Top Leather Cleaners We Evaluated: Here Are the Winners

Leather cleaners fall into the same category as silver polish or jewelry cleaners—products you might not use frequently, but when the need arises, you’re glad they’re within reach. However, not every leather cleaner is created equal; you need one that delivers maximum effectiveness. 

Only a select few products earn the distinction of being the best leather cleaners. To identify them, we rigorously tested eight options in our lab, assessing ease of use, fragrance, cost, and, most importantly, performance. We documented our observations, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases. Below, we present our top four picks to ensure your shoes, bags, and more stay pristine, just like when they were new.

Top Pick

Our testing confirmed one undeniable fact: This product delivered unparalleled results. The Chemical Guys kit outperformed every other leather cleaner in our lab. After the solution dried, the cleaner paired with a single layer of conditioner transformed the bag, making it appear as good as new—scratches vanished completely once the bag dried.

The cleaner had a faint scent reminiscent of rubbing alcohol or ammonia, but it was far from overwhelming, and the conditioner was virtually odorless. While it required more effort compared to other products, we found it absolutely worth the investment—so much so that we’d even consider paying a higher price for its exceptional effectiveness. 

Type: Spray (cleaner) and liquid (conditioner) | Size: 16 ounces each | Suggested Use: Clothing, furniture, cars, shoes, bags

Top Cream Pick

You might be familiar with Leather CPR from TikTok—it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines cleaning and conditioning in a single step. During testing, it outperformed other cleaners in masking wear and tear on leather bags. We loved that it left almost no scent, unlike the wipes we tested. (Plus, its dermatologist-tested formula ensures it’s gentle on your skin!)

The squeeze bottle makes application a breeze. After applying, we worked it into the leather with a soft sponge, let it sit, and wiped it off with a cloth. While it revitalized the leather and reduced stains, it didn’t fully restore it to its original state. The texture improved, but deeper scratches remained. With more coats (we used two), the color might have evened out further. Still, the process was tidy, and the leather felt softer and more nourished afterward. 

Though you’ll need to switch between a sponge and cloth during application, we found the price justified by its effectiveness. It succeeded in making the leather look more consistent and refreshed overall. 

Type: Cream | Size: 18 ounces | Suggested Use: Furniture, shoes, bags, car interiors

Top Spray Pick

We immediately appreciated the Weiman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner for its efficient, high-powered spray nozzle (ideal for large areas like car seats) and its refreshing lemon and pine scent that wasn’t overwhelming. While it didn’t completely eliminate sunscreen stains on a leather bag during testing, it did remove roughly 90% of the surface oil. 

This made us wish for a pre-cleaner to effectively target stains and eliminate them before conditioning for better leather restoration. However, we believe it’s ideal for maintaining large leather surfaces without existing stains or discoloration.

Type: Spray | Size: 12 ounces | Suggested Use: Car seats, furniture, shoes, bags

Top Liquid Pick

During testing, this cleaner performed exceptionally well, removing 100% of makeup and 95% of sunscreen stains—areas where many other cleaners fell short. However, it was less effective at eliminating scratches, with only a 50% improvement. For deeply damaged leather, a separate conditioning product is necessary.

The product is nearly odorless, with a subtle, pleasant bubble bath-like scent. Application is simple and mess-free—just pour the desired amount onto a cloth and wipe. Be aware, though, that it takes some time to dry completely. 

While a second product is needed for conditioning, especially for scratch-prone leather, we found this cleaner to be a worthwhile investment due to its impressive cleaning performance.

Type: Liquid | Size: 4, 8, or 16 ounces | Suggested Use: Car seats, furniture, shoes, bags

Additional Products You Might Require

Leather cleaners, similar to other cleaning products, often require complementary items such as towels, brushes, and sometimes a post-clean conditioner to achieve optimal leather restoration. Below, we’ve curated a list of the most commonly used tools so you can conveniently shop for everything you need in one spot.

Final Verdict

After thorough testing, the Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Leather Conditioner Kit emerged as the top choice for leather cleaning. It excelled in restoring leather items to a like-new condition, completely eliminating scratches, and offering a two-in-one solution at a great value. For those seeking a combined cleaner and conditioner, the Leather CPR 2-in-1 Leather Cleaner & Leather Conditioner is highly recommended for its ability to mask wear and enhance leather softness.

Our Testing Process

To identify the top leather cleaning products, we began with leather items that had been intentionally scuffed and stained (using sunscreen and foundation). We meticulously followed each cleaner’s instructions, addressing one stain at a time to assess its effectiveness. We then evaluated each product based on ease of use, performance, scent, and overall value.

We assessed whether the instructions were clear regarding usage and quantity, and whether the application process was messy. We also examined how effectively the product restored the leather to its original look. Additionally, we noted whether the product had a strong or mild scent and if it altered the leather’s natural smell.

Finally, we considered whether the price aligned with the product’s value and effectiveness. The four products that made the cut excelled in all these areas.

How to Shop for Leather Cleaners Like a Pro

Type

Our selection features three types of leather cleaners: sprays, creams, and liquids. Here’s a brief overview of each.

• Sprays: Ideal for large surfaces such as car seats, furniture, or leather jackets, sprays offer convenience but can be messy and less precise due to potential overspray.
• Creams: Think of creams as moisturizers for leather. They deeply hydrate, restoring softness and preventing cracks, but may leave a residue that requires buffing to avoid a cloudy finish.
• Liquids: Perfect for general cleaning, liquids are easy to apply with a cloth and effectively remove dirt without residue. However, they can oversaturate thinner or untreated leather, so apply sparingly and use a rag for better control.

Suggested Use

Most leather cleaners are generally safe for use on items like clothing, shoes, handbags, car seats, and furniture (such as leather sofas). We’ve specified the compatible surfaces for each product mentioned, and all are suitable for these applications. 

To avoid any mishaps, it’s wise to perform a spot test on an inconspicuous area if you’re cleaning a leather item not listed here. This ensures the cleaner won’t cause damage or discoloration. Alternatively, consult both the leather cleaner’s manufacturer and the item’s manufacturer for guidance.

What if you’re dealing with faux leather?

Protection

“Regularly cleaning leather isn’t just about keeping it looking good; it’s about preserving its durability,” says Vanessa Terra Bossart, CEO of Sparkling Clean Pro. “By eliminating contaminants, leather cleaners help prevent early aging, cracking, and fading.”

If you’re seeking extra protective features in a leather cleaner, such as UV protection or water resistance, review the product label before buying. For instance, our top spray choice offers UV protection, and the Leather Honey Leather Conditioner provides water repellency.

More Leather Cleaners to Consider

Furniture Clinic Large Leather Care Kit: While the cleaner’s performance fell short, the conditioner delivered decent results. Scratches were nearly invisible, the color remained vibrant, and the leather appeared glossy and felt soft. However, some sunscreen stains lingered, the instructions were unclear, and the application was messier compared to other options.

Skidmore's Original Leather Cream: Overall, this product improved the appearance of our leather, making it look refreshed, though not entirely like new. It completely removed makeup, reduced scratches by about half, and improved sunscreen stains by approximately 70%. However, fully eliminating sunscreen, especially from scratch grooves, proved challenging.  

Weiman Leather Cleaner & Conditioner Wipes: These wipes were incredibly easy to use, and their affordability and convenience made them a worthwhile option. While the leather didn’t show significant visual improvement, it felt softer and more conditioned after application. However, the wipes struggled with stubborn stains and scratches and left behind a strong chemical odor.

Questions You Might Ask

What is the best leather cleaner for handbags?

During our tests, the Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Leather Conditioner Kit proved to be the top choice for leather handbags. As noted earlier, the combination of the cleaner and conditioner effectively concealed scratches on our leather bag, making them vanish entirely.

What is the difference between leather cleaners and conditioners?

Leather cleaners and conditioners serve different purposes. Similar to skincare, you should cleanse before moisturizing (conditioning) to remove impurities before locking in moisture and protecting the material. 

Using conditioner without cleaning first may trap dirt or oils, which can damage the leather over time rather than preserving it. When used in the correct order, “both products work together to create a complete leather care routine,” says Terra Bossart.

Is there anything you should not clean with a leather cleaner?

“Unfinished leather stains very easily, so avoid using a leather cleaner on it,” advises Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi (Angi is owned by Mytour’s parent company Dotdash Meredith). Additionally, steer clear of cleaning suede or nubuck leather with these products.

Take Our Word for It 

This article was authored by Camryn Dilger, an associate editor at Mytour with extensive hands-on experience in researching, testing, editing, and reviewing hundreds of products. Her go-to leather cleaner? The Leather CPR 2-in-1 Cleaner and Conditioner, which she’s relied on to restore her leather steering wheel, car seats, and handbags to their former glory. 

To identify the top leather cleaners available, we evaluated eight products in our lab, assessing them on factors such as ease of use, performance, value, and scent. Lesley Chen also contributed to this piece, interviewing Vanessa Terra Bossart, owner of Green Terra Cleaning, and Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi, for expert advice on using leather cleaners and selecting the best one for your needs.