How to Clean Leather Car Seats

There’s nothing worse than dirty, sticky leather car seats. There are many types of leather, but in a car, leather is meant to be soft, supple, and luxurious. When it becomes tacky or visibly marked by dirt and grime, it loses much of its appeal. Luckily, leather upholstery is more easily cleaned than its cheaper and more pedestrian alternative, cloth. Why? While genuine leather car upholstery is porous, it’s not nearly as absorbent as cloth or fabric upholstery. With that said, we’ve compiled some tips on how to clean leather upholstery like a professional car detailer. Ready to learn more? Read on or contact us at Biggers Mazda!

Here’s How to Clean Leather Car Seats the Right Way

During the process of leather seat care, you want to always remember to start with the least aggressive method. First, vacuum your leather or wipe it with a damp cloth. In many cases, only this level of light cleaning is required! For more intense cleaning, follow this process:

1. Vacuum the surface of the leather along with any crevices to remove dust, dirt, & debris.
2. Apply a pH-neutral leather care cleaner to your upholstery, being sure you avoid getting any liquid cleaner into any perforations.
3. Use a microfiber cloth and soft-bristled brush to gently clean the leather upholstery.
4. After your seats are clean, apply an approved leather conditioner to your seats, and gently work in using a clean microfiber cloth. Let the conditioner dry and then buff in with another clean microfiber cloth. Using a leather conditioner will help keep your seats supple and prevent cracking and drying over time.

What Cleaning Products Should Be Used?

You’ll want to avoid cloths with heavy dye, which can stain leather. You’ll want to also avoid cloths that are too soft, and thus, prone to pilling. A slightly damp cloth can be used to dust leather off in a pinch. But for a more thorough cleaning, a dedicated leather cleaner and conditioner or leather soap can be used. You’ll want to avoid:

• Dark cloths
• Detergents
• Sharp objects that may scratch
• Household cleaner
• Furniture polish

Three More Helpful Leather Care Tips

1. Keep a travel bottle of leather cleaning solution and clean microfiber cloths on hand in your vehicle. This will help you keep your seats clean of dust, spills, and debris while on the go around South Elgin.
2. If you have access to a garage, use that to store your vehicle as much as possible. Avoiding extreme temperatures can help preserve the life of your leather.
3. When out running errands in Schaumburg or running errands in Palatine, be on the lookout for shaded parking spots. Parking in the shade can prevent sun bleaching and damage.

Want to Know More About Cleaning Leather Car Seats?

Ready to learn more car care tips or leather cleaning tips? Contact our service center at Biggers Mazda or our blog on 10 maintenance tips every driver should know!