Quote:
Originally Posted by taz777
Your clothing may have metal buttons or zips that are scratching the protective layer on the leather facings. There's also the risk of dye transfer onto lighter-coloured leather.
The best leather cleaners and conditioners that I've used are from LTT and Dr Leather.
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Let us get one thing straight the leather of most modern cars falls into two categories - Pigmented Coated Leather or Semi Aniline, only RR use Aniline throughout now (Bentley use Aniline for the majority but on less visual touch and feel areas reduce cost for a semi version).
Pigment coated itself has a number of variants including grain corrected leathers etc. (i.e. where the layers of leather are cut so thin there is virtually no grain left and it gets stamped back in.
Either way and importantly though the finishing side is the same in that the hides get tanned with colour and a clearcoat is sprayed on top - the only thing these need is regular cleaning and hydration. (not oils etc in "conditioners")
Regarding semi aninline there is a small degree of more breath ability, but either way conditioners should be avoided as in a majority most of the oils etc. cannot be taken in by the leather.
Regarding testing for leather with water put a small spot on the leather to see if it gets absorbed chances are it won't.
In regards to the leather kit from Volvo it contains a Cleaner and sealant cream not a conditioner.
Furthermore, and sorry to pick on the post quoted but LTT and Dr Leather are very good, but neither sell "conditioners" they actually sell sealants. Both of which protect and rehydrate the clearcoat leather.
Biggest "threat" to coated leather comes from jean dye which can break down the coating over time if left to attack it for to long.