Leather seats grant your car a luxurious feel and sleek look. It’s no wonder the market for automotive interior leather seats is in the billions, and still gaining traction.
Leather material for car seats prevent the look of stains that would otherwise sit on traditional cloth seats. But if not cleaned routinely or properly, the classy leather look could diminish.
Despite how tough leather is, it must be taken care of, as the fabric dries and cracks amongst the filth of everyday wear and tear.
Keep reading to learn how to clean leather car seats to keep your interior looking brand new!
How to Clean Leather Car Seats
This cleaning process requires a few materials: a vacuum cleaner, an air compressor, specialized leather car seat cleaner, a microfiber towel, a soft-bristled brush, and conditioner for leather.
Don’t let this scare you, for this deep clean will only be necessary three to four times a year, depending on how much use your seats get.
It is also helpful to give your seats a quick wipe-down once a month.
Now for the process:
1. Search for Any Holes, Tears, Scratches, or Fraying Edges
These areas must be dealt with cautiously to prevent further damage on the leather or the interior foam. You never want to spray cleaner or conditioner directly on these perforations.
Instead, apply it on the soft-bristle brush and gently clean the seats.
If cleaning solution does accidentally seep into the foam, immediately dry it with a hairdryer and clean cloth.
2. Vacuum Out Debris
You don’t want hidden debris to scratch up your seats when using the brush or cloth to clean. If there’s a stubborn spot that your vacuum cannot reach, then use the air compressor to wedge out the stuff lodged in crevices.
Be careful to not let these cleaning materials scratch the seats either.
3. Wipe Down the Seats
The vacuum can’t get all the dirt out, so give the seats a good wipe-down before the deep clean. Use cleaner and a microfiber towel.
If you’re struggling to find a good cleaner, carpro dealers has plenty of options to choose from. Also do a spot test before using to make sure the cleanser doesn’t react poorly on your leather.
4. Bring Out the Brush
Using a soft-bristled brush with your chosen cleaner will help bring the deep-seated dirt, grime, and grease out from the fabric. No need to scrub harshly, a gentle touch will do the trick.
Also be sure to not overuse the cleaner. Too much liquid could lead to mold and an unpleasant odor.
5. Wipe Clean and Condition
Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away the dirt and cleanser. Do not leave any residue and make sure they get completely dry.
Do another spot test with your chosen conditioner, and if all is okay, get yet another microfiber cloth. Pour a small amount of conditioner on and gently apply it on the seats in circular motions.
Let the conditioner sit for at least and hour in a shady and cool spot to fully soak in. Polish the seats once more to remove any residue, and you’re done!
Drive in Style
Repeating this process a few times a year will help with the longevity of your interior leather. This can improve your resale value in the future and keep your vehicle looking new.
If you liked this article on how to clean leather car seats, check out our home improvement category for more!
