HOW TO CLEAN YOUR LEATHER SEATS

Leather seats are known for being more hygienic and cleaner after day-to-day use. But that doesn’t mean that they still don’t get messy or need regular cleaning. Taking care of your leather seats can ensure that they last longer and look better. It’s easy and perfect for a weekend do-it-yourself project. Let us show you how!

How to Clean Your Leather Seats?

1. Vacuum. The first step is to remove dirt, dust, and debris from the seats with a vacuum. You can use the free vacuums with a car wash, or even your home vacuum if it comes with a brush or tapered attachment. Pay attention to seams and where the back meets the seat cushion. Using a small brush or crevice suction attachment can help keep your seat even cleaner and prevent scratching from dirt particles.
2. Cleaning Solution. You can buy commercial leather cleaning solutions, or use any you already own. You can also make your own solution with warm water and dish soap (5 parts water to 1 part dish soap). Vinegar can also help with any musty or gross smells.
3. Wipe. Never saturate the leather. Too much water or moisture on the seats will cause warping and damage. Instead, apply with a damp cloth or sponge. Don’t forget the sides of the leather chairs and the back of chairs and headrests. Be sure to wipe again after with a dry rag to soak up any leftover moisture.
4. Stains. Sometimes leather seats can still accumulate stains. For oil or grease stains, use baking soda. Pile and pat down baking soda and leave overnight to soak up any remaining grease. For other stains toothpaste works surprisingly well. Use a non-gel toothpaste and an old toothbrush to scrub any stains free, then wipe down thoroughly.
5. Condition. To keep leather seats looking new and fresh, use a leather conditioner. You can buy leather conditioners from any number of commercial vendors, or you can use a small amount of oil on a microfiber cloth. Rub it gently over the leather seats. Consider using a leather conditioner with sunscreen if you’re concerned about sun exposure or fading color on your leather seats.

Of course you can always take your car to a full-service car wash, but it’s not too difficult to take expert care of your own car and leather seats in just an hour or two on a Saturday afternoon. Regularly cleaning and conditioning your leather seats will make a huge difference in the life and appearance of your car.