioner.
Steve are you saying that a conditioner should not be used on coated leather.

Leather is clear coated to protect it, because the leather is surfaced dyed....a good cleaner like Woolite mixed 1 part to 10 parts water is good to clean it...a water based dressing like NL would be something to protect the surface....I use a leather conditioner on my seat about every 3 month after cleaning to assure that I keep the seams supple so that the string (which are nylon) from tearing the holes apart over time

 

[Poorboy]

Interesting I have a Corvette and it has coated seats and I have been using a conditioner.
Steve are you saying that a conditioner should not be used on coated leather.

it won't harm it, but it won't condition it either...the coating is to protect the hide from spills , sweat, and also has some UV protection. Keeping the seat clean is the most important part. On your coated seats, when you put on any product whether it be a conditioner, cleaner , or protectant , there is no color change to the leather, if you did the same to an uncoated or older leather seat, you would see immediate darkening of the leather, just like a baseball glove or a King Ranch leather seat.

 

[Mr. Clean]

.... Keeping the seat clean is the most important part.....

You beat me to it. Regular cleaning with a mild cleaning solution will go a long way to maintaining the appearance. That light color finish will cue you as to when that cleaning is needed.

Even though my personal vehicles have coated leather seating, I also apply a leather conditioner 2-4 times per year.