Leather Preservation

As anyone who's ever been to Palm Springs realizes, skin preservation is big business. Chemical peels, Botox, moisturizers and wrinkle creams are apparently making a lot of dermatologists and washed-up-actresses-turned-infomercial-hostesses a lot of money. But, just as your skin needs care and moisture, so does your leather upholstery.

Applying
First, the upholstery should be clean, cool and dry. Some leather preservers have mild cleaning agents, but spots and grime should first be attacked with the proper product.


Unfortunately, cows aren't privy to modern advances in cosmetics technology. If they were, leather upholstery might look like the top of a tom-tom drum and be as smooth as Joan Rivers' cheeks. Instead, leather-preserver products function as kind of youth serum for upscale upholstery. While these dressings don't act like Botox for seat coverings, they will slow down the clock and keep leather upholstery looking and feeling its best longer.


Cleaning leather upholstery is covered elsewhere on this site. Obviously, the surface should be cleaned before it can be preserved/protected. But don't get frustrated if the upholstery won't come squeaky-clean: Cows tend to roll in dirt, which becomes deeply imbedded in their hides. The industry term for this perma-dirt is "patina."

Preserving
Apply the preserver to a clean, soft terrycloth towel. Generously but gently massage the product into the leather. Let the dressing penetrate for a few minutes, then buff with a clean towel.