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Leather furniture, clothing, and other objects are expensive, and when the leather rips or tears, your immediate reaction may be to toss the marred item and replace it at considerable cost. But a good leather repair kit can effectively mend small mishaps and keep your credit card in your wallet. While extensive lacerations can take time, effort and considerable skill to repair, small nicks and tears can be fixed with little effort and the right supplies. And these products can restore discolored or faded leather nearly to its original appearance. We researched leather repair kits based on their effectiveness, contents, ease of use, and price. Our top choice is the FORTIVO Leather and Vinyl Repair Kit. It contains patches that apply easily, without needing heat, and can come very close to matching the area needing repairs. For more extensive repairs, we recommend professional assistance. But having said that, here are our five top choices for the best leather repair kit. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Jump to Review Best for Recoloring: Jump to Review Best Reconditioner: Jump to Review Jump to Review Jump to Review Best for Cat Scratches: Jump to Review In This Article Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust The Spruce? What We Like Repairs, not just restores Simple process Numerous color-mix options Inexpensive What We Don't Like Trial-and-error process Generally, leather is quite durable and long-lasting but it still requires regular cleaning to maintain its appearance and prevent future damage. (Hint: for an inexpensive way to clean leather surfaces, use a microfiber cloth and gently dust the surface). But for those inevitable scratches, stains, and holes, we recommend the Fortivo Leather and Vinyl Repair Kit. This repair kit is one of the best all-around products, thanks to its affordable results and easy five-step application process, which requires no heat. The manufacturer claims this product helps repair scratches, cuts, holes, tears, rips, cracks, marks, and pet damage on furniture, shoes, and car seats.Fortivo's kit offers 10 intermixable colors—two brown capsules, two white, two black, one red, one blue, one green, and one yellow—as well as a mixing bottle and a practice leather patch. A color mixing guide helps you determine how much fluid and in what proportions match the color of your targeted item. We note that the color capsules only provide a small amount of liquid, and the mixing process takes some trial-and-error. But for the most part, the results are satisfactory. And if you’re not happy with the product, Fortivo offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year free replacement warranty. Price at time of publish: $20 Contents: Practice piece, color compounds, backing fabric, spatula, mixing bottle, mixing guide, instructions | Leather repair pieces included? No What We Like 3-year guarantee No color mixing Works on many mishaps What We Don't Like Color Works on absorbent leather only Leather furniture is designed to last for decades, but, over the years, the color can fade due to misadventure and mishap such as sweat stains and cigarette burns. Rather than shelling out a thousand dollars or more for a new leather couch, we recommend trying Furniture Clinic Leather Recoloring Balm to restore the color to faded leather. The balm deeply absorbs into leather, giving it a richer color and a sheen that’s good as new. Furniture Clinic guarantees results for up to 3 years, or you can get a complete money-back guarantee. Unlike kits with intermixable colors, the Leather Re-Coloring Balm gives you a sizable product (8.5 fluid ounces) in a single color. If you’re worried you won’t be able to perfectly match the color of the repair kit to your couch, note that Furniture Clinic offers this balm in 16 different colors, all of which can create lighter or darker shades depending on the amount used. We note that the manufacturer recommends testing your targeted leather piece to see whether it can absorb liquid since older leather can harden slightly over time. To test, simply apply a little drop of water and see whether it soaks in, or beads up and runs. Price at time of publish: $30 Contents: One 5-ounce container | Leather repair pieces included? Not applicable What We Like Works for many surface types No buildup on dimpled surfaces More comprehensive kit available What We Don't Like Lacks applicator Leather can easily fade, or acquire an unwelcome shine from body oil. Chemical Guys, a California-based company specializing in car care and auto detail supplies, manufactures a patented conditioner that restores the texture and scent to a car’s leather interior, as well as clothing and furniture. You start by thoroughly scrubbing your car seats with Chemical Guys’ top-grade spray cleaner, then use the nourishing conditioner to give them a rich shine and supple feel. Both bottles come at 4 fluid ounces. The manufacturer claims this product effectively removes dirt, grease, body oils, and more from all types of leather, including vegan and synthetic leather. You apply the liquids onto a microfiber applicator (not included), then rub it into the leather. This lets you use the product on perforated leather surfaces without worrying about buildup in the dimples. If you’re looking for a more dynamic repair kit, you can also try some of the Chemical Guys’ other products, including their 9-piece kit, which comes equipped with towels, brushes, and a leather detailer. Price at time of publish: $27 Contents: One 16-ounce container of leather cleaner and one 16-ounce container of leather conditioner | Leather repair pieces included? No. What We Like Can cut to smaller sizes Use on many surfaces Available non-traditional colors Easy to apply What We Don't Like Not at all seamless Leather patches are an excellent (and easy) alternative to traditional leather repair kits, and MastaPlasta is the originator of this now widely used line of products, patenting the idea in 2009. They manufacture patches made of leather-like vinyl in dozens of sizes and colors, but we selected this 11 x 8-inch patch because it’s large enough to cover many different areas. Besides leather, you can use these patches to cover stains, scratches, worn spots, or tears on materials including vinyl, faux leather, metal, wood, and plastic. It’s available in classic leather colors such as tan and dark brown, as well as more distinctive colors, including green, ivory, and navy. Simply peel off the backing paper, stick MastaPlasta to your leather furniture and you’re done. The patches can be cut so that they perfectly fit the stain, scratch, or worn spot you’re trying to repair. We also note that they have strong adhesive backing that can fit curved surfaces. Keep in mind, however, that the patches are not suitable for machine washing. One final note: MastaPlasta patches covers rips, tears, scratches and other marred surfaces. But they hardly appear seamless. We recommend these only as a quick-fix solution. Consumers wishing for a more seamless repair job should look for professional results. Price at time of publish: $15 Contents: One 8 x 11-inch vinyl patch | Leather repair pieces included? Yes The 7 Best Upholstery Cleaners of 2023, Tested and Reviewed What We Like Sealant provides closure to rips Complete repair kit Includes color lighter/darkener What We Don't Like Coating may peel over time Available in 12 colors, the Furniture Leather Max MEGA Kit is equipped with a variety of top-of-the-line products, all of which target and heal problem areas on your leather furniture. This product works by applying the included backing to the underside of the laceration, providing a surface for the included serum to adhere to. The main contents include one bottle of restoration and refinishing serum, one bottle of nourishing leather conditioner, and one bottle of reliable top-coat sealant. You also get backing materials, a filler compound, and two small bottles of the black-and-white color changer, which allows you to lighten or darken the surface of your furniture. Furniture Leather Max ensures that this product is waterproof and shouldn't rub off on your clothing. We note that one 8-ounce bottle may be enough to recondition a small loveseat or sofa without needing to repair any rips or tears, but two bottles (available separately) are recommended for larger pieces. We have noted that on certain well-used surfaces, such as office chairs, the serum may peel off over time. But generally, we recommend this product for repairing small nicks, tears, and scratches without needing professional help. Price at time of publish: $37 Contents: One 8-ounce bottle of leather refinisher, one 2-ounce bottle of leather conditioner, one 4-ounce bottle of top coat, one 1-ounce bottle of black-and-white color changer, one sponge | Leather repair pieces included? No The 8 Best Steam Cleaners of 2023, Tested and Reviewed What We Like Touches up surface scratches Dries within 3 hours Restores luster What We Don't Like Ingredients not listed We love our pets, but every so often, they chew apart a flip flop, use the carpet as a litter box, or scratch up a pricey leather recliner. Chamberlain’s Leather Milk is an exceptional product for touching up shiny, matte, or naked grain leather that's been subjected to small scratches made by kitty claws or otherwise needs a surface refinish. While it doesn't completely heal scratched leather, we are satisfied that is conditions the leather well enough to make them all but invisible. The 4-ounce container of healing balm contains what the manufacturer describes as "natural oils and waxes," specifically designed for touch-ups and detail work. After you work the balm into your furniture with a soft towel or sponge, it fills in damaged areas and restores a rich, glossy shine to the leather. While we've noted similarities to coconut oil—including the scent that lasts until the product is absorbed—we still like Chamberlain’s results. We note that sitting areas take about 3 hours to dry before you can sit on them again. We were mystified by the package alert not to use the product on genuine leather. The manufacturer notes, however, that this refers only to when leather has been conditioned to be softer and more delicate by sanding down its upper layers. It frequently refers to suede, which this product is not recommended for. Price at time of publish: $17 Contents: One 4-ounce container of "healing balm," plus applicator sponge | Leather repair pieces included? No The 11 Best Cat Toys of 2023 That Your Cat Will Love Final Verdict Our Best Overall choice for a comprehensive leather repair kit is FORTIVO's Leather and Vinyl Repair Kit. It contains everything you need to repair small scratches or tears, as well as recondition abused leather furniture, car seats, and apparel. If you just need a product to recondition worn leather, we recommend Chemical Guys' Leather Cleaner and Leather Conditioner Kit. It effectively removes dirt, grease, body oils, and more from all types of leather, including auto interiors. Leather repair can involve everything from restoring color and luster to smoothing scratches, removing stains, and repairing holes, burns, or cracking. You can find leather kits to cover all these issues, from general kits designed to work on a number of different leather products, to specialized kits tailored toward repairing leather sofas or car seats. It’s up to you to decide whether you want to buy a kit that is intended to solve your immediate problem or invest in a more comprehensive kit you can use for a range of items. Not all leather is the same, so be sure to choose a repair kit made to work on the type of leather that you want to repair. Otherwise, choose a repair kit designed to repair a range of materials, from pure leather to faux leather and vinyl.Note that some conditioners function well only on leather that can still absorb moisture. Older leather may have lost this property, so test first by applying a small drop of water to the targeted surface and see whether the moisture is absorbed. It’s important to choose the correct color of leather repair kit so your fix is a convincing match for the leather good you are patching up. You can choose leather repair kits in a single dominant color such as brown, which may or may not hit the mark when applied to your leather sofa or wallet. Or you can opt for a kit that contains multiple colors that can be mixed a la carte for the perfect match. FAQ Why is my leather sofa cracking and peeling? Leather is animal skin, and it needs to stay clean and moisturized to remain soft and supple. Direct sunlight and low humidity can cause leather to dry out, leading to cracking and peeling. The best way to prevent your leather sofa from cracking and peeling over time is to maintain it with routine care such as cleaning it by wiping away dust and dirt with a microfiber cloth, and regularly moisturizing it with leather conditioner at least twice a year. What are the four grades of leather? Leather is commonly categorized into varying grades that are used to signify levels of quality. These categories are confusing for consumers and many experts insist that they should be taken with a grain of salt given how widely standards and production methods vary. Nevertheless, the four most common leather grades you will probably encounter are full-grain, top-grain, genuine, and bonded. Full-grain leather is considered the highest quality, made from pure animal hide, known for its durability and marked by desirable natural imperfections in the grain. Top-grain leather is made from full-grain leather that is split and stamped with a faux grain pattern and is used in many “fine” leather goods such as handbags and wallets. Genuine leather is considered a low-quality leather product that is heavily processed, less durable, and cheaper than full- or top-grain leather. Bonded leather is a leather product made from leather scraps, glue, plastic, and other materials that are bonded together and sealed. It's also considered the least durable, lowest quality form of leather. What is the difference between genuine leather and leather? Genuine leather is a confusing term that probably doesn’t mean what you think it does. While pure leather refers to 100% real animal skin that has been tanned, genuine leather is a generic term that simply means that there is some leather in the final product. Despite the positive-sounding name, genuine leather is considered one of the lowest quality categories of leather. This article was researched and written by Derek Rose, a writer and teacher living in Brooklyn, New York. He has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. For this article, he researched numerous products online. The 10 Best Leather Sofas of 2023Best for Recoloring
Furniture Clinic Leather Recoloring Balm
Best Reconditioner
Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Complete Leather Care Kit
Best Patch
MASTAPLASTA Self-Adhesive Leather Repair Patch
What to Look For in a Leather Repair Kit
Purpose
Type of Leather
Color
Why Trust The Spruce?
FAQs
Do leather repair kits really work? ›
They work. But, the materials and chemistry of these products are very sub-standard. They are incapable of producing long term results and in some cases may even cause severe, irreversible damage to the leather to which they are applied.
What leather restore is best? ›To repair cracked leather, using a dye can patch up superficial damage, but for deep cracks a combination of a leather filler and dye works best. Tip: if the inside of a crack is lighter in colour than the surface using a dye is your best option.
What is the best product to restore leather furniture? ›Try Leather Honey leather conditioner as it penetrates deep into the material to restore and also works as a water-repellent for unexpected spills. Use leather cream as well—it typically comes in colors, which help restore the look and luster of different colors of leather.
What is best to restore leather sofa? ›Clean leather sofa with a damp microfiber cloth. Use a fine-bristled brush and mild soap to clean the cracks. Apply a high-quality leather conditioner over the damaged area and let it dry.
How do professionals repair leather? ›- Step 1: Clean. Using soap or leather cleaner, wash off any dirt with cloth or sponge. ...
- Step 2: Wait overnight for the leather to dry completely. ...
- Step 3: Smooth. ...
- Step 4: Apply leather filler. ...
- Step 5: Remove excess paste with the knife. ...
- Step 6: Let the leather dry for six hours.
- Clean the area you're repairing.
- Cut the sub-patch to fit the hole, and slide it under the surface of the leather. ...
- Apply glue to the applicator and rub glue along both sides of the tear, and on the patch.
- Quickly wipe off any excess glue.
Full Grain Leather
Full grain is the longest lasting, highest quality grade of leather available. It holds the pattern of the animal's skin and has a soft, natural look and warm feel. Because it comes from the top layer of the cow's hide, full grain leather is stronger and more breathable than others.
You don't need fancy leather moisturizer to take care of your favourite leather jacket. Petroleum jelly does the job just as well. Apply, rub it in, wipe off the excess, and you're ready to go.
Can you restore really old leather? ›It is possible to soften and restore the leather by using Leather Revive. Leather Revive is a water-based oil emulsified conditioner that works to soften leather by replenishing the fatliquors.
Can you use WD 40 to restore leather? ›Break In Your Leather—Or Revive It!
WD-40 makes stiff leather items soft and supple. Dog collars, baseball gloves, work boots, shoes, and sandals all benefit from a spray. As a bonus, you'll remove stubborn stains which means the lubricant is particularly useful in treating vintage items.
What is the best way to restore old leather seats? ›
- Be sure you have real leather seats. Make sure your car seats are leather before proceeding. ...
- Clean your leather car seats. If you want to be extra thorough with your leather car seats, you might want to remove them first. ...
- Apply leather conditioner to the leather seats. ...
- Reapply if necessary.
Don't be afraid to add moisture.
You may think leather should stay dry to prevent stains, but moisture is the key to maintaining a smooth, crack-free surface. Leather craves a dose of moisture to maintain a strong and smooth outer surface. Just remember to always give it plenty of time to dry after conditioning!
Leather cleaners can help break down the dirt and stains to make your leather couch look like new. Some products are 2-in-1 and contain both the cleaner and conditioner. Spray the cleaner onto a cloth, rather than directly onto the furniture, to prevent it from leaving spray marks.
Can torn leather be repaired? ›Small splits, punctures, and rips, with little or no leather lost, can often be repaired well with a good kit. These kits typically include prepping, sub-patching, filling, re-coloring, and conditioning supplies. Carefully done with truly matching color, mends can be virtually invisible.
Why is the color coming off my leather couch? ›If this is happening to your sofa, then to put it simply: it is poor quality leather. When a leather is coated with a coloured paint or varnish, either by a roller or by glueing a coloured foil on top, after a few years (sometimes less) of use, you will likely find that this layer either wears away or peels off.
Can tears in leather sofas be repaired? ›Glue the edges of the tear together with leather or fabric glue. If you're repairing a hole, fill it with soft filler. Paint over the tear with leather paint to disguise your efforts and make your couch look brand new.
What's the best glue for leather? ›Aleene's Leather & Suede Glue is your go-to glue for embellishing leather and suede projects! This nontoxic fast-tacking glue dries clear and flexible, and won't soak through or stain leathers and suedes.
Which is the best leather in the world? ›You could in fact argue that Horween leather is the world's best leather! Horween Leather is named after the tannery where it is produced- The Horween Leather Company. It was founded in 1905 and for more than 100 years and five generations their goal has been to make the world's best leather.
Which animal produces the best leather? ›Ostrich - Not only the finest but also the most durable leather. Buffalo - Extremely strong, durable and rugged on the contrary it is also soft and supple. Eel - Very thin and not strong however surprisingly soft, shiny and smooth. Stingray - Tough and durable as plastic and yet it has a beautiful appearance.
WHAT IS 7000 grade leather? ›Leather 7000 is, quite simply, the very finest leather you can pick for your home theater seat. This exclusive, luxury material is a type of top-grain leather that is painstakingly hand-picked from the top 30% of all cow hides, chosen for premium look and texture.
Can you clean leather with Murphy's oil soap? ›
Use the oil soap like a leather conditioner on leather furniture or your vehicle's dashboard area or upholstery (not cloth). Use the product at full strength and apply it to a dry cloth. Work it over the area, then use a second cloth to buff it.
Is Olive Oil good for leather? ›Using olive oil on leather can restore colour and repair small scratches. This works on shoes, couches, chairs and other items. The process is the same as with wooden furniture, but just use straight olive oil – no lemon needed! Pour some oil onto a cloth and rub into the leather in a circular motion.
Is coconut oil good for leather? ›Treating leather with coconut oil does have a few upsides: it will soften the leather and provide a thin layer of waterproof protection. Because coconut oil is a natural oil (like neatsfoot oil, olive oil, and mink oil), it will darken leather boots when applied.
Does vinegar restore leather? ›This may sound surprising, but vinegar can work wonders on leather. If the stain is older, tougher, and the leather is more durable, grab a cleaning cloth and dampen it thoroughly with white vinegar, then gently rub the stained area.
Does Vaseline soften leather? ›Does Vaseline Soften Leather? As a leather conditioner, petroleum jelly softens and protects the leather from cracking and drying out. This will work well on leather and patent leather bags, shoes, jackets, and other things, such as leather belts, purses, coats, and leather watch straps.
What can I use to rejuvenate leather? ›Household items like vinegar and oil can be used to repair small scratches on your favorite leather goods, while glue and sub-patches can be used to fix small tears in your leather furniture. While seeking professional help is always an option as a last resort, it is worth attempting a DIY restoration first.
What does Windex do to leather? ›Unfortunately, you really cannot use window cleaner on leather upholstery because almost all of it contains alcohol. Alcohol will damage the surface of your leather, especially breaking down the protective top coat on fully-finished leathers that make up the vast majority of the leather upholstery market.
Can you use Dawn dishwashing liquid to clean leather? ›For stubborn stains
If the stain persists, try blotting with a towel dipped in a mixture of water and a mild dish soap (like Palmolive or Dawn). Be sure to blot gently; scrubbing rigorously can cause permanent damage to the leather. When you're done, thoroughly dry the spot with a fresh cloth.
How to Clean Leather. You can clean your leather furniture using a simple cleaning solution of 50/50 vinegar and water. Use a microfiber cloth to apply the solution, rubbing the leather in a circular motion to lift the dirt out of the natural fibers.
Is saddle soap good for leather? ›Is saddle soap bad for leather? Saddle soap, while it comes with some drawbacks, is very useful for cleaning leather. The key to using saddle soap successfully is to use conditioner afterward, because the detergent will strip away a few of your oils and waxes that are important for the leather's longevity.
Can you use Windex on leather furniture? ›
Do not use petroleum-based cleaning products to clean leather as they can erode the stitching on the leather piece. Harsh cleaners (such as Windex or bleach), furniture polish (such as Pledge), alkaline cleaners, baby wipes, waxes, and silicone may also damage leather, leaving it feeling sticky.
How do you make cracked leather car seats look new? ›Brush the liquid adhesive around the edges of the tears and press them into the leather strip. Smooth out any rough surfaces with sandpaper, wipe the residue away with a wet cloth and dry the seat with a microfiber cloth. If there are gaps, fill them in with leather putty.
How long is a leather sofa supposed to last? ›Leather sofas are extremely durable, lasting around 15 to 20 years compared to about five years for a fabric one. The most important factor in determining its longevity is the quality of the leather purchased because, as the saying goes, you usually get what you pay for.
Should you oil leather sofa? ›Regularly condition your leather sofa
Leather contains oils that need to be replenished every so often. They help to keep the upholstery soft and supple to the touch, but regular use can diminish its natural properties.
Conditioning your leather will help protect it from absorbing hair products and body oils, as well as any dirt and grime that could potentially damage the finish of the leather. Added protective layers will keep the leather hide moisturized and help ensure that your leather furniture lasts as long as possible.
How can I make my leather sofa look expensive? ›Use a plain rug in a similar color to the sofa, but darker. Small leather accessories -- such as leather-bound books, a bowl of leather balls or a leather footstool -- will help tie the leather into the room. A few additional accessories in the same color as the sofa will bring everything together.
Can I use dish soap to clean my leather couch? ›Cleaning leather is a gentle art that requires the right products. You can seriously damage your leather furniture by using the wrong stuff to clean it. It's widely agreed that plain old dish soap and water are the best cleaners for all types of leather.
How often should you condition a leather couch? ›The use of a good leather conditioner is recommended every 6-12 months to prevent cracking and keep it looking good for longer. (Always check with the leather furniture manufacturer before applying any product.). To keep up the look of your leather sofa, protect your furniture from sun and direct light.
What does a leather repair kit do? ›For cuts and tears, leather repair kits can help you to fix the gap. You do this by patching to cover up the hole and smoothing over the repair site. For abrasions and scratches, leather repair kits allow you to smooth the surface and color the scratch to hide it from sight.
Can you repair torn leather? ›Small splits, punctures, and rips, with little or no leather lost, can often be repaired well with a good kit. These kits typically include prepping, sub-patching, filling, re-coloring, and conditioning supplies. Carefully done with truly matching color, mends can be virtually invisible.
How long does leather repair take to dry? ›
Let dry overnight. ( drying time is approx. 4-6 hours per mm of leather repair filler ) – to speed drying time up you can use a hair dryer, * but is never a good idea to rush repairs. If there is just a deep scratch or damage- apply small amount of filler level off and let dry over night.
What do detailers use on leather seats? ›Professional car detailers use a specially formulated leather cleaner to clean and condition leather. A leather cleaner will remove even the toughest dirt and stains, while a leather conditioner will keep the leather protected for longer.
What's the best thing to use on leather car seats? ›You can use a commercial leather cleaner, or you can make your own. Mix warm water and Castile soap or liquid dish washing soap together in a bucket. Use a ratio of 5 parts water to 1 part soap. Dampen a cloth with the solution and wipe down the seat surfaces.
What is the best thing to condition leather seats? ›- Leather Honey. Best overall leather cleaner and conditioner. ...
- Lexol Conditioner and Cleaner Kit. ...
- Chemical Guys Sprayable Leather Cleaner and Conditioner in One. ...
- Carfidant Ultimate Leather Cleaner. ...
- 3D Leather, Vinyl & Plastic Conditioner.
One application of Leatherrite brought back color, smoothed the surface, and sort of plumped the texture of the leather. No other product or combination of products has had such restorative effects. Shoe polish is a better choice. grate product !
Does leather gel crack? ›The durability of this leather is generally less than that of natural leather. The plastic used in its production ends up making the product not very flexible. Thus, it can wear and crack from just a few years of use.
Can old cracked leather be restored? ›On cracked leather, the results can be amazing – a scratch or light crack can be smoothed away and made to appear like a normal imperfection. First things first, you will need a small leather repair kit, here's a list of items you'll be using: A high-quality conditioner or cream. Soft, dry brush or cloth.
Can old leather be restored? ›It is possible to soften and restore the leather by using Leather Revive. Leather Revive is a water-based oil emulsified conditioner that works to soften leather by replenishing the fatliquors.
Can you repair leather with Vaseline? ›Make leather jackets look new again
You don't need fancy leather moisturizer to take care of your favourite leather jacket. Petroleum jelly does the job just as well. Apply, rub it in, wipe off the excess, and you're ready to go.
Indeed, it is possible - even easy - to give your leather too much conditioner. Leather can only eat up so much conditioner before its starts to regurgitate. As conditioner absorbs through tiny pores, it can build up.
How often should you moisturize leather? ›
Condition Your Leather
Some experts advocate conditioning every six to 12 months, but this is entirely dependent on the environment your leather is in, the amount of use it gets, and your own preferences. Leather conditioner is a moisturizer, and, just like the skin on your body, leather will soak it up.
By applying the leather conditioner to your leather furniture or leather car upholstery, you essentially keep the leather from succumbing to dryness, as well as adding a layer of protection. A good rule of thumb is to apply leather conditioner once a month to keep the leather looking its best.