PU leather isn’t real leather — it’s plastic with a coating. That means it doesn’t age like real leather, it cracks, peels, and fades fast if you don’t treat it right. But if you follow this full care guide, you can extend its life by months — even years.
1️⃣ Clean It The Right Way (No Harsh Stuff)
PU leather is sensitive. You can’t just wipe it down with any cleaner.
Use this instead:
Mild soap + warm water (like dish soap, NOT detergent)
Soft microfiber cloth — not a rough towel
How to clean:
- Mix a few drops of soap in a small bowl of water.
- Dampen the cloth — don’t soak it.
- Wipe gently in circular motions.
- Use a dry cloth to remove moisture after.
🔥 Don’ts:
No alcohol wipes
No bleach
No “multi-surface” sprays
No scrubbing with force
2️⃣ Condition It — Yes, Even Plastic
Most people think you don’t need to condition fake leather. Wrong.
PU dries out too, just in a different way.
Use:
PU leather conditioner or vinyl protectant
You can find them cheap on Amazon or at car accessory stores (they’re used for seats)
Apply every:
2–3 months if you use it often
6 months if it’s just sitting in a closet
3️⃣ Avoid Sunlight Like It’s the Plague
UV rays = instant death for PU leather.
It causes:
Fading
Drying
Cracking
Keep it away from:
Windows
Car dashboards
Outdoor wear on sunny days
Pro tip: If you wear PU shoes or jackets, don’t leave them out. Store them in dark, dry places.
4️⃣ Water Is The Silent Killer
PU is not waterproof. It can take a splash — but soaking it or leaving it damp ruins the material.
If PU leather gets wet:
- Wipe it off immediately.
- Let it air dry (don’t use a hairdryer or heat source).
- Once dry, apply conditioner.
Never:
Wash PU leather in a machine
Leave it in rain or snow
Store it wet
5️⃣ Watch Out for Cracks — Early Signs Matter
Small cracks turn into full-on peeling fast.
Check for:
Tiny hairline cracks at folds or seams
Rough patches forming
If you spot them:
Apply a vinyl conditioner or a PU leather repair kit
Keep it away from more stress or moisture
6️⃣ Storage Tips to Extend Life
If you’re not using the PU item regularly:
Stuff shoes or bags to hold shape (old socks or tissue paper works)
Store in a cool, dry, dark place
Avoid plastic bags — they trap moisture
Use cloth covers or cotton pillowcases to wrap items
7️⃣ Can You Repair Damaged PU Leather?
Yes — kinda.
If it’s minor cracking or peeling:
PU repair kits can help (look for ones with filler + matching paint)
Vinyl paint + clear coat can cover small damage
If it’s badly peeled:
Honestly, nothing will fully restore it
Best to patch it or repurpose the item (turn old PU jackets into bags, etc.)
TL;DR Checklist ✅
Thing To Do Frequency Notes
Clean gently 1–2x/month Soap + water + microfiber only
Condition Every 2–3 mo Vinyl/PU conditioner
Avoid sunlight Always UV kills PU
Keep dry Always Never soak, always dry fast
Store properly Ongoing Cool, dark, shaped, not airtight
Repair early cracks ASAP Use PU kits before it gets worse
Final Word
PU leather is fragile — but not hopeless.
If you treat it like premium plastic, not fake leather, you’ll get more life out of it.
The trick?
Don’t ignore it. A little care now = months of extra use.