Imagine this: you’re rushing to work and you swing by a fast food joint to grab a quick breakfast. As you’re struggling to open the tiny ketchup packet, it suddenly bursts open and paints your passenger seat with a smear of red. If you have leather seats, that’s going to be a whole lot easier to wipe clean!
Leather seats have been a classic, well, since saddles! They protect your seats from wear and tear, improve comfort, and add a luxurious feel to your vehicle. However, they can be more expensive than classic seats.
If you want to protect your investment, you should know how to clean your leather car seats. This helpful guide will walk you through the basics of a car seat deep cleaning. Read on!
Table of Contents
Look Out for Tears or Perforations
Before you start cleaning, examine your seats for damages such as perforations or tears. As you clean, you’ll want to work cautiously in those areas.
If excess cleaning agent seeps into the seat, it could damage the inner foam. If the cleaning solution does seep in, you can dry it with a hairdryer at a low temperature and a clean cloth.
Vacuum Seats First
Once you’ve identified problem areas, you should grab a vacuum and remove any dirt or debris from your seats. Any debris left behind could scratch the seats as you wipe them clean later.
As you vacuum, be sure to move slowly and cautiously. The tip could scratch the seat if you use it in an aggressive manner.
Use the Right Kind of Cleaners
One major thing you have to know about the car cleaning process is never to use cleaners with bleach or ammonia. Those can stain the seats. You can buy commercial-grade leather cleaner in a car washing kit, or you can make your own car cleaning materials.
Soap Solution
Using a ratio of 5 parts water and 1 part soap, make a solution of water and castile soap or dish soap. Lightly wet a microfiber cloth and dampen the surfaces. Wipe clean with a second microfiber cloth.
Be sure to dry the seats thoroughly to remove excess water.
Olive Oil and Vinegar
For DIY spray cleaner, mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of olive oil. Spray lightly on the seat and allow it to sit for five minutes. Wipe to clean leather afterward.
Toothpaste
For scuffs, grab a non-gel toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Gently dab at the scuff and scrub the stain. Wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth and dry.
Keep Your Leather Car Seats Clean
You want to protect your investment and treat your leather car seats well. These steps can help you do that! Grab your cleaner of choice and some microfiber cloths and get wiping!
Seat care instructions are only the beginning of what we have to offer. For more great car care tips, cruise through our blog today!