Leather car seats look stylish and feel comfortable, but they need proper care to stay in good condition. Without regular cleaning, they can get scratched, stained, or cracked. The color may also fade if not treated well. Luckily, using the right cleaning products and a bit of effort can help keep them looking great for years.
Use this simple guide to clean your car’s leather seats safely.
How Often to Clean Leather Car Seats
Clean your leather car seats every three months. If you have many passengers or pets, clean them more often. Light-colored leather needs more cleaning than dark-colored leather. Regular cleaning and conditioning help keep the leather from drying out and cracking.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Dustbuster or vacuum with soft brush
- 3 clean microfiber cloths
Materials
- Leather cleaner
- Leather conditioner
- Water
- Moisturizing soap (optional)
- Vinegar (optional)
- Citrus-based solvent (optional)
- Linseed or flaxseed oil (optional)
Instructions
Vacuum Your Seats
Before using leather cleaner, vacuum the seats to remove dirt and dust.
Leather doesn’t absorb liquids quickly, but dust and dirt can get pressed into the surface, causing scratches and damage.
TIP: Use the vacuum’s dust brush attachment because its soft bristles won’t scratch the leather.
Lather on a Leather Cleaner
Next, use a leather cleaner to remove any dirt and dust stuck on the leather.
Although natural and DIY cleaners are useful, manufactured products work better for leather. It’s best to use a leather cleaner.
Follow the instructions on the product and test it on a hidden spot first.
If you don’t have a leather cleaner, you can use a mix of white vinegar and water, a citrus-based cleaner, or moisturizing soap with warm water.
Warning: If you have pets and use a citrus-based cleaner, wipe it off completely with a damp cloth because citrus can be harmful to them.
Wipe With a Microfiber Cloth Twice
After using the leather cleaner, wipe the seats with a damp microfiber cloth. Avoid using too much water, as it can stain the leather. Then, dry the seats with a second, dry microfiber cloth to keep them looking good.
Condition the Leather
To keep your leather seats safe from stains and damage, apply a leather conditioner after cleaning. A store-bought conditioner works well.
Apply the conditioner with a microfiber cloth and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, use a fresh, clean microfiber towel to wipe off any extra conditioner.
Tip:For a homemade leather conditioner, mix one part vinegar with two parts linseed or flaxseed oil.
Allow the Seats to Air Dry
Let your car seats air-dry for at least one hour so the leather conditioner can fully absorb. For the best results, wait three to four hours.
Additional Tips for Cleaning Leather Seats
Remember these expert tips when cleaning leather.
- Be patient: Let the cleaner work and gently scrub with a soft brush in circular motions.
- To remove permanent marker stains, spray some aerosol hairspray on them.
- To get rid of mold and mildew, mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol and use it to clean the area.
- To remove wine or juice stains, use a mix of lemon juice and cream of tartar. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then wipe with a damp sponge. Remember to condition the leather afterward if you use lemon juice.
Other Cleaning Methods
- Castile soap is a gentle and natural way to clean leather. It has a mild pH, similar to baking soda. Mix one tablespoon of liquid castile soap with one cup of warm water. Dampen a clean cloth, rub it on the leather, then wipe off any extra and let it air-dry.
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water to clean leather furniture. Use a microfiber cloth to apply it and rub in circular motions to remove dirt.
- Saddle soap is a blend of soap, oil, and wax used to clean and condition leather. It comes in solid, paste, and spray forms. Apply it with a soft cloth in circular motions, wipe off the extra, and let it dry for at least three hours.
How to Keep Leather Car Seats Clean Longer
- Wipe up spills right away. Keep microfiber cloths in your car so you’re always ready to clean up quickly.
- Shield your seats from the sun. Use a leather conditioner with UV protection to prevent damage and fading.
- Vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris, which can rub against the leather and cause scratches.
- Use seat covers to protect your leather seats. They help them last longer, especially if you have pets, kids, or live in a sunny area.
How Often to Use Leather Conditioner
Using too much leather conditioner can make the leather feel sticky. Apply it every three months, but if your seats get a lot of use from kids, pets, or sun exposure, use it more often.