Leather care is something we are very passionate about at Bowden's Own, and it's also something we believe should be an easy task. With the help of our research chemists, we've made a very simple and effective leather care system for modern, PU coated leather.
Before the 1980’s, leather was an uncoated, reasonable quality product. Since then, manufacturers have been using a polyurethane, or PU coating on their leather for durability and longevity.
A number of years ago now we sat down with some specialised industrial chemists who have worked in the leather manufacture and care industry for over 35+ years. When researching what was used in leather cleaners and conditioners on the market, nearly all the array of products contained oils, silicones, paraffins, waxes, petroleum distillates, or a lethal concoction of these. All of which ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR POLYURETHANE (PU) COATED LEATHER, as used in nearly every car since the mid-1980's. If used on a regular basis they can damage the PU topcoat of the leather.
Our original Leather Love formula spawned from this knowledge, and so we created a very safe and non-toxic water-based leather cleaning product that was easy to use, cleaned well and smelled nice, but importantly, hydrated the leather, unlike the oil and silicone-based products from other manufacturers. Combined with Leather Guard, which adds UV protection and also protects the leather from wear, our leather care system of Leather Love and Leather Guard works on the important principle that water molecules are smaller than the ones used in the polyurethane top coats, so they can permeate through in vapour form, deep into the leather hide to keep leather supple and hydrated.
Our Leather Love update brings with it a total rework of what was already a great product, so we had to make sure we used the very best ingredients possible. We really had to think about all the critical aspects that make a good leather cleaner and conditioner, like cleaning ability, ease of use, hydration capability, fragrance and overall usability. It’s still water-based, pH neutral, non-toxic and biodegradable, leaves a rich leather aroma, and importantly, will leave a lovely matte finish and won’t make your seats slippery. The new foaming trigger also aids in cleaning, helps keep the product where it needs to be, and eliminates any potential overspray clean-up too.
After more than 2 years of formulating and testing scores of different versions, we were finally happy with a formula. From here, we sent some of this completed version to a host of professional detailers across the country to get their feedback and we then made a couple of tweaks to the final formula, resulting in what we believe to be a world-class leather cleaner and conditioner.
Combined with Leather Guard, our system of leather care makes for a super effective and easy way to care for modern leather.
IMPORTANT TIP: If the leather you're treating is extremely dry and in desperate need of hydration; you can apply Leather Love very liberally and leave it to penetrate the surface overnight. This will help the leather to absorb the product and become supple again. Come back the next morning and apply another layer of Leather Love, then remove any remaining residue.
Leather Love should be used to clean and rehydrate your seats at least every 1 to 2 months, using it more often in the hotter, summer months. Leather Guard should be re-applied on every 2nd or 3rd application of the Leather Love. This is due to the wonders of modern chemistry, as the Leather Love does not want to remove the protective qualities of the Leather Guard. It is, however, a sacrificial product and the protectant slowly dissipates over time, so doing it several times every year will maintain the protection the leather surface needs.
And don't worry, you can never overdo it with either of these two products, use as often as you feel you need it.
Using this system will give your leather the best possible chance to survive our harsh climate, as well as keep it looking and feeling like new for many years to come.
Leather Love V2 is now available in all our participating retailers.
For an in-depth guide on how to use our Leather Love and Leather Guard, see our Leather Guide below.
Happy Leather Cleaning!
Brett Hobbs
WHERE CAN I GET IT?
Leather Love & Leather Guard available from your local Repco store.