Leather seats add a touch of luxury to any car. They are not just classy but equally comfortable too. But keeping the leather seats look new and in good condition takes a bit more effort than usual.
Leather, while durable, can lose its softness and color over time if not cared for properly. So, to make sure that you don’t get the process of cleaning your leather car seats wrong, we have a step-by-step guide for you to properly clean your car leather seats.
How Often Should You Clean and Condition Leather Car Seats?
Cleaning leather car seats depends on the color of your seat, exposure, and level of use. You can clean the seats every 2-3 months under normal usage.
However, if your car carries multiple passengers, has light-colored leather, or frequently carries pets or kids, consider monthly cleaning for long-term care.
In addition to cleaning, conditioning the leather every 3 months is recommended by the detailing experts at Panda Hub to maintain the leather and prevent it from drying out and developing cracks over time.
How To Remove Stains & Spot Clean Leather Seats
What you’ll need:
- All Purpose Cleaner
- Detail Brush or Soft Scrub Pad
- Microfiber Cloth
Depending on the staining, you can use water or an all-purpose cleaner for interior stains from coffee to general dirt.
All-purpose cleaners can be found at your local supermarket.
Always test cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous patch beforehand.
- Spray your all-purpose cleaner a few times onto a detail brush or a soft scrub pad.
- Gently clean the stain in a circular motion.
- Wipe away the residue using a microfiber cloth.
- Keep repeating this process until satisfied.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Leather Car Seats
You will need:
- A vacuum cleaner with adjustable attachments
- High-quality leather cleaner
- High-quality leather conditioner
- Microfiber cloth
Here’s a step-wise guide to clean the leather car seats:
- Start by vacuuming the seats to remove any loose dirt or debris. Use a soft brush attachment to avoid scratching the leather surface.
- Apply a high-quality leather cleaner solution onto a microfiber cloth. Gently clean the seats using a circular motion, ensuring not soak the leather.
- After cleaning, use a new, clean microfiber cloth to wipe off the leather cleaner from the seats.
- Once the seats are clean, evenly apply the leather conditioner onto the seats, following the product instructions. This will help replenish the natural oils and keep the leather soft and flexible.
- Allow it to absorb and air dry the seats completely before using the seats again.
Recommended Products for Cleaning and Conditioning Leather Car Seats
Leather Honey Leather Cleaner+ Conditioner Kit
Meguiar’s Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Spray
Weiman 3-in-1 Leather Cleaner, Conditioner and UVX Protector
Dos & Don’ts
How To Protect Leather Car Seats: Easy Tips for Long-Term Care
You can prevent staining and damage by following these quick and easy tips.
- Use seat covers
- Regularly wipe your leather seats down with a microfiber cloth
- Vacuum the seats regularly with a soft brush attachment
- Avoid eating or drinking in the car
- Avoid exposing leather to prolonged sunlight.
- Wipe out the spills immediately
Routine cleaning and maintenance of your leather seats will ensure that your seats are protected, hygienic, and look fantastic at all times.
Note: If you have a white or lighter shade leather interior, do not wear blue jeans, especially ones that are damp or wet. These colors will stain your leather seats and will require professional attention if the staining is serious.
Here's a video on how to clean your car’s leather seats:
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Professional Advice
At Panda Hub, we want to educate and make information accessible to all, and as car detailers ourselves, we’re able to do so.
And while this guide will teach you how to deep clean your car’s leather seats, we can do more for you!
If you find yourself struggling with the initial deep clean or a stubborn stain or want to clean the entirety of your car’s interior, we’re here to help.
We take pride in connecting you with top-rated technicians who provide exceptional service, and by bypassing the middleman, we ensure affordability, convenience, and unmatched quality.
With us, you're not just getting a service; you're investing in guaranteed satisfaction backed by a trusted leader in car care. Book in for the professional interior and exterior detailing services.
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FAQs About Leather Car Seat Care
Find answers to some common & specific questions that fellow car owners are asking today.
- What should I use to clean leather car seats?
Use a mild, pH-neutral soap diluted in water, a mild all purpose cleaner, or a leather cleaner specifically designed for car interiors. Avoid harsh chemicals or detergents.
- What not to clean leather car seats with?
Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia, household detergents, rubbing alcohol, and vinegar in high concentrations on leather car seats as they can strip the leather’s natural oils and cause damage.
- Can I use a magic eraser on leather car seats?
Magic erasers can be too abrasive for leather and might cause damage. It's safer to use a microfiber cloth or sponge with suitable leather cleaners.
- Can I use baby wipes to clean my leather car seats?
It is recommended to avoid baby wipes on leather car seats as they may contain chemicals that can dry out or damage the leather over time. Stick to products meant for leather care.
- How do I protect my leather seats after cleaning?
After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple, prevent cracks, and protect against wear and tear. Also, allow the seats to air dry properly.
- Can I use olive oil to condition my leather seats?
While olive oil can temporarily make leather look shiny, it is not recommended as it can oxidize and accelerate the deterioration of the leather.
- How do I remove bad odors from my leather car seats?
Clean the seats thoroughly with a leather cleaner, then let them dry completely. You can also use a leather conditioner that has a mild fragrance to help neutralize odors. For persistent odors, consider using a car interior deodorizer designed for use with leather.
