simple fact to the matter is that leather is skin. what would you do in order to keep your skin on your body from cracking and bleeding. you wouldn't use only water. my father has done leatherwork for years, and i've had leather seats for 4yrs.he told me to use lexol, or something comparable to it. my recommendation would be to use something regulary(minimum of every two months), then every week or so, take a clean cloth and simply wipe any dust off the seats, etc. you'll never have any problem just as long as you are aware that you have to take care of it in order to keep it looking nice!!