Leather cleaner vs. interior cleaner: the best choice for cleaning leather upholstery

Cleaning your car interior is essential to not only keep it looking good, but also to keep it in top condition. A common question is: Should I use a leather cleaner or an interior cleaner for leather upholstery? While both products are popular, the right choice makes a world of difference to the lifespan and appearance of your leather interior.

What is a leather cleaner and why do you need it?

A leather cleaner , also known as a leather cleaner , is specially formulated to deeply clean leather surfaces without causing damage. Leather is a sensitive material that can quickly dry out or crack if not cared for properly. This type of cleaner:
  • Cleans thoroughly : Removes dirt, grease and oils that build up on leather upholstery.
  • Nourishes and protects : Restores the natural oils in the leather and prevents drying out.
  • Maintains the matte appearance : A good leather cleaner removes the unwanted shine caused by dirt and restores the original, matte appearance of the leather.

Using a leather cleaner is crucial if you want to keep your leather interior looking like new for years to come.

What is an interior cleaner?

An interior cleaner is a versatile product that can be used on multiple surfaces, such as plastic, vinyl, fabric upholstery, and sometimes even leather. While this may sound convenient, an interior cleaner has significant limitations when it comes to leather upholstery:

  • It does not provide nutrients needed to keep leather healthy.
  • Some interior cleaners can dry out the leather, leading to cracking and loss of flexibility.
  • Interior cleaners sometimes leave a residue that can cause a shine on the leather, which looks unnatural and is a sign of contamination.

In short, an interior cleaner is great for general use, but not the best choice for specific leather maintenance.

The benefits of a leather cleaner for leather

  • Restores Matte Look : Leather should have a natural matte finish. A leather cleaner removes grease and dirt that can give leather a shiny, dirty look.

  • Deep cleaning without damage : Removes stubborn dirt and oil without affecting the natural structure of the leather.

  • Long-lasting protection : Prevents cracking, drying out and colour fading, while maintaining the original appearance of your upholstery.

With a leather cleaner you ensure that your leather upholstery looks clean and well-groomed, without unwanted shine.

Why an interior cleaner is not enough for leather
While an interior cleaner works well for surfaces like dashboards, door panels, and fabric seats, it doesn’t provide the specialized care that leather needs. This can lead to:
  • Unnatural shine due to residual residue
  • Faster wear due to lack of nutrients
  • Less comfort due to drying out of the leather

Choose wisely: leather cleaner for leather, interior cleaner for the rest

For best results, use a leather cleaner for your leather upholstery and an interior cleaner for other surfaces in your car. This combination ensures that every material in your interior gets the right care.

Conclusion
A leather cleaner is essential if you want to protect, clean and maintain the original matte appearance of your leather upholstery. It is specifically designed to support the unique needs of leather, which an interior cleaner cannot match.

Want leather upholstery that lasts for years? Discover our high-quality Leather Foam Cleaner in the webshop!