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6 Best Leather Cleaners and Conditioners, Tested by Experts

Keep your leather looking soft, shiny, and protected with these top-performing products.

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best leather cleaners

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Leather is built to last, but daily use can leave it looking dull, stained, or dry. A good leather cleaner can help lift away grime without ruining the material itself, and many even double as conditioners to restore softness, prevent cracking, and add an element of water resistance.

To find the best leather cleaners and conditioners, we put some of the most popular formulas to the test. Our Lab analysts applied stains and ground dirt into leather swatches, then checked how fast and thoroughly each product worked. We also gathered an assortment of naturally soiled leather items—bags, boots, jackets, clothing, and even a wallet—to see how well each cleaner handled real-world messes. Along the way, we considered ease of use, scent, value, and overall performance. The products below stood out for how well they cleaned, softened, and helped protect leather against future mishaps.

GH Seal
Leather Care Kit
Credit: Leather Clinic

Pros

  • Comprehensive kit
  • Effective stain-remover
  • Great for large upholstery

Cons

  • Can't be used on suede or nubuck
  • Requires multiple steps

This comprehensive kit comes with a separate cleaner and conditioner plus all the tools you need—a reusable sponge, microfiber applicator, and even ink-stain remover wipes—to keep the leather in your home clean and supple. In the Good Housekeeping Institute's Cleaning Lab tests, the cleaner easily lifted grime and removed tough transfer-dye stains, while the conditioner left leather soft and better protected. Our pros found it especially effective on large upholstery pieces, though it works well on smaller items like bags and shoes too.

Both formulas are water-based and safe for most types of leather, and the cleaner and conditioner themselves carry the GH Seal. On the downside, the process does require several steps to achieve full cleaning and protection, and this cleaning kit isn’t suitable for suede or nubuck.

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Features at a Glance

TypeLiquid
Size17 oz
UsesAll smooth leather items, especially upholstery
GH Seal
Leather Conditioner
Now 23% Off
Credit: Weiman

Pros

  • Offers sun protection
  • Easy to apply
  • Light lemon scent

Cons

  • Can't be used on suede, nubuck, or unfinished leather

This 3-in-1 cleaner, conditioner, and protectant offers a budget-friendly solution for keeping leather in top shape. We also like that its formula includes UVX sunscreen, which helps shield leather from sun damage that can cause drying, fading, and cracking.

In tests, our Lab pros found the GH-seal holder easy to use. The trigger sprays a fine mist that’s simple to apply and buff with a cloth, making it convenient for all kinds of leather items, including furniture, bags, shoes, and other smaller accessories. The product effectively cleaned and conditioned surfaces, leaving them soft, supple, and refreshed. As a nice bonus, it has a light, lemony scent. Unfortunately, it’s not suitable for suede, nubuck, or unfinished leather.

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Features at a Glance

TypeSpray
Size12 oz
UsesAll smooth leather items
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GH Seal
Leather Wipes
Credit: Weiman

Pros

  • All-in-one solution
  • Great for quick touch-ups
  • Offers sun protection

Cons

  • Leaves hands a bit slippery
  • May dry out if not properly stored

These 3-in-1 leather wipes clean, condition, and protect in a single step, making them perfect for quick touch-ups and small items like gloves, wallets, and handbags. Each wipe is generously sized, and like the spray, the formula includes ingredients that help protect leather from sun damage to minimize drying and fading.

In our tests, the wipes left leather swatches rehydrated and shiny. Our Lab pros found them easy to use, though the product can leave hands slightly slippery, and the wipes may dry out if not stored properly. The Good Housekeeping Seal reflects the brand’s trusted performance, and the convenience of these pre-moistened wipes makes them a handy option for everyday leather care without the need for separate cleaners or conditioners.

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Features at a Glance

TypeWipes
Size30 count
UsesAll smooth leather items, especially small accessories
Cleaner & Conditioner
Credit: Miguel Rivera

Pros

  • Great for precise application
  • Easy to dispense
  • Revives color well

Cons

  • Cleaning cloth sold separately
  • Can't be used on suede or nubuck

Leather CPR is a 2-in-1 cleaning and conditioning cream that uses skin care ingredients to nourish leather while lifting dirt and grime. Its thicker consistency helps the formula stay where you apply it, making it easy to target spots and edges without excess runoff—ideal for smaller leather items or areas where precise application is important, like bags, shoes, or furniture accents. Just don't use it on suede or nubuck.

In our tests, the squeeze bottle was easy to hold and dispense, and its upside-down design ensures you don’t waste a drop. Our Lab pros found it revived color well on leather swatches, leaving surfaces looking richer and refreshed. For best results, we recommend using a microfiber cloth rather than cotton, though the kit does not include one—you’ll need to purchase it separately.

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Features at a Glance

TypeCream
Size12 oz
UsesAll smooth leather items, especially small accessories and accents
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5
Best for Suede and Nubuck

Leather Honey Suede & Nubuck Care Kit

On Sale
Suede & Nubuck Care Kit
Now 20% Off
Credit: Miguel Rivera

Pros

  • Comprehensive kit
  • Versatile cleaning power
  • Provides some water resistance

Cons

  • Struggled with the toughest stains

This kit includes a small bristle brush, a stain eraser bar, a microfiber cloth, and a foaming cleanser, making it a comprehensive option for delicate leather surfaces that need more TLC. It can also be used on smooth leather for versatility.

In our tests, the brush made it easy to clear away dirt and debris before cleaning, while the eraser helped remove surface stains. We tried the kit on a pair of very worn UGG boots, and the foaming cleanser noticeably improved color and reduced stains, though the darkest spots remained slightly visible. The included water-repellent spray also helped water bead up and run off treated areas, protecting suede from future messes.

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Features at a Glance

TypeLiquid
Size8 oz
UsesAll leather items, including suede and nubuck
Leather Care Kit
Credit: Jason Markk

Pros

  • Comprehensive kit
  • Conditions without leaving surfaces greasy
  • EPA Safer Choice certified

Cons

  • Two-step process is more time-consuming
  • Easy to dispense too much foam

With a shoe brush, microfiber cloth, and a balm with a sponge applicator, the Jason Markk Leather Care Kit is a complete system for cleaning and conditioning shoes. The foam and brush are safe for all leather types, including suede, while the balm—made from coconut oil and beeswax—is only for smooth leather. Both the foam and balm carry EPA Safer Choice certification, and the balm also has USDA 100% Biobased Product certification.

In our tests, the brush effectively cleared dust and dirt, though when applying the foam directly, the bottle can sometimes dispense too much. To avoid this, our pros recommend first applying it to a soft cloth. The balm is rich, rubs in easily, and left leather feeling moisturized and protected. We liked that it didn’t leave the leather feeling greasy, and it also left surfaces shiny and conditioned. Just note that the two-step process requires a little patience.

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Features at a Glance

TypeLiquid, cream
Size4 oz (foam); 2 oz (cream)
UsesLeather shoes
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How we test the best leather cleaners

woman using weiman leather cleaning wipes on a black leather jacket
Miguel Rivera

To test leather cleaners, conditioners, and tools, we applied stains and worked dirt into leather swatches. We also gathered an assortment of naturally soiled items, including bags, boots, clothing, and even a wallet, to see how each product performed on items soiled in real-world conditions.

Our Lab pros evaluated how thoroughly and quickly the cleaners lifted grime, as well as how shiny, supple, and water-resistant the conditioners left the leather. We noted any changes in color or residue, plus we examined each treated sample for softness and overall hand feel. This process allowed us to assess ease of use, effectiveness, and overall performance and value.

What to look for when shopping for the best leather cleaners

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✔️ Type: Leather cleaners come in a variety of different formats, including:

  • Creams and balms nourish and condition while cleaning, making them ideal for small areas or precise application.
  • Sprays and liquids are better for larger surfaces like furniture or car seats, and many formulas double as cleaners and conditioners.
  • Pre-moistened wipes are convenient for quick touch-ups or travel, perfect for small items like wallets, gloves, and handbags.

✔️ Features: Choose a product that's safe for your specific leather type—suede and nubuck often require special formulas. It's also helpful to look for cleaning products that offer extra features like UV protection. Included applicators, like brushes, sponges, or microfiber cloths, can also make cleaning easier. Trusted seals or certifications, such as the Good Housekeeping Seal or EPA Safer Choice, provide added confidence in product quality.

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What is a leather conditioner?

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A leather conditioner is a product designed to nourish, moisturize, and protect leather. Over time, leather can dry out, crack, or lose its natural suppleness due to use, sunlight, or other environmental factors. Conditioners restore the leather’s softness, help prevent cracking, and can sometimes add a layer of water- or stain-resistance.

What should you not clean leather with?

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You should not clean leather with harsh chemicals, household cleaners, or abrasive materials. Strong detergents, bleach, ammonia, and alcohol-based products can strip natural oils, dry out leather, or cause cracking and fading. Abrasive brushes or scrubbers may scratch the surface, and excess water can warp or stain it, while oils or greasy substances not designed for leather can leave residue and attract dirt. To keep leather looking its best, stick to products specifically formulated for the material.

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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Carolyn Forté has over 40 years of experience researching, testing, and writing about the best ways to clean and maintain every part of your home. As executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab, she has conducted and overseen testing across dozens of product categories, including leather cleaners, conditioners, and household cleaning products.

Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer with 15 years of experience covering home care and lifestyle products, used Forté’s testing notes and guidance to create this roundup of the best leather cleaners.

Headshot of Brigitt Earley
Brigitt Earley
Contributing Writer

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

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