Most people wash their cars on a regular basis but forget one of the most important areas. Car upholstery requires proper maintenance and protection to keep the interior looking nice. This area gets the most wear and tear due to the constant use. Here are a few tips to help you protect your car upholstery.
Protect Your Car Upholstery
1. Blocking Sunlight
This first tip is for both leather and cloth car seats. Shading your car from the sunlight helps lengthen the life of the material. Not only because it will be cooler, but because the sunlight can cause damage to your car upholstery. Leather seats dry out and crack, while cloth seats fade and tear. A good product to buy is a sun blocker for car upholstery, which is easily available at Walmart, Autozone, and other automotive stores.
2. Crack the Windows Open
Direct light from the sun is not the only thing from it that can cause damage to your cars. Cracking your windows allows the inside temperature to remain cooler. Thus, you prevent leather seats from fading due to high temperatures. For example, if the temperature is only 80 degrees outside, the heat in a car can rise to at least 110 degrees.
3. Use Old T-Shirts to Protect Your Car Upholstery
Most of the time when you spill something on your seats, you grab a paper towel or napkin. However, these wood-based products leave scratches and marks on your seats, especially leather seats. Instead, grab an old t-shirt and use it to wipe down leather car upholstery. Cotton-based products are softer and less abrasive, meaning they won’t damage the interior.
4. Protective Leather Conditioners
Leather car seats require unique maintenance and care, and only leather conditioners should be used on them. Conditioning products help maintain the new and clean look of the car upholstery. Use brands such as Armor All or Lane’s Liquid Leather to properly treat them. To apply the solution, start by putting a light amount on a microfiber cloth and wipe the seats. A wet film might develop, allowing the conditioner to soak into the material. Let the seats dry before sitting on them.
5. Protect Your Car Upholstery with Car Safe Food and Drinks
Eating and drinking in the car are two of the messiest things to do, especially when kids are involved. Although banning food and drinks from your car completely would be a better alternative, sometimes this is not possible. However, being selective and only allowing food that is easy to clean up is an easier solution. Don’t allow food like sticky candy, applesauce, or yogurt. Finally, protect your car upholstery by buying drink containers or products that are spill-proof to avoid messes.
6. Buy Rubber Floor Mats
Rubber or plastic floor mats are a great way to keep your car’s carpet clean. This stops mud, dirt, and drinks from causing permanent stains on the floors of your car. Additionally, these mats are easier to take out and clean if dirt and debris accumulate.
7. Seat Covers
The carpet is not the only thing that needs protection from mud and other debris. Families struggle more with keeping the interior clean due to messy children. It’s a common occurrence for kids to play outside and then stick dirty shoes on the seats. However, while you are teaching them not to kick the back of your seat, using a cover can help keep your car clean. This protects from both kids and pets that ride in the vehicle.
8. Use a Towel to Protect Your Car Upholstery
This is another tip for families with younger children. Instead of just placing a child’s car seat right on your car upholstery, use a towel. This stops the car seat from causing rips and tears in the material. Additionally, it works as a protective cover to catch food crumbs. However, ensure the car seat’s stability is not thrown off by the towel. Safety first!
9. Vacuum Your Car Regularly
Vacuuming your car consistently helps get rid any dirt or crumbs that might be lurking in the crevices of your seats. This keeps candy and other food that might melt from permanently damaging the seats.
10. Take out the Trash
Sometimes going on a long trip can be exhausting and the last thing anyone wants to do is clean. However, removing trash, liquid, and other foods from your vehicle will prevent any interior damage to the car upholstery. Additionally, it keeps your car smelling fresh.
Following these tips to protect your car upholstery helps maintain the interior appearance of your vehicle. However, some people don’t have the time to implement proper care. DetailXPerts, an eco-friendly, mobile auto detailing company, helps restore and replenish both the interior and exterior. Consider giving your car a fresh start by having it professionally detailed by our highly-trained technicians. Schedule an appointment today.
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