Priced as of May 18, 2026
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Prices may varyAbout this product's hazards. This product's Safety Data Sheet uses signal word danger. Read the manufacturer's SDS and follow all safety instructions before use. CarCareTruth ratings translate SDS data — they do not replace the SDS or substitute for a hazard assessment specific to your task.
From the Safety Data Sheet
Full SDS ↗ (rev. 2018-08-31)GHS hazard codes are quoted from the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet. PPE tiers below translate those codes and the listed ingredient chemistry; they are not CarCareTruth recommendations.
EyesSituationalMfr. SDS §8SkinRecommendedMfr. SDS §8 · 29 CFR 1910.138(a) · GHS H317Lungs—No PPE in published sourcesVentilation—No PPE in published sourcesShow details for all categories ▾Hide details ▴
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“No H319 or H318 classification in SDS §2. The trigger-spray form factor creates a mist at close range during direct-to-surface application. Eye protection is relevant when spraying in close quarters or overhead surfaces.”
— Mothers
CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“H317 (skin sensitizer) is confirmed in SDS §2 from NMP and D-Limonene. The DANGER signal word from H360 reinforces that skin contact should be minimized. Gloves are appropriate for application to limit sensitizer exposure.”
— Mothers
U.S. regulatory standard
29 CFR 1910.138(a); 1910.132(d)
“appropriate hand protection when employees' hands are exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances.”
OSHA standards apply to workplaces. Cited here as the U.S. reference threshold for the underlying hazard class.
CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.
No PPE specified in published sources for lungs. Absence does not imply “not needed” — consult the full Safety Data Sheet.
No PPE specified in published sources for ventilation. Absence does not imply “not needed” — consult the full Safety Data Sheet.
PPE tiers translate the manufacturer’s SDS and U.S. regulatory standards. Not professional safety advice. How we report safety.
CarCareTruth's Analysis
Last reviewed May 19, 2026
TL;DR Routine leather cleaning — body oils and surface dust in a single pass — but set-in soiling needs a dedicated cleaner. DANGER signal word is from NMP, a confirmed reproductive toxicant (Cat 1B) at less than 1%; pregnant individuals should not handle this product. California Prop 65 warning covers NMP as an intentional ingredient, not a trace residue.
What it is and how it performs
Spray onto a microfiber cloth, agitate, wipe clean — seats, steering wheels, door panels. Body oils and surface soiling lift in one pass per Amazon reviews and forum reports. The pH runs 9.0–9.8 (mildly alkaline, outside the leather-safe 4.5–7.0 range) — a documented chemistry concern for long-term use, though widespread leather damage hasn't appeared in community records. Heavy soiling and set-in stains are out of scope.
Who should buy this — and who should skip it
A fit if you want the matched Mothers two-step with companion conditioner (06312). Skip it if health chemistry in an enclosed cabin matters — Lexol and Chemical Guys SPI_103 score health 8.5 vs. 4.5 here. Anyone pregnant should choose a different product.
Safety and environmental impact
DANGER from NMP (reproductive toxicant H360 Cat 1B) and D-Limonene (skin sensitizer H317). H317 means gloves are appropriate during application; trigger-spray mist warrants eye protection near the face. No inhalation classification in SDS §2 — aqueous formula at <3% VOC, no respiratory hazard in normal use. H412 (chronic aquatic Cat 3) contributes a small environment deduction; the stay-on-car pathway moderates the score to 6.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Mothers Leather Cleaner have a DANGER signal word?▾
The DANGER signal word comes from NMP (1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone) — a solvent listed in SDS §3 at less than 1% concentration. NMP carries a GHS Cat 1B reproductive toxicant classification (H360), which is a confirmed toxicant designation. At <1%, it is a trace co-solvent in an otherwise water-based formula, but the classification travels with the ingredient regardless of concentration. D-Limonene also contributes H317 (skin sensitizer). Combined, these classifications produce the DANGER signal word and affect the health score.
What does the Prop 65 warning mean on this product?▾
NMP is listed as a California Prop 65 reproductive toxicant — and unlike most leather cleaners where Prop 65 warnings come from trace ethylene oxide residues in the surfactant manufacturing process, the NMP in this formula is an intentional SDS §3 ingredient at <1%. The practical exposure from a well-ventilated application is low, but the disclosure is for an intentional component, not a processing byproduct.
Is Mothers Leather Cleaner safe for regular use on my car seats?▾
The SDS-confirmed pH of 9.0–9.8 is mildly alkaline and sits outside the leather-safe range of 4.5–7.0 used by the leather industry. No widespread reports of leather drying or damage have been found in community threads for this specific product at typical monthly-use intervals, but the alkaline pH is a real chemistry concern for long-term leather condition. The NMP reproductive toxicant classification means pregnant individuals should avoid handling this product — NMP is an EU-restricted solvent for that reason.
How does this compare to Lexol or Chemical Guys leather cleaner?▾
Most mainstream leather cleaners — including Lexol and Chemical Guys SPI_103 — carry a WARNING signal word or no signal word at all. This product is a DANGER-signal outlier for the category, primarily because of the NMP reproductive toxicant. Lexol has a pH of 6–8 (much closer to the leather-safe range) and only a WARNING for eye irritation. Chemical Guys SPI_103 carries H319 and Prop 65 from surfactant residues, scoring health 8.5. Mothers at health 4.5 is substantially below the 7.5–10.0 typical range for this category.
Can I use this on vinyl and plastic trim?▾
Mothers describes this as a leather and interior cleaner, consistent with use on vinyl door panels and interior trim. Community reviews on Amazon confirm successful use on general automotive interiors. Given the alkaline pH, avoid prolonged dwell time on any porous surface.
From the manufacturer
Marketing copy from Mothers, via Amazon. Not editorial.
- •Safely Deep Cleans Automotive Leather: Advanced pH-balanced formula removes dirt, oils and contaminants
- •Prepares Leather for Conditioning: Ideal first step before applying Mothers Leather Conditioner for maximum appearance and longevity
- •Moisturizes While It Cleans: Helps maintain leather’s natural softness with neatsfoot oil, while restoring a clean, refreshed look
- •Designed for Automotive Leather: Formulated specifically for car interiors to ensure safe, effective cleaning
- •Enhances Appearance & Extends Life: Regular use helps preserve leather’s finish, comfort and durability
- •Quick Spray-On, Wipe-Off Application: Simple to use for consistent, professional-quality results
- •PH balanced to provide proper cleaning without harming leather
- •Easy to apply
- •Regular cleaning of leather extends life and durability
- •Easy to apply
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Manufacturer videos
Manufacturer images
Manufacturer specifications
- Brand
- Mothers
- Item Form
- Spray
- Scent
- Unscented
- Specific Uses For Product
- Car
- Material Feature
- Unscented
- Surface Recommendation
- Fabric
- Special Features
- pH balanced formula
- Contains Liquid Contents?
- Yes
- Material Features
- Unscented
- Item Volume
- 39 Cubic Inches
- Unit Count
- 340.19 Grams
- Number of Items
- 1
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