Treating Leather Chairs?

[Jesus Pimp]

When are you supposed to treat your leather chairs? What do you use and what's the proper way of doing it?

[crewsor]

You shouldn't have to treat decent leather furniture. If you want to clean it, most sources I have seen recomend a mild soap and water solution. Don't saturate it, naturally.

[Rodney]

Entering the words leather, care, and furniture produced this blurb from Michigan State University, a place where they apparently know their leather:

Because leathers vary, always consult manufacturer's care instructions. Frequent dusting is the only way to clean most leathers with limited surface protection. An art-gum eraser may remove ordinary dirt. The uncoated
surface readily absorbs liquids and oily substances. Stains may be impossible to remove. For the same reason, leather creams may create blotches.

Coated leathers, on the other hand, resist staining. They can be occasionally washed with a mild soap (such as castile) and water, wiped with a slightly damp cloth and buffed dry. If desired, use leather cream once or twice a year.

Do not use oils, furniture polishes, or varnishes on leather because these products may contain solvents that might make the leather sticky.

[pinklily]

oftentimes the same leather conditioners used on handbags and shoes can be used on chairs. These can help minimize the look of scratches and such.

[agball]

Ivroy Liquid soap & water mix. wipe with gentle sponge.

[WarWagon]

I always clean the two lazy boys at home with just some warm water, and they're good as new.

[MSD]

Saddle soap, if you don't mind the effort.