Did you know with proper cleaning and maintenance, leather car seats can last up to 15 years? Properly maintained leather seats can also add value to your car.
If you’re unsure how to clean your leather car seats, it’s essential to start learning the ins and outs of this process. Doing this will keep your leather seats in excellent shape long-term.
Keep reading this guide to learn everything you need to know about cleaning leather seats!
How to Clean Leather Car Seats
You’ll first need to get the right tools together. The good news is you can find most of these materials at a local car retail shop or online. You can also find high-quality interior car detailing kits here.
You’ll need the following:
- Leather cleaner and leather conditioner
- Microfiber cloths
- Vacuum
- A soft brush
- Damp towels
If you don’t have leather cleaner, you can put a teaspoon of laundry detergent in a spray bottle of warm water. You can also mix vinegar and water.
Remove Large Items
Remove all items like car seats, booster seats, and trash. Doing this will allow you to see all areas of dirt and grime.
Inspect and Vacuum the Seats
Take this time to inspect your car seats. You’ll need to look for any damage, like tears or holes. If you get liquid inside your seat, it can damage the foam inside, so you must check carefully.
Once you’ve done this, you’ll need to vacuum your seats thoroughly. Be sure to get rid of all dirt and crumbs on the surface of the seats. This will make car leather cleaning a much easier task.
Test Your Cleaner
It’s best to do a spot test first before you start cleaning. A spot test is a great way to detect any potential issues with your chosen cleaning solution. Some cleaners can stain or damage leather seats, so it’s essential not to skip this step.
You’ll need to look for reactions like the leather melting or fizzing up when it comes into contact with the cleaner.
If you don’t notice any reactions, you can continue with the cleaning.
Begin Cleaning
Using a soft brush, carefully work the cleaner into a lather, so it breaks down dirt and stains in the creases of the leather. Moving the brush in a circular motion helps to remove stains without causing damage.
Be careful not to apply too much cleaner. Remember, you want to clean the material, not saturate the entire seat.
Wipe the Seat Down
Using your damp towel, clean any excess cleaner from the seats. A damp towel will also pick up any dirt you missed.
You can then dry the seats using the microfiber towel. You’ll need to ensure the seats are completely dry, so they don’t crack or wrinkle.
Apply Leather Conditioner
To complete the car detailing, apply a leather conditioner. Using a leather conditioner helps to prevent stains, cracks, or tears and can help your leather seats last longer.
Typically, you’ll need to use a leather conditioner once every 3 to 4 months.
Cleaning Leather Car Seats
Now that you know how to clean leather car seats, you can start the process on your car today.
Be sure to take it slow and read the instructions carefully if using a new leather cleaning product.
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