How to Clean Leather Car Seats

Cleaning leather seats  

Purchasing or leasing a new vehicle with leather seats for your DMV commute is an exciting purchase. Drivers opt for leather seats as they feel more luxurious than cloth, but require additional care to keep the upholstery in excellent condition. Learn how to clean leather car seats with this guide from Sterling Motorcars.


Leather Seat Care Tips

Keep your leather seats clean and looking like new by following these steps below:

  1. Start by vacuuming the crevices of your seats to remove any dust, dirt, or debris. 
  2. Once everything is removed, apply a pH-neutral cleaning solution to your upholstery making sure to avoid getting any liquid cleaner into any perforations. 
  3. Gently clean the leather upholstery with a microfiber cloth and soft-bristled brush. 
  4. Once the seats are cleaned, apply an approved leather conditioner to your seats, and gently work using a clean microfiber cloth. Allow the conditioner to dry before buffing in with another clean microfiber cloth. Using a leather conditioner helps keep your seats supple and avoid cracking. 

What Cleaning Products Should I Use?

Use a colorless, simple damp rag to lightly dust your leather car seats. For a more thorough wash, use warm water with a little bit of soap or a specifically made leather cleaner to wipe down your seats. You can refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for any recommendations. No matter which cleaner you decide to use, there are some things to avoid using on your leather seats, such as:

  • Sharp objects that may scratch
  • Household cleaner
  • Dark cloths
  • Detergents
  • Furniture polish

Additional Leather Seat Care Tips

  1. Keep a travel bottle of leather cleaning solution and clean microfiber cloths on hand in your vehicle. Doing this helps keep your seats clean of dust, spills, and debris while running errands around the DC Metro area. 
  2. Have a garage? Store your vehicle in there as much as possible to avoid extreme temperatures that can help preserve the life of your leather. 
  3. When out running errands in Maryland or the Virginia area, look out for a shaded parking spot since the shade can prevent sun bleaching and damage. 

Learn More Leather Seat Care with Sterling Motorcars

Keep your vehicle in top shape with the service tips and tricks at Sterling Motorcars. Not only do we want to help make your vehicle look brand new, but also ensure that it continues performing at its best for years to come. Feel free to contact us for additional tips or if you have any questions.