Pleather - plastic leather - is extremely durable - that's why they use it in the manufacture of car and boat seats. I've washed fake leather boat seats with water-based products. I suspect the car dealer just wants to use a product that he knows will work. Plain water isn't going to hurt the seats, but an all purpose cleaner in that water would work better.

A gentle cleaner , maybe cheap dollar store shampoo, added to water. Think about it-cows walk in the rain, shoes and womens purses get wet, yet leather lasts forever.

Thank you graywings and jannie, that's what we'll do.

And yes, in my opinion there is nothing like real leather for beauty, feel, and durability. If I were ordering just what I wanted that's what I'd get.