How to clean leather car seats
Learn how to clean dirty leather car seats in this informative guide. – Okay, so you spent the extra money on those plush leather seats, but now you have cracker crumbs everywhere and half a kid’s meal. Now you’re probably wondering, how am I supposed to clean this without damaging the seats? Or what can I use to clean up this mess? While we don’t have wands to help you clean your seats, we do have the steps and tips to help you clean your seats in no time.
What you need
Using the right tools and materials can help you maintain your leather seats and make them look elegant and soft for years to come. And the best part is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on premium tools and top-notch materials. Many of these items can be found at your local car dealer or your favorite online retailer. Here are some tools and products you can consider to clean your car’s leather seats:
Step-by-step: Cleaning leather car seats
It can be a little intimidating to tackle your leather seats on your own, especially if you’re trying to clean your seats for the first time. Fear not, because there are a few simple steps that can help you prepare your places for royal treatment. Here are some simple steps you can follow to clean your seats without leaving scratches or dirt:
1. Remove obstacles and large debris
If you have a child or pet, you probably have large items such as a car or booster seat installed in your vehicle. Removing these items, as well as trash or other major obstacles, can help you clean your seats efficiently. This can also help you identify and clean up any dirt or grime your kids may have left behind from their afternoon snack. This also gives you the opportunity to clean these items before reinstalling them in your vehicle. This allows you to keep the clean look and feel of your leather seats longer.
2. Vacuum the seats
Vacuuming your seats and surroundings can help you pick up those pesky crumbs and dirt splashes. If you have a brush attachment for your vacuum cleaner, you can use it to clean your seats without damaging or scratching your seats. Make sure you get between all the small cracks and crevices to pick up as much dirt as possible. If dirt and dust have still settled in the various cracks of the seat, you can remove them with a cloth.
3 . Test your cleaning solution
Before applying your leather cleaning solution to your seats, it’s a good idea to test your solution on a small hidden part of your seats. This is especially important if you are using a new cleaning solution for the first time, as it can prevent you from accidentally ruining or soiling your leather seats. Some reactions to watch out for are bubbling or melting, indicating that you don’t need to use the cleaner immediately. When choosing a new cleaning solution, consider reading your owner’s manual, as the manufacturer of your vehicle may have specific cleaning recommendations. When cleaning MB-Tex material, it is important to use a gentle cleaning solution instead of a sharp leather cleaner to prevent damage or stains on your seat cushions.
4th. Remove extra dirt
The vacuum cleaner is great for picking up loose dirt, but it could still leave some dirt behind. If this is the case, you can use a microfiber cloth that has been sprayed with the cleaner to remove this dirt. This is great for any sticky residue left behind from your kids’ spilled juices or melted rubber snacks, and there’s a kind of deep-rooted satisfaction you get when those sticky spots are gone. Once you have removed the surface layer of dirt and grime, you can start thoroughly cleaning your seats.
5. Apply a cleaning solution
Once you have tested a spot on the seats of your vehicle, you can apply the cleaning solution to the rest of your seats. With a brush with soft bristles you can lather up the cleaning solution. This can help break down stubborn stains and dirt in the upholstery and wrinkles. When applying the cleaner, make sure you only apply enough to clean the seat instead of saturating the material. It is also a good idea to work in small sections at a time to avoid discoloration or stains from the cleaning solution. If your seats have holes, scratches, cracks or other perforations, apply the cleaning solution carefully. You can apply the cleaner to a microfiber cloth instead of directly to the seat material to prevent additional damage to your seats. When lathering the solution, apply light pressure to clean the surface. Moving the brush with bristles in circular motions allows you to remove stubborn stains and dirt gently and without damage.
6. Wipe the seat with a damp cloth
After the seats are clean, you can wipe the cleaning solution off the seats. Start with a slightly damp cloth and wipe the excess cleaning solution off the seats. Using a damp towel will help pick up any dirt or dirt you may have missed during cleaning, preventing the dirt from getting to the floor of your car. Now that you’re thinking about the floor of your vehicle, consider looking at floor mats as well, so cleaning is a breeze when crumbs from your seats eventually make their way onto your floor.
7. Dry the seats with a microfiber cloth
After you have completed your first wipe, you can rework with a dry microfiber cloth. This helps remove excess moisture from the seat, which can help prevent the formation of mold or mildew stains. Make sure you wipe the seats until they are completely dry to also prevent the seats from wrinkling or cracking.
8. Apply a leather care
It’s a good idea to continue your cleaning routine with a leather care. Some sources suggest cleaning them every three months, but most seats don’t need attention as often. Many conditioner manufacturers often make a recommendation on how often they should use their product on your seats. A leather care can help improve the longevity of your seats as it can help ward off cracks, cracks or stains. If this is your first time using the conditioner, make sure you test it in an inconspicuous spot on your seats before applying it to the rest of your seats. After the test, you can apply the leather care to your seats. When applying the conditioner, be sure to use small circular movements to incorporate the conditioner into the seat. After application, leave the conditioner on for at least an hour and air dry before embarking on your next adventure.
Tips for leather cleaning
There are many tips and tricks that can help you maintain the noble look and feel of your leather seats. Here are some tips and recommendations to consider:
How to use leather cleaning products
Every product purchased in the store often has explanatory steps that guide you through using the product. Many products recommend cleaning the surface with a vacuum cleaner first before applying a cleaning solution. Gently incorporating the cleaner into your seats is most effective for removing stains and dirt from your seats. Reading the specific instructions of the cleaner can ensure that you apply the cleaning product correctly. If you are not yet sure about using the leather cleaning product or do not want to risk damage to your seats, you should take your vehicle to a professional car care professional. These professionals can help you expertly clean and condition your leather seats, reducing the chance of damaging or soiling your seats. These professionals also often have access to premium tools and solutions to optimally clean and shine your seats.
How to Select Leather Cleaning Products
When choosing a leather cleaning product, there are many things to look out for in a cleaner. First of all, it is important to consider the condition of your seats. Existing damage and wear and tear can affect the effectiveness of the cleaner, so a prior evaluation of this information can ensure that you choose the right cleaner. Some elements to look out for in a cleaner are:
- The cleaner is free of harsh chemicals that can damage your seat.
- The cleaning product is in spray form, which you can easily apply and wipe off.
- The leather cleaner is compatible with different leather colors and textures.
- The product is designed for new and old leather.
- The formula used for the product is non-toxic or has no fragrance that can pollute your seats.
Using conditioners that contain kerosene or wax can cause deposits on your plush leather seats. These surface treatments can also cause the leather material of the seat to become dull. When evaluating your leather care, look for natural ingredients in the ingredients list.
How to keep leather clean longer
Using a leather care with sunscreen or some form of sunscreen can help protect your vehicle’s seats from harmful UV rays. If you have microfiber cloths handy in your vehicle, you can also remove spills immediately, which can help prevent stains or dirt from accumulating. This can also prevent material discoloration during spills. Regularly vacuuming your vehicle with a soft brush attachment can also help you prevent dirt accumulation on your seats, which can prevent you from continuously cleaning your seats thoroughly.
How often to use leather care
There is no firm recommendation on how often you should use a leather care on your seats. Thinking about how often you use your vehicle, where to park it, and who rides often, can help you determine how often you should use leather care. If you use your vehicle frequently, park your vehicle in direct sunlight, or if you have a pet or children, you may be using leather care products more frequently to prevent wear and tear on your seats.
Consider using seat covers
If you frequently have passengers or animals in your vehicle, you can attach seat covers over your leather seats to protect them from extra wear. Seat covers are also a good idea if you’re constantly lugging stuff around in your back seats. There are so many seat covers to choose from that it’s easy to find designs and materials that suit you. Do you want to find an elegant black design? Sure, there are plenty of them. Do you want flowers of the 90s or cartoonish flames instead? No verdict here, because there are many of them.
