Leather Conditioning question

"Pixel" (Improbcat) 01/01/2015 at 09:34 • Filed to: None

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Question is car related only in that cars use similar leather so the knowledge would likely transfer.

I bought this leather couch on craigslist for $30 yesterday. It is in decent shape except that the finish on the leather is badly cracking on the seats & arms. I know i an't make it look new, but is there any product(s) you recommend for cleaning & conditioning the leather to stop it from cracking and to prevent it from splitting? The couch looks not ot have been abused, but I don't think it's been condition in its whole 20 years.

Svend > Pixel 01/01/2015 at 09:53

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I've used these with good results on both car seats and a 30 year old blue leather sofa. Though neither were badly cracking it will do the leather good to thoroughly clean the leather and nourish it.

Take your time and do it one section at a time.

A friend's leather sofa took three hours and even then I think I was rushing it. Have a good boar haired brush, nylon brush and loads of microfibre cloths to wipe down the area you're working.

Nibby > Pixel 01/01/2015 at 10:21

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inb4 bed bugs

(I kid, I kid)

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > Pixel 01/01/2015 at 11:40

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I work for an aftermarket auto leather company so I have a bit of knowledge on this.

First, clean it with saddle soap. It's mild Castile soap with beeswax, lanolin, and natural oils. It'll clean and soften the leather on the sofa. It doesn't need to be done frequently — just a few times a year — but an hour's effort will keep it nice without darkening it.

Stay away from any silicone - it leaves a dull gray film, or alcohol - it dries it out. People over complicate these things. You don't need the $100 leather cleaner kit. Just saddle soap and the occasional conditioner treatment.

Cracks can be a pain to deal with but they can be repaired. If you don't know how to do it yourself, call a professional interior repair person or even cut the panel out. You may even call some local interior or custom shops about stuff they're discarding so you have a spare to replace the panel.

Pixel > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 01/01/2015 at 16:27

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Awesome, thank you for the advice.