Best Auto Leather Cleaner: Top Brands Compared and Reviewed

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Choosing the right leather cleaner for your car’s interior is crucial to maintain its luxurious look and feel. We put four leading leather cleaners to the test to find the best auto leather cleaner on the market. In this head-to-head comparison, we pit Leather Honey, Chemical Guys, Weiman, and Fibrenew against each other in a battle for leather maintenance supremacy. Which brand will emerge as the champion for your car’s leather? Let’s dive in and discover.

A showdown of the top leather cleaners to determine the best product for your auto leather.

When we embarked on this quest to identify the Best Auto Leather Cleaner, we wanted to conduct a rigorous and fair test. We understand that maintaining your car’s leather interior is an investment, and choosing the right product is essential. While our testing approach was hands-on and practical, we ensured that each product was evaluated using the same standardized process. Just like our previous exploration into the best leather conditioners, our goal here is to provide you with an objective comparison to help you make the best choice for your vehicle.

Let’s introduce the contenders in our best auto leather cleaner competition.

Meet the Auto Leather Cleaner Contenders

Our selection of leather cleaners is based on recommendations and popularity within the auto detailing and leather care communities, including sources like this list. The brands we’ve chosen to compare are:

• Fibrenew: As experts in leather restoration and care, we naturally included our own professional-grade cleaner, formulated for all types of leather surfaces found in vehicles, from seats to dashboards.
• Leather Honey: A brand steeped in tradition, Leather Honey has been dedicated to leather care since the 1960s. Known for their focused product line, they have become a top seller on platforms like Amazon, emphasizing quality leather maintenance.
• Chemical Guys: Offering a vast range of automotive detailing products, Chemical Guys provides a comprehensive approach to car care. Their leather cleaner is part of their extensive line, catering to a global market of car enthusiasts.
• Weiman: Weiman distinguishes itself with a wide array of cleaning solutions for various household surfaces. Their leather cleaner is part of a broader range, aiming for multi-surface convenience in cleaning and maintenance.

Now, let’s understand the criteria we used to judge these auto leather cleaners and determine the best performer.

Judging Criteria for the Best Auto Leather Cleaner

Our evaluation focused on what truly matters when choosing a leather cleaner for your car: effectiveness, finish, feel, and scent. While packaging and branding can be appealing, we prioritized the actual performance and user experience.

Each auto leather cleaner was scored out of a possible 40 points, based on four key categories, each worth 10 points:

• Deep Cleaning Effectiveness: This assessed how well the cleaner removed embedded dirt, grime, and buildup from the leather surfaces commonly found in cars, like seats and door panels.
• Visual Polish: We evaluated the aesthetic outcome, focusing on how pleasing the leather looked after cleaning, including the level of sheen and overall appearance enhancement.
• Tactile Feel: This criterion judged the texture of the leather after cleaning, looking for a smooth, supple feel without any sticky or greasy residue, important for car seat comfort.
• Scent: The odor of a leather cleaner is a significant factor, especially in the confined space of a car interior. We assessed the pleasantness and intensity of each product’s scent.

Let’s outline the process we followed to ensure a fair and realistic comparison of each best auto leather cleaner contender.

The Auto Leather Cleaning Test Process

Initially, we considered testing each product on different car seats to simulate real-world application in a vehicle. However, we quickly realized that capturing the subtle visual differences between cleaners in photographs would be challenging. While we still used car seats to demonstrate product application and assess feel and scent, the primary visual assessment of cleaning effectiveness was performed on a separate piece of colored leather soiled with snow and dirt.

Car seats prepped for cleaning to demonstrate the application of each auto leather cleaner.

To better visualize cleaning efficacy, we utilized a red leather scrap, deliberately dirtied with snow to create a clear contrast and showcase the cleaning power of each product. This allowed for a more direct comparison of how effectively each cleaner removed grime.

The lineup of leather cleaner brands alongside the prepared red leather sample for cleaning tests.

Our testing procedure included:

1. Spot Check: Applying a small amount of each cleaner to a section of the soiled red leather for an initial assessment of cleaning power.
2. Panel Cleaning: Cleaning a designated panel of a car seat with each product to evaluate ease of use, feel, and scent in a car interior setting.
3. Full Clean on Leather Scrap: Cleaning separate sections of the soiled red leather scrap with each cleaner to visually assess cleaning effectiveness and residue.

For those looking to clean their car leather at home, here are some basic DIY steps to achieve the best results with your chosen auto leather cleaner.

DIY Basic Auto Leather Cleaning Steps

1. Preparation: Begin by vacuuming or wiping down your car’s leather surfaces with a soft brush or microfiber cloth to remove loose dirt and debris. This prevents scratching during the cleaning process and ensures the cleaner works directly on embedded grime.
2. Test Patch: Always test your chosen auto leather cleaner in an inconspicuous area first, such as under the seat or in a hidden corner. Apply a small amount, let it sit for a few minutes, and check for any adverse reactions like discoloration or damage.
3. Apply Cleaner: Once you’ve confirmed compatibility, apply a small amount of the auto leather cleaner to a clean microfiber cloth. Gently work the cleaner into the leather using circular motions, focusing on one section at a time. Avoid applying cleaner directly to the leather surface to prevent oversaturation.
4. Wipe Away Excess: After cleaning, use a fresh, clean microfiber cloth to wipe away any excess cleaner. Ensure you remove all residue to prevent buildup, which can attract dirt and affect the leather’s feel and appearance over time.

For more in-depth tips on leather care, you can also refer to resources like our guide on how to clean leather furniture, which provides similar principles applicable to car leather.

Now, let’s get into the detailed reviews of each auto leather cleaner in our head-to-head comparison!

Leather Honey Leather Cleaner Review

Leather Honey immediately impressed us with its classic branding and packaging. The design evokes a sense of heritage and quality, creating a positive first impression. The kit, which we tested, included both the cleaner and conditioner in vintage-style bottles, accompanied by microfiber cloths, all presented in an attractive box.

However, we noted that neither the cleaner nor the conditioner comes in a spray bottle. While this might be acceptable for the thicker conditioner, the cleaner’s non-spray bottle design could lead to less controlled application and potential mess.

leather honey bottle top–non-spray

The non-spray bottle top of Leather Honey Leather Cleaner, which could make application less convenient.

We purchased the Leather Honey Leather Care Kit for $43.99 on sale (regularly $70.99), including 8 oz bottles of cleaner and conditioner and two cloths. The cleaner can be bought separately for $24.99.

Effectiveness: 7/10

In our initial swipe test, Leather Honey showed moderate dirt removal. The bottle design contributed to this, as dispensing the cleaner directly onto the cloth from the bottle opening made it harder to apply liberally and evenly. The product tended to dry quickly from the cloth, requiring more applications to achieve thorough cleaning.

A single swipe with Leather Honey Leather Cleaner showing decent, but not exceptional, initial dirt removal.

Despite the initial effort, Leather Honey effectively cleaned the entire test area, demonstrating its capability to remove dirt with repeated application.

The Leather Honey cleaned section, showing effective dirt removal after full application.

Visual Polish: 9/10

Leather Honey left a pleasing, medium-sheen to matte finish after drying. This understated look was actually quite appealing and contributed to a high visual polish score. The finish enhanced the leather’s natural appearance without making it look overly glossy.

Feel: 10/10

The feel after using Leather Honey was exceptional. The leather felt smooth and frictionless, almost as if treated with just water. This residue-free finish is a significant advantage, leaving the leather feeling clean and natural without any chemical sensation.

Scent: 7/10

Leather Honey Leather Cleaner was virtually odorless. This lack of scent is a unique characteristic that could be a major benefit for those sensitive to smells or who prefer unscented products. However, for those who appreciate a fresh scent after cleaning, this might be less appealing.

Total: 33/40

Chemical Guys Colorless and Odorless Leather Cleaner Review

Chemical Guys presented a stark contrast to Leather Honey in our best auto leather cleaner testing. The packaging was simple and functional, with the leather care kit arriving in a plain box containing a microfiber cloth and 16 oz bottles of cleaner and conditioner.

The “colorless & odorless” cleaner is available individually for $10.99, and a more comprehensive leather care kit, including cloths, sponges, and a brush, is priced at $59.99.

Let’s examine its performance.

Effectiveness: 10/10

Chemical Guys cleaner showed outstanding cleaning power right from the first swipe. It effortlessly lifted dirt and grime from the leather, demonstrating superior effectiveness compared to Leather Honey in initial cleaning action.

Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner effectively removes dirt with just a single wipe, showcasing its strong cleaning capability.

With minimal effort, the Chemical Guys cleaner completely removed all traces of dirt, leaving the leather impeccably clean. Its potent formula ensures thorough cleaning with just a few wipes.

The fully cleaned section using Chemical Guys, demonstrating complete removal of dirt and grime.

Chemical Guys earned top marks for its exceptional cleaning effectiveness, quickly and efficiently removing even stubborn grime.

Visual Polish: 9/10

Like Leather Honey, Chemical Guys also produced a matte finish on the leather. This matte appearance was visually appealing, providing a clean and natural look to the leather without excessive shine. Again, this finish is a matter of preference, but we found it highly satisfactory for car interiors.

Chemical Guys cleaner drying to a matte finish, visibly clean with no added sheen.

Feel: 6/10

The tactile experience with Chemical Guys was less pleasant. The cleaner left a noticeable, almost harsh chemical feel on the leather. This sensation suggests a potentially strong chemical composition that, while effective for cleaning, might be less desirable in terms of user experience and long-term leather feel. We recommend using gloves when applying this product.

Scent: 5/10

Despite being labeled “odorless,” Chemical Guys cleaner has a distinct and somewhat strong chemical scent. While the smell dissipates quickly as the product dries, it is noticeable during application and could be off-putting to some users. The “odorless” claim is misleading, and the chemical scent detracts from the overall user experience. We suggest using a facemask, especially in enclosed spaces like car interiors.

Total: 30/40

Weiman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Spray Review

Weiman represents the budget-friendly option in our best auto leather cleaner comparison. Given Weiman’s extensive range of household cleaning products, it’s understandable they opted for a combination cleaner and conditioner spray. However, the dual-purpose nature raises questions about its effectiveness as a dedicated leather cleaner, as cleaning and conditioning serve different functions.

Priced at just $7.99, Weiman is the most affordable product in our test. The large spray applicator is convenient and applies the product effectively. But let’s see how it performs in cleaning.

Effectiveness: 5/10

Weiman spray was moderately effective on light smudges but struggled with more significant dirt buildup. Its cleaning power was noticeably weaker compared to the other products in our review, requiring more effort and product to achieve satisfactory results.

Weiman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Spray showing limited dirt removal in a single wipe.

Removing dirt required considerable scrubbing and pressure, and even then, Weiman did not fully clean as effectively as the other cleaners.

Visible residue remains after cleaning with Weiman, indicating less effective dirt removal.

Weiman’s effectiveness was underwhelming for anything beyond very light cleaning tasks, earning it a mid-range score in this category.

Visual Polish: 7/10

Weiman produced a decent sheen, but the main issue was the visible residue left behind after application. This residue made the cleaned area stand out from the surrounding leather, meaning you would likely need to clean entire panels to achieve a uniform appearance. While the sheen itself wasn’t bad, the residue problem impacted the overall visual polish score.

Feel: 4/10

Weiman left a noticeable waxy residue on the leather, even after drying. This waxy feel was unpleasant and persisted, making the leather feel coated rather than naturally clean. The residue detracts significantly from the tactile experience, making it less ideal for car seats and other frequently touched leather surfaces.

Scent: 8/10

Surprisingly, Weiman had a pleasant citrus scent, reminiscent of lemon air freshener. This fresh and clean scent was a positive aspect, masking any chemical odors and providing a more enjoyable user experience in terms of smell. The agreeable scent was a high point for this product.

Total: 24/40

Fibrenew Leather Care Kit Review

Finally, we come to our own Fibrenew Leather Care Kit, a product we’re proud to stand behind. This kit includes 16 oz bottles of both our proprietary leather cleaner and conditioner, priced around $43.69 (CAD $59.00). It’s the same professional-grade product used by Fibrenew technicians worldwide, ensuring proven performance and reliability for car leather care.

A note on packaging: We’ve updated our conditioner bottle nozzle to the same efficient type used by Chemical Guys, addressing a previous point about spray effectiveness.

Effectiveness: 9/10

Fibrenew Leather Cleaner offers powerful cleaning capabilities, closely matching Chemical Guys in effectiveness but without the harshness. It efficiently removes dirt and grime, providing a deep clean for auto leather surfaces.

Fibrenew Leather Cleaner demonstrating strong dirt removal with a single wipe, balancing effectiveness with gentler formulation.

While Chemical Guys might offer slightly more aggressive cleaning, Fibrenew achieves excellent sanitation with a milder, more user-friendly approach.

The Fibrenew cleaned section, showing thorough dirt removal and a clean, refreshed leather appearance.

Visual Polish: 9/10

Fibrenew cleaner leaves a balanced finish, falling between matte and high sheen. It enhances the leather’s natural beauty, providing a refreshed look that is neither too dull nor too glossy. The finish blends seamlessly with the surrounding leather, ensuring a uniform appearance across cleaned surfaces.

Fibrenew cleaner leaving a balanced, natural sheen on the leather panel, enhancing its appearance without being overly glossy.

Feel: 8/10

Fibrenew provides a pleasant tactile experience. There is a slight friction to the touch, but it is minimal and does not detract from the overall feel. It is a step up in feel from Chemical Guys and slightly less frictionless than Leather Honey, striking a good balance.

Scent: 9/10

Fibrenew Leather Cleaner stands out with its unique new leather scent, derived from added leather extract. This pleasant aroma not only enhances the cleaning experience but also serves a functional purpose. The fading scent indicates when it’s time to clean your leather again, acting as a reminder for regular maintenance. While the new leather scent is generally appealing, we deducted a point acknowledging that scent preferences are subjective.

Total: 35/40

And the Best Auto Leather Cleaner Is…

Fibrenew!

Before you dismiss this as biased self-promotion, let’s recap the objective advantages of Fibrenew Leather Care Kit as the best auto leather cleaner:

• Value: Priced similarly to Leather Honey but offering double the product volume.
• Effectiveness & Gentleness: Cleaning power comparable to Chemical Guys but without the harsh chemicals or offensive odor.
• Dedicated System: Two separate, specialized products (cleaner and conditioner) for optimal leather care, leaving no residue and ensuring a perfect finish.
• Professional Grade & User-Friendly: Non-toxic, easy to use, and trusted by leather care professionals.

We are committed to continuous improvement and value your feedback as we further develop our leather care products.

We invite you to experience the Fibrenew difference yourself with 25% off your first care kit! Use coupon code “Carekit25pOff” at checkout at our shop.

For any leather care questions or professional services, remember to contact your local Fibrenew expert. Until our next product review, take care of your leather!

Meet the Author

Julian Foulds

Marketing Communications Specialist

Driven by data and a passion for clear communication, I strive to showcase Fibrenew’s value and empower our franchisees with the resources they need to succeed. My focus is on delivering insightful content that resonates with our community and highlights Fibrenew’s expertise in leather and vinyl restoration and care.