Types of leather and their 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 area of use, leather requires special treatment to remain supple, color-intensive and durable. In this article, you will learn what types of leather there are and how to care for them optimally.
1. What types of leather are there?
Leather is divided into different categories depending on the 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 & care cream for moisturizing
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
🔹 Features: 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 & brittleness
🔹 Care: Special artificial leather care, do not use greasy products
1.5. Special boat & marine leather
🔹 Example: boat upholstery, seats on yachts
🔹 Features: Water & UV resistant, heavy duty
🔹 Care: Water-repellent leather care products & UV protection agents
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)
✔ Clean regularly with a mild leather cleaner
✔ Keep moist with a leather cream or leather grease
✔ In case of intensive use, protect with leather sealant every 3-6 months
2.2. Care of aniline leather (luxury sofas, designer bags)
✔ Only clean with special aniline leather cleaners – no soap or universal cleaner
✔ Be sure to protect with leather care spray for open-pored leather
✔ Avoid direct sunlight as aniline leather fades quickly
2.3. Care of nubuck and suede leather (suede shoes, jackets)
✔ Dry cleaning with a nubuck brush instead of wet cleaning
✔ Use waterproofing spray for suede to repel stains & water
✔ For stains: Use special leather erasers or dry foam cleaners
2.4. Care of artificial leather (car seats, cheap 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 boat and marine leather
✔ Use salt water & UV protection products
✔ 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 movements.
❌ Direct sun & moisture: Both can damage leather – best stored in a protected place.
4. Conclusion – The best leather care for every material
With the right care, your leather will remain supple, colorful and durable for many years. The most important rule: every type of leather needs a specially adapted treatment!
✅ Smooth leather: cleaner + care cream + sealant
✅ Aniline leather: Special cleaner + waterproofing spray
✅ Nubuck/suede: dry brushing + waterproofing spray
✅ Artificial leather: Special care products, no greasy products
✅ Boat/marine leather: UV & salt water protection
👉 Discover high-quality leather care for your special leather now!
