Leather car interiors add a touch of luxury to any vehicle and can last for many years with proper care. Whether you have a new or an older interior, maintaining your leather seats and upholstery can ensure they look great for the long haul. This post will cover some ways of caring for your leather car interior.
Keep it Clean
The first step in caring for your leather car interior is to keep it clean. Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on leather surfaces, which can cause them to wear out faster. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and a mild, pH-balanced leather cleaner will help keep your leather looking its best. It’s essential to use a cleaner that is specially designed for leather, as other cleaners can cause damage to the material. Vacuum first, concentrating on any crevices where debris will accumulate such as seams and inside fold-up armrests. For regular maintenance, then wipe over, using your cleaner and a cloth, followed by a wipe with a clean damp cloth.
For more soiled seats and trim, you may want to mist your cleaner directly on the surface. Next, spray cleaner directly into the bristles of a soft brush and gently scrub in a circular motion. This will clean right into the grain of the leather. When you have worked up a good lather, wipe it off with a microfibre towel. Lastly, wipe over again using a clean damp cloth. In both cases, remember not to let the cleaner dry on the leather, the damp cloth is very important.
Condition Regularly
Leather needs to be conditioned to keep it supple and prevent cracking. Conditioners that contain UV protection also help to protect the leather from UV damage and other environmental factors. Use a leather conditioner every six months to keep your leather in good condition. Apply the conditioner to a soft cloth and then rub it gently onto the leather surface. Don’t forget to wipe off any excess conditioner with a clean cloth.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight can damage leather, causing it to fade and crack over time. To protect your leather car interior, park your car in a garage or shaded area whenever possible. If you don’t have access to a covered parking spot, consider using a car cover to protect your vehicle from the elements.
Use Seat Covers
You have lovely leather seats, so we understand that you wouldn’t want to hide them. But using seat covers is an excellent way to protect your leather car interior from spills, stains, and other damage. Especially if you know a situation could create soiling, such as a day at the beach. Seat covers come in a variety of materials, just be sure that the backing isn’t rough enough to scratch the leather. Choose a seat cover that fits your car seats snugly and is easy to clean.
Watch for Signs of Wear
Leather car interiors can last for many years, but they will eventually show signs of wear. Watch for signs of cracking, fading, or discoloration, and address these issues promptly. If the damage is severe, you may need to have the leather repaired or replaced.
Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals can damage leather, causing it to crack and fade. Don’t use cleaners that contain bleach, ammonia, or other harsh cleaners on leather. Stick with mild, leather-specific cleaners, and avoid using abrasive materials like steel wool or rough cloths.
Address Spills Promptly
Spills can cause stains on leather surfaces, so it’s essential to address them promptly. Use a soft cloth to blot up the spill, being careful not to rub it into the leather. If the spill has caused a stain, use a leather stain remover to clean the affected area.
Remember
- Vacuum regularly. Dirt, dust, and debris can build up in the crevices of leather upholstery, leading to discoloration and damage. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to gently remove debris from your leather interior.
- A microfiber towel is an excellent choice as it is gentle, absorbent, and won’t leave any lint or residue behind.
- Test cleaners on a small, inconspicuous area. Before using any cleaning product on your leather car interior, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.
- When applying cleaner to your leather car interior, apply it so that the cleaner is evenly distributed, and isn’t over-saturated.
- Gently work it into the leather using circular motions.
- Avoid using too much water. Water can damage leather if it is overused, so it is important to avoid saturating the leather with too much water. Instead, use a damp microfiber towel to wipe down the leather surface and remove any dirt or grime.
- Don’t forget to condition the leather. After cleaning your leather car interior, it is important to condition it to keep it soft, supple, and resistant to cracking. Apply a leather conditioner using a microfiber towel. Allow it to absorb into the leather for several minutes before wiping away any excess.
- Protect leather from sunlight. Sunlight can cause leather to fade and crack. Park in a covered area or use a sunshade to protect your leather interior from the sun’s harmful rays.
Regular upkeep
Unfortunately, caring for your leather car interior does involve regular upkeep, more so than vinyl for example. Cleaning and conditioning it with products specifically designed for leather and protecting it from UV rays. But by following these tips, you can help you can help that interior look its best for a very, very long time.
Still deciding on what type of leather to use in your new interior? This article may help.