Leather car seats are high-quality and durable. The good news is that they don’t need maintenance like other materials. However, there are some instances where you may need to clean leather car seats. If your seat covers are dirty or stained, then it’s probably time to give them a good cleaning with soap and water or an appropriate cleaning product. In this article, we will go over some methods for how to clean leather car seats with soap and water as well as some products that can be used if you’d prefer something stronger than soap and water alone!
Why clean leather car seats?
The leather car seats in your vehicle are an investment, and you want to protect them as much as possible. Leather is an expensive material that can be damaged by improper cleaning or treatment. For example, if you use a liquid cleaner on your leather seats, it could cause discoloration or permanent damage to the upholstery.
Instead of using harsh chemicals and detergents on the leather in your car’s interior—which can cause damage—you should use a soft cloth and mild soap or detergent instead.
Steps to clean leather car seat
Below is a brief outline of the steps to clean leather car seats:
- Vacuum the seats
- Make a cleaner solution
- Use a sponge and apply the solution to the seats
- Use a microfiber towel and dry the seats
1. Vacuum the leather seats
Use a soft bristle brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to get rid of any dust, pet hair, or other debris that’s stuck to the leather (this is also a good time to clean out your vacuum). Next, use a hose attachment or long crevice tool as well as a brush and dustpan to clean up the floor mats in your vehicle.
2. Make a cleaner solution
Step two is to prepare a solution of water and mild soap. The exact amount of each ingredient depends on the size of your car’s leather seats, but it’s best to use hot water so you don’t damage any fabrics and mild soap that won’t leave a residue.
To make this mixture:
- 1 part warm water + 1 part mild liquid hand or dishwashing soap
- Mix well until there are no clumps of soap left in the bottom of your bowl
Once you have prepared your cleaner solution, apply it using a sponge or microfiber towel (a rag will work too). Don’t forget about crevices—the sides and backs of seats will collect dust and dirt just like those on other surfaces in your car. Work slowly so that everything gets covered evenly without leaving streaks behind. Because leather is porous, moisture can cause stretching or cracking if left untreated too long after cleaning; therefore we recommend using a conditioning product after cleaning to restore suppleness while adding protection against future stains!
3. Use a sponge and apply the solution to the seats.
It’s important to use a sponge when cleaning leather so that you don’t leave streaks behind. Apply some solution on the sponge and rub it onto the leather gently.
4. Use a microfiber towel and dry the seats
Once you’ve cleaned your leather car seats, it’s time to dry them. This is the most important part of the process. Using a clean microfiber towel for each seat, dry each section gently and thoroughly. Don’t rub too hard on the seats; you don’t want to damage them by rubbing them too hard. If possible, try to avoid using paper towels at all costs as they will not absorb any moisture and could scratch or damage your leather seats if used improperly. A rough cloth or sponge may also cause damage if used improperly on leather car seats.
How to Choose Leather Cleaning Products?
When choosing a leather cleaning product, make sure it is made specifically for leather and has a pH level that is appropriate for cleaning your seats. Try to avoid products with harsh chemicals or abrasives such as ammonia.
If you’re new to cleaning leather car seats and don’t know what kind of products are best for your vehicle, ask a family member or friend who’s already familiar with this process.
Make sure to choose leather cleaning products that are made specifically for automotive leather. You can find these at most major auto parts stores, or online if you prefer not to leave the house (and sometimes even at a discount).
Avoid using household cleaning products on your car’s leather because they may contain chemicals that could damage the material.
Tips for Cleaning Your Leather Car Seats
If you want to clean your leather car seats, there are a few things you should know:
- Use a clean cloth or towel. A microfiber towel is best, but any cloth or towel will do. The point is that it should be clean and dry.
- If you’re using a sponge, make sure it’s clean and dry before using it to wipe down the leather car seat. The same goes for sponges with microfiber towels attached—they should be both clean and blot-dry before wiping down your leather car seats.
- Make sure the leather is dry before you start cleaning it. If your seat is wet, wait until it’s dry before starting to clean it.
How to Keep Leather Clean Longer?
You can avoid having to clean your leather car seats so often by taking care of them. The best way to keep your car’s leather clean is by using a good quality conditioner and cleaner. This will help protect the leather and keep it looking beautiful for a long time, even if you drive in tough conditions.
When you’re cleaning your car, use mild soap and water, or a leather cleaner designed for cars. Never use abrasive cleaners on your seats! Also, avoid harsh soaps or chemicals like bleach because these can damage the material over time. Be sure to dry the seat after washing it with a towel or chamois which will absorb all excess moisture from the surface before it has a chance to dry into cracks in the material
Conclusion
As a final tip, we recommend that you clean your car seats on a regular basis. This will keep them looking nice and preserve their quality over time. By doing this simple task once or twice per month, you can prevent damage and save yourself some money!
FAQs
Q: How often should I clean my car seats?
A: It depends on how often you use your vehicle and what type of material is used in the seat. If you have leather seats, we recommend cleaning them once every two weeks or so while using mild soap with warm water. With fabric seats, you may want to clean them monthly using a gentle detergent mixed with cold water.
Q: What are some good cleaning products for my car seats?
A: We recommend using gentle soap and warm water to clean your car’s leather or fabric seats. If you have any stains, try using an enzymatic cleaner like BONUS® Carpet Cleaner & Deodorizer with enzymes. It will remove tough stains without damaging the material!
Q: Does the fabric seat on my car get dirty easily?
A: Yes, it does. The fabric seat is usually made of polyester or nylon, which means that it will attract dirt and dust like a magnet. You should clean the seat as often as possible using mild soap and warm water.