Types of leather & your special care requirements – How to keep your leather in perfect condition
Introduction
Not all leather is the same – and not every leather care product is suitable for every type of leather. Depending on the processing and intended use, leather requires special treatment to remain supple, color-intensive, and durable. In this article, you'll learn about the different types of leather and how to optimally care for them.
1. What types of leather are there?
Leather is divided into different categories depending on its processing and surface structure. The most important types are:
1.1. Smooth leather (pigmented & aniline dyed)
🔹 Example: Car leather, furniture leather, leather shoes, bags
🔹 Features: Closed surface, durable, easy to clean
🔹 Care: Regular cleaning with leather cleaner & moisturizing cream
1.2. Aniline leather (open-pore leather)
🔹 Example: High-quality leather sofas, leather armchairs, luxury leather jackets
🔹 Properties: Natural, soft, sensitive to stains & light
🔹 Care: Use special aniline care products, do not use aggressive cleaners
1.3. Nubuck && Suede (rough leather)
🔹 Example: Suede shoes, suede jackets, bags
🔹 Properties: Soft, velvety surface, sensitive to moisture
🔹 Care: Special nubuck brush & waterproofing spray for protection against moisture and dirt
1.4. Artificial leather (synthetic leather, PU & vinyl leather)
🔹 Example: Car seats, cheap sofas, bags
🔹 Properties: Easy to care for, but sensitive to UV rays & embrittlement
🔹 Care: Special artificial leather care, do not use greasy products
1.5. Special boat & marine leather
🔹 Example: boat upholstery, seats on yachts
🔹 Properties: Water- & UV-resistant, heavy duty
🔹 Care: Water-repellent leather care products & UV protectants
2. Leather care according to leather type – The right treatment for every material
Each type of leather requires individual care. Here are the best tips for each leather category:
2.1. Care of smooth leather (car leather, furniture, clothing)
✔ Regularly with a mild Leather cleaner clean
✔ With a Leather cream or leather grease keep moist
✔ With intensive use every 3-6 months with Leather sealing protect
2.2. Care of aniline leather (luxury sofas, designer bags)
✔ Only with special aniline leather cleaners clean – no soap or universal cleaner
✔ Definitely with Leather care spray for open-pored leather protect
✔ Avoid direct sunlight, as aniline leather fades quickly
2.3. Care of nubuck && Suede (suede shoes, jackets)
✔ Dry cleaning with a nubuck brush instead of wet cleaning
✔ Waterproofing spray for suede use to remove stains & repel water
✔ For stains: Special Leather eraser or use dry foam cleaners
2.4.Care of artificial leather (car seats, inexpensive furniture, bags)
✔ Do not use greasy or oily products – artificial leather can become sticky
✔ Special artificial leather care ensures smooth surfaces
✔ Avoid direct sunlight, as artificial leather ages faster
2.5. Care of boats & marine leather
✔ Saltwater & UV protection products use
✔ Clean regularly to avoid salt deposits
✔ Use leather sealant to make the surface water-repellent
3. Common mistakes in leather care
❌ Wrong cleaning products: Aggressive cleaners such as alcohol or soaps attack leather.
❌ Too infrequent care: Dry leather becomes brittle – regular care is essential.
❌ Incorrect use: Always massage leather care products gently in circular motions.
❌ Direct sun & Humidity: Both can damage leather – it is best to store it in a protected place.
4. Conclusion – The best leather care for every material
With proper care, your leather will remain supple, vibrant, and durable for many years. The most important rule: Each type of leather requires a specially adapted treatment!
✅ Smooth leather: Cleanser + Care Cream + Sealant
✅ Aniline leather: Special cleaner + waterproofing spray
✅ Nubuck/suede: Dry brushing + waterproofing spray
✅ Artificial leather: Special care products, no greasy products
✅ Boat/navy leather: UV & salt water protection
👉 Discover high-quality leather care for your special leather now!
