Leather Care & Cleaning
Can You Use Suede Cleaner on Leather? Read the Label First
Only if the label lists smooth leather. Some suede cleaners do, many don't. How suede, nubuck and smooth leather differ, and how to test first.
Can you use suede cleaner on smooth leather? Only if the bottle says so. One suede and nubuck cleaner is labeled for smooth leather, faux leather and vinyl too, while another lists suede and nubuck only. If your label doesn't name smooth leather, use a cleaner made for smooth leather instead, and test on a hidden spot either way.
Part of our leather care and cleaning guide.
Suede, nubuck and smooth leather are not the same surface
| Surface | What it is | Why cleaners differ | Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suede | Napped finish from the underside of the hide, with no tough outer layer | Open pores soak up liquid quickly | – |
| Nubuck | Top-grain leather sanded on the outer side for a velvet feel | Scratches easily; water drops darken it for a while | – |
| Smooth finished leather | Hide with a protective topcoat | The topcoat can be broken down by the wrong product, such as alcohol | – |
Reading the label: three cases
- Labeled for smooth leather too. Use it as directed. One maker says to put its suede cleaner on a cloth rather than on the item and to wipe the whole surface, not just one spot.
- Labeled "suede and nubuck" only. Don't use it on smooth leather. These cleaners are applied wet and brushed, can darken the leather for a while, and are meant to treat the whole item.
- No label or unclear. Don't use it. Use a cleaner for smooth leather; see water-based leather cleaners for how those differ.
In this Leather Repair Company video, a suede jacket is first brushed with a suede and nubuck brush to lift the nap, then the presenter explains that the suede cleaner goes on with the whole item wetted, and that cleaning and protecting will darken the color slightly. That is the "suede and nubuck only" case above. The brushes and cleaner shown are the channel's own products.
The reverse matters more: smooth-leather products on suede
Many smooth-leather products say outright that they are not for suede or nubuck. That includes a leather sanitizing method and several water-based leather cleaners. Regular leather conditioner is not for suede or nubuck either. A riding gear maker says no liquid cleaners or conditioners on nubuck or suede panels; use a nubuck brush or eraser. See how to brush leather safely.
How to test any cleaner first
- Pick a hidden spot, such as inside a hem or under a strap.
- Wipe it with plain water on a white cloth. If color comes off with water alone, any cleaner will also remove color.
- Apply a little cleaner, let it dry fully, and check for color on the cloth, gloss loss, stickiness or darkening.
For faux leather, the material isn't suede at all; follow how to clean faux leather. Leather jackets with care guidance are at Leather Collection.
Quick answers
What is the best conditioner for suede?
Suede doesn't take a regular leather conditioner. Use products labeled for suede and nubuck, and see how to choose a leather conditioner for smooth leather.
Can I use Dawn dish soap on leather seats?
We haven't found a primary source on dish soap and leather. A riding gear maker suggests a small amount of pH-neutral soap in lukewarm water.
hosob Editorial Team
hosob articles are researched from published sources, cited in the text, and reviewed before publication.