How to Clean Car Leather Seats
There are many different ways to clean car leather seats. One method involves using an olive oil and vinegar stain remover. This can be applied with a spray bottle to clean the stain. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners as they can damage the leather. Another option is to use toothpaste to remove stains and scuffs.
Avoid chemical cleaners
If you want to maintain the original look of your car’s leather seats, you should avoid using chemical cleaners on them. Chemicals and abrasives can dull the color of leather, while harsh chemicals can cause the leather to dry out and become brittle. Check the ingredients of the leather cleaners you buy before using them. Alternatively, you can use homemade leather cleaners.
Before cleaning your car’s leather seats, you should first use a non-toxic leather conditioner. Using a conditioner can make the seats look newer and help them resist cracks, tears and stains.
Avoid wax-based conditioners
Whenever possible, avoid using wax-based conditioners on leather seats. Despite the name, these chemicals are known to damage the leather. Instead, use a pH-neutral cleaning solution and a soft cloth. Never spray directly onto the seats, as this may soak through the material. This can cause permanent damage. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to deep-clean the seats, but be sure to use extreme caution.
Before using any cleaning product on your car’s leather seat, test a small spot on the material to see whether the results will be effective. Also, don’t use any oil-based or silicone-based products, as these will damage the material. You can also buy leather wipes at an auto parts store. These wipes contain conditioner and cleaner in one convenient, two-in-one solution. The wipes help to clean the leather seat and restore its original matte elegance.
Avoid baking soda
The best way to clean a car leather seat is to avoid using baking soda. Although baking soda is a common household cleaner, it can cause damage to your car’s upholstery, especially leather seats. This is because it will dissolve oils, soils and other contaminants on the seat. Baking soda is also cheap, easy to find and non-toxic. It also doesn’t disrupt the natural pH balance of leather seats, which makes it safe to use. However, baking soda can be messy and difficult to work with. Using this method will involve a fair amount of elbow grease and is not recommended for people with a high sensitivity to chemicals.
If you do want to use baking soda, you will need to avoid overdoing it on the seat, since the substance is highly abrasive and will leave stains. Also, make sure to use a leather conditioner after cleaning to prevent future staining.
Avoid a bristled brush
If you want to clean your car’s leather seat, there are many ways to do so. A vacuum cleaner attachment will work best, but you can also use a small air compressor to remove dust and dirt that gets trapped in crevices. It is also a good idea to test out any leather cleaner on a hidden area of the seat before using it on the entire seat. Afterward, spray the cleaner on a microfiber towel and wipe it down to remove excess oil.
Another way to clean your car’s leather seats is to make a cleaning solution from vinegar. You can make a spray solution by filling a plant spray bottle with 3/4 vinegar and one fourth water. Vinegar has long been used as a cleaning agent and has shown excellent results. Just remember to test a small area first, as vinegar can damage the leather.
Avoid a portable vacuum
Using a portable vacuum to clean car leather seats is not an ideal solution, because it can damage the surface of the seats. Instead, use a dustbuster style handheld vacuum with a dust brush that is gentle on leather. You can also use a microfiber towel to clean the seat. If you’re using a cleaner that contains a solvent, make sure you dilute the cleaner with water before you use it.
If you have a handheld vacuum, make sure the nozzle can get into tight areas. Alternatively, buy a leather cleaner that comes in a spray bottle, and spray it evenly onto the seats. If you can’t find a spray bottle, you can also use a microfiber cloth to apply the cleaning solution. To remove any excess cleaning solution, wring the cloth thoroughly and then dip it in a bucket of water.
