How to Clean Leather Car Seats

Learning how to clean leather car seats properly is an important part of maintaining your vehicle’s value and enjoying its high-quality leather interior for years to come! How long can leather last, you might be wondering? With proper care, leather is one of the most resilient and long lasting materials out there, able to last over 30 years of constant use, making it able to last well beyond the life of your vehicle! Read below for leather seat care dos and don’ts, with information that we’ve gathered from automotive experts across the industry. If you have any questions, contact us today, and we’ll help in every way that we can.

Tips for Proper Leather Seat Care

If you’re not certain about how to clean leather car seats, do not attempt to do so before double-checking which cleaning products and supplies are safe. Then, follow these steps:

1. Begin by vacuuming in the seat crevices to remove dirt or debris. 
2. Next, apply a pH-neutral cleaning solution to your upholstery. If your car seat leather is perforated, be careful to avoid getting it into the perforations.
3. Apply cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth, and then use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean the leather seats. 
4. When the leather is clean, apply an approved leather conditioner to a clean microfiber cloth and work it into the seat leather. 
5. Allow the conditioner to dry, and then buff in with another clean microfiber cloth. This final step is a crucial part of leather seat care because the conditioner will protect your seat leather against dryness and cracking.

What Cleaning Products Are Safe for Leather Seats?

For proper leather seat care, you’ll need to use products and cleaning supplies that won’t scratch or discolor the leather. Between cleanings, we suggest regularly wiping down your car seats with a damp rag. We also recommend an approved seat cleaner for more thorough washes, although a small amount of soap can suffice in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the following products should never be used for leather seat care:

• Stiff-bristle brushes that may scratch
• Household cleaner
• Furniture polish
• Dark cloths
• Detergents

Additional Leather Seat Care Tips

• Spills happen, so it’s a good idea to keep some basic leather seat care supplies in the vehicle in case you need to clean up your car seats on the road in Roseville. Try stashing a small travel bottle of leather cleaning solution and a pile of clean microfiber cloths in the glove box.
• As often as you can, keep your car in a garage or in an area that is shielded from the sun.
• If you don’t have access to shade, purchase a sunshade to prevent bleaching and cracking.

Find Out More About How To Clean Your Leather Seats

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more car buying tips or additional ways to keep your vehicle’s value high such as removing cigarette smells. Our finance department staff has been experts in the car buying process for many years, and we know how to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible on your trade in value near Folsom.