Now that I have leather seats with my new ride, I wanted to see what you guys use or prefer for keeping them conditioned and cleaned? Any specific brand or treatment in particular? Since we are coming up to the hot south Texas summer months, I want to make sure they don't get dried out on me. Also, what about the dashboard - is that actual leather, or just plastic molded to look like leather on the trim? Appreciate any feedback.

 

I have only used Lexol.

 

I use chemical guys leather cleaner and leather conditioner on my seats, steering wheel and centre arm rest and door armfests.It works well and lasts a long time. Almost finished the bottle of conditioner, so am interested to learn what others are using

 

F-150 OEM leather is vinyl coated so you can just clean it with a gentle cleaner. You can use leather conditioner if it makes you feel better, but it's not necessary.

King Ranch trucks were real saddle leather when they first came out, but I don't believe that is the case any more.

I worked in tier one OEM seating as a quality engineer/manager for 15+ years.

 

Sounds like you were the perfect person to ask about this - appreciate your feedback!

 

After the 2008 year King Ranch it's not real leather any more.

 

Warm water and Ivory soap is all you need.

 

The only real effect leather treatment would have on modern coated leather would be on the perforated sections. A light coating of Neatsfoot oil worked gently into the holes would seep into the leather from the sides of the holes. Otherwise nothing will penetrate the coating.

 

Automotive leather is sealed. Specific leather products that claim to 'nourish' and 'condition' leather are a waste of time and money. Just wipe them off.

 

Like BadAV said, today's leather isn't real leather, or at least it's not raw leather. Something basic and gentle will work just fine. I have Katzkins and use Griot's Garage leather 3-in-1 spray. It's probably unnecessary, but it makes me feel better. It smells good, cleans them, does not leave an oily residue, and I think it's softened them up just a tad over the years.