Real leather is expensive, and it gets dirty fast. Cleaning leather can be a chore, but not anymore! We’ll share with you our top picks for the best leather wipes on the market for easy cleaning and conditioning.
Our Top 3 Leather Wipes Picks
What are leather wipes?
Leather wipes are made up of either natural or synthetic materials that are pre-soaked in a liquid cleaning solution. They usually come in handy packaging with small sheets of soft and damp fabric inside that you can easily pull out whenever you need one. It is then used to clean or condition any type of leather surface.
How to choose the perfect leather wipes
The perfect leather wipes are the ones that do what you want them to do. This will depend on your use case as the perfect leather wipes for one person may not be the perfect one for you. Here are a few things you should consider.
3-in-1 or not?
3-in-1 wipes are great, they’re versatile and they do what most people want them to do. However, the problem with 3-in-1 products is that you have less control over what goes onto your leather item. If there’s a certain substance you don’t like on your leather, or if you just want to condition it with the wipes and use a different product for cleaning or protection, it’s difficult to do so separately.
However, if you want convenience, 3-in-1 is the way to go. It will get you most of the way there if you’re not particularly nitpicky about your leather care.
Shine factor
One of the things that we don’t really like when it comes to all-in-one products is that it usually leaves a shiny surface. Some people may like this, but we like our leather to look natural and matte. That’s just us, though. If you like your shiny leather, we don’t want to stop you from enjoying it.
The shine usually comes from the UV protection and waterproofing features in the wipes, which are very good things. However, it may be a dilemma if you don’t like the shine of your leather goods.
Scent
The scent is very important even though it doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with protecting or conditioning the leather. Leather is a lifestyle product, which means it is incorporated into your everyday life. Living with a scent that you don’t like will add some negativity to your lifestyle.
Most leather wipes smell great, but just in case you’re sensitive to smells, we would suggest you buy the neutral-scented ones.
10 best Leather Wipes for Car, Furniture, Jacket, or Bags Reviews
If you’re having a hard time choosing the leather wipes that will suit you best, fret not. We’re here to provide you with a comprehensive guide and review of different brands of leather wipes, as well as, highlighting what we like and don’t like about them.
Weiman Leather Conditioning Wipes
The first on our list is the Weiman Leather Conditioning Wipes. They’re pretty well-known in the leather furniture community because these wipes do more than just conditioning. These leather wipes can also be for multiple uses like cleaning and protecting all types of leather material– whether it be your couch, car seats, shoes, or purses.
Their leather cleaning products are specially formulated to restore natural oils and protect leather surfaces from any damage due to wear and tear. Plus, Weiman has been in the cleaning industry for quite some time now, so you can have peace of mind knowing that they do their job effectively.
What we like
- Guaranteed leather-friendly
- Contains UVX-15 sunscreen to protect the leather from dryness or fading
- Helps restore the suppleness and shine
- The lowest price per wipe and contains 30 wipes
What we don’t like
- May not be optimal for big leather surfaces
Meguiar’s Gold Class Rich Leather Wipes
Meguiar’s is a brand that’s been around for 115 years. It has a very long history of taking care of vehicles and doing it well. You can definitely say that they have experience with leather as leather was even more prominent in the past. This product is an all-around product, providing cleaning, conditioning, and protection.
These wipes don’t leave a wet look on your leather. Honestly, we prefer that much more than other brands that leave a shiny finish that makes the leather look cheap. However, on some types of leather, these wipes may still leave a shiny surface because of the aloe. You can just buff that up with a microfiber cloth, however.
What we like
- Doesn’t leave behind any lint
- Doesn’t give a cheap shine to the leather
- Decently sized wipes (7”x 9”)
- Smells good
What we don’t like
- The price per wipe makes it quite expensive
- Doesn’t have as many wipes in it, only 25 wipes inside
Lexol All Leather Quick Care Wipes
Similar to Weiman Leather Wipes, the Lexol Quick Care Wipes also come in a canister instead of plastic packaging like the other leather wipes brands. Lexol is a trusted leather care brand since 1933 and features other leather care products for almost all types of leather surfaces. These wipes are great for lifting dirt and unwanted oils on leather and can help enhance the leather’s flexibility.
If you are dealing with light-colored leather items, these wipes are perfect since they have a special non-darkening formula made especially for lighter colors of leather. These are also multi-purpose which means you can use these wipes not just for cleaning, but also for conditioning, and protecting.
What we like
- Special non-darkening formula for dyed and light-colored leather
- UV protectant to protect the leather from sun damage
- Restores leather flexibility
- Increases suppleness and durability
What we don’t like
- Its scent can be too strong for some
- Can leave lint residues because of its thin material
- The sheets are drier compared to other leather wipe formulas
Armor All Leather Wipes
Armor All is another well-known brand when it comes to leather maintenance. They have several products dedicated to restoring, cleaning, and protecting leather surfaces, so there’s no doubt that this brand is leather-friendly. What makes these leather wipes great is that compared to other products, they can effectively protect your leather from spills, stains, and discoloration.
However, Armor All is mostly recommended for leather car seats, so make sure that you read the label first if it’s safe to use on other leather surfaces. For its size, the price is quite higher considering that this is one of the more popular leather wipes in the market.
What we like
- Restores that suppleness and rich shine
- Can reach into the leather grains for deeper cleaning
- Blocks premature aging of leather
- Can be used on your car’s paneling and dashboard
What we don’t like
- May leave some greasy feel if not dried completely
- May leave streaks
- Doesn’t have UV protection
Simoniz Leather Wipes
Like Meguiar’s, Simoniz is a brand that detailing professionals love to use, and they’ve been around for more than 100 years as well. While they do make products suitable for regular consumers, their target market is car detailing businesses as their products are that good. Simoniz Leather Wipes are one of the products that are consumer-friendly and easy to use.
These leather wipes may leave a shiny film on top like most leather wipes. We know that many people don’t like this, but that actually provides UV protection. After a few days of use, that shiny film will be minimized and won’t be as bothersome if it does bother you.
What we like
- Comes with 50 wipes
- Lint-free
What we don’t like
- Can make your leather shiny
- Small for large items
Lord Sheraton Leather Clean and Shine Wipes
Lord Sheraton Wipes are great if you want to use natural materials that are eco-friendly. If you’re worried about the environmental impact of using leather wipes, don’t worry because these leather care wipes are 100% biodegradable. These wipes contain pure beeswax, aloe vera, and other natural oils to nourish your leather effectively without the need for synthetic or harsh chemicals.
The Lord Sheraton Leather Wipes are also designed with micropores, making them more efficient in holding onto grime and dust on leather surfaces. Since these leather wipes are made with natural oils, they may leave a shine that some people don’t like, so it’s up to you if you’re fine with that.
What we like
- Eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable
- Restores the suppleness of leather
- Small packaging, perfect for carrying around
What we don’t like
- Leaves a shiny and greasy feel on the surface
- Contains only 24 wipes per pack
Guardsman Protect & Preserve Wipes
Guardsman Protect & Preserve does exactly that– it protects and preserves leather. If you have aniline or semi-aniline leather, these leather wipes may work best for you. Guardsman is well-known worldwide as one of the leaders in the leather finishing industry and their products are of great quality.
What’s great about these leather wipes is that they’re perfect when you want to give your leather extra protection after cleaning and conditioning it. These wipes basically form a barrier that protects leather surfaces from premature aging caused by stains. These are also formulated to have a balanced pH so they can effectively protect the leather surface without taking away the soft and supple feel.
What we like
- pH-balanced to maintain leather suppleness
- Improves stain and dirt resistance
- Preserves darker leather’s original color and finishing
- Good for lighter-colored leather
- Don’t leave a greasy residue if not completely dry
What we don’t like
- May leave some lint on the surface
- Can leave a strong and unpleasant smell
Air Jungles 3n1 Leather Wipes
If you’re someone who needs a lot of wipes for a larger surface, then you can opt for the Air Jungles Leather Cleaner Wipes. These wipes are extra large and are 8”x10” inches in size. Compared to the Weiman Leather Conditioning Wipes, the Air Jungle Leather Wipes are almost double in size.
These wipes are made for heavy-duty leather cleaning and conditioning since they’re made from the strongest and largest paper towels. They also highlight their lint-free and non-toxic formula, so rest assured that you won’t be dealing with that greasy feel when you’re done.
What we like
- Cover larger leather surfaces
- Does not leave residues like lint or fiber
- Does not have a greasy feel
- Does not have a strong scent
- Non-toxic and safe to use around kids or pets
What we don’t like
- Sheets dry quickly compared to other leather wipes
- Does not give off as much shine
MiracleWipes for Leather
These MiracleWipes for Leather are great if you’re simply looking for an all-around and multipurpose cleaner. They can be used on almost any type of leather material including leather furniture, bags, jackets, and car seats. It also comes with a UV protectant, which is an important feature when it comes to leather care.
We recommend only using these wipes on darker-colored leather surfaces (authentic brown or black leather) as these may leave a light stain when used on dyed or light-colored leather. These wipes can penetrate into leather fibers, so not only are they great for cleaning, but they’re also good for leather polishing.
What we like
- Infused with premium oils that prevent fading and cracking
- Contains smart UV protectant
- Dries quickly and leaves no water stains
- Does not leave residue behind
What we don’t like
- Wipes are on the drier side compared to other brands
- Not ideal for lighter-colored or dyed leather
JJ Care Leather Wipes
If you’re looking for quality leather car seat cleaners that are inexpensive, the JJ Care Leather Wipes may be for you. Although it works on almost any type of leather surface, these are best used on your leather car interior and other large leather surfaces. These wipes are heavy-duty, so you know the material is strong and will not leave pieces of lint on the surface.
![JJ CARE Leather Wipes for Car Seats [Pack of 80] Leather Cleaning Wipes + Free Microfiber Cloth, Leather Wipes for Couch, Car Interior, Furniture, Shoes and Purses Cleaner](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ZtSWw9HuL.jpg)
These wipes are moist and pre-soaked in cleaning ingredients along with natural oils made to effectively clean and condition leather surfaces. However, they do come with a lemony scent, so these may not be for everyone.
What we like
- Thick and durable and will not tear easily
- Each canister contains more wipes compared to other brands
- Free microfiber cloth for easier cleaning and buffing
What we don’t like
- Has a distinct lemony scent
- Once the container is open, the wipes can dry out pretty quickly
Disclaimer: None of these products should be used on suede, nubuck, or any fibrous-surfaced leather. These products will leave a liquid stain on that type of leather which may ruin its look. On these fibrous leather items, you should use special suede and nubuck cleaners, suede protectors, and suede brushes.
Other leather wipes brands that didn’t make our Top 10
- Dr Leather Advanced Leather Wipes
- Greenshield Conditioning Leather Wipes
- Oakwood Leather & Synthetic Wipes
- Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner Wipes
- Secretlab Leather Wipes
- Magic Leather Wipes
- 303 Aerospace Protectant Wipes
- Griots Leather 3-In-1 Wipes
- Luxury Driver Leather Wipes
What are leather wipes made of?
Leather wipes are typically made of a soft, absorbent material that is safe for use on leather surfaces. The exact composition of the material used in these wipes can vary, but they are often made of a combination of cotton and synthetic fibers. The material is then moistened with a cleaning solution that is specifically designed for use on leather.
This solution may contain a variety of ingredients, including surfactants to help lift and remove dirt and grime, moisturizers to help keep the leather supple and prevent cracking, and protective agents to help prevent damage from water, UV radiation, and other environmental factors.
Leather wipes may also contain leather waxes and oils like carnauba wax, beeswax, or lanolin. These oils are great at conditioning leather and keeping it water-resistant. They also provide some UV protection.
Many leather wipes also contain a specific ingredient made for UV protection, however, the specific ingredient is rarely ever stated explicitly in any of the wipes.
How often should I use leather wipes?
For the all-in-one leather wipes, we suggest you use them once every 3-4 months. If you’re a heavy user or your leather goods see frequent use, we suggest every 2-3 months. However, you may use it more often if you feel like your leather needs it again.
If you feel that your leather is drying out and may need some protection even if you last wiped it recently, you can retouch with a wipe or two. We don’t suggest you use the wipes heavily if you’ve used them in the last month already. Overdoing it may result in a sticky feeling which will be unpleasant to the skin.
How to use leather wipes on leather car seats or furniture
Leather wipes are quite easy to use. Leather wipes are perfect for light cleaning and removing small patches of dirt and stains. However, they’re definitely not something you should use for heavy detailing. If your leather furniture or car seats are very dirty, using leather wipes will end up being a very expensive method.
We suggest that you use gloves when using the leather wipes. This is so that the conditioning product doesn’t get on your skin which can feel uncomfortable and maybe a little difficult to remove.
Simply wipe the surface of your leather furniture in gentle circular motions. You should also have a microfiber cloth ready to remove any excess liquid to avoid any streaks or liquid trails on your leather.
Check the video by Apex Detail if you want a visual tutorial on how to use leather wipes.
Why do leather wipes leave streaks?
There are many reasons why leather wipes leave streaks. However, one of the most common reasons is that people don’t wipe their leather seats with a clean cloth after using the leather wipes.
You are able to reduce streaking by applying circular motions, as going back over the surfaces will pick up the excess liquid from the wipes. However, this won’t pick up all the liquid, so it is important to wipe the excess liquid off with a clean cloth or a microfiber cloth. You may also buff the surface with the cloth by rubbing rapidly with little pressure. This will also minimize the shine left behind.
Some people may suggest wringing out the wipes, but we find this to be a waste of the liquid that you are paying for. Wiping afterward is a very easy thing to do without wasting the cleaning and conditioning liquid that you bought the wipes for.
FAQ
Can I use wet wipes on leather?
Never use wet wipes on suede or nubuck leather, but otherwise, you may use wet wipes on real, genuine, or faux leather. But be careful as not all wet wipes are leather-friendly and may contain chemicals that can stain or discolor the leather. Always read the label and if they contain chemicals such as bleach or ammonia, don’t use them.
Are baby wipes good for leather?
We don’t recommend using baby wipes on your leather since they are most likely high in alkaline content which is harmful to leather products. This chemical damages the protective layer of your leather and will cause staining and color-transferring. It will also cause the leather to peel and crack the more you use them.
Can I use leather wipes on faux leather?
Sure, you may use leather wipes on faux leather, but don’t expect much difference as faux leather products come with a protective layer that makes it impossible to deep clean. Leather wipes, however, can be good if you want your faux leather item to look cleaner and fresher without risking damaging the coating.
Can I wipe leather with a paper towel?
There is nothing stopping you from using paper towels to wipe your leather goods. However, one issue you may face by using paper towels is that it will leave small paper fibers on the surface. These paper fibers may be quite visible and will contribute to an unpleasant texture.
Can I use leather wipes on suede?
Never use leather wipes on suede, nubuck, or unfinished leather. It is a given that suede should never come into contact with all types of liquid as it will ruin its texture and can stain it permanently. If you want to clean your suede, be as safe as you can, and just use a suede brush or dry towel to remove the dirt, special suede cleaner, and a suede protector.
How to revive dried-out leather wipes?
It’s best to just purchase new leather wipes if they’ve dried out because adding to them may affect their effectiveness. However, if you really want to revive dried-out leather wipes, you can try adding a bit of aloe vera oil or almond oil to them to moisten them up a bit. If you don’t want that oily feel, you can use a small amount of distilled water instead.
Can I use leather wipes on vinyl?
Vinyl will not absorb the liquid on the leather wipes. Since vinyl leather is usually shiny, it will also leave liquid streaks if you leave the liquid to dry out on the vinyl. However, it will still provide some UV protection which may prevent the vinyl from peeling prematurely.
Can I use disinfectant wipes like Clorox or Lysol on leather?
Clorox and Lysol wipes are much too harsh to be used on real leather. They can dry out your leather and make them brittle. They are safe to use for faux leather and coated leather, however. Just make sure to test in a discreet area for any negative effects before using.
