A leather car seat cover does more than enhance the beauty of a vehicle’s interior. It’s easier to clean than seats made of fabric and is harder to stain. It also increases a vehicle’s resale value.
However, time, natural and manmade elements can affect the appearance and durability of a leather car seat cover. For example, sunlight and heat can cause the leather to fade and crack in time. Improper and infrequent cleaning can also cause damage it in time.
So, how often should you clean your leather car seat cover and how should you go about it? Read on and find out.
Leather Car Seat Cover: What Works?
The frequency of cleaning your leather car seat cover depends mostly on the following factors: frequency of vehicle use, climate in your area, number of passengers, and presence of children and pets. For example, if you alone use your vehicle daily, we suggest cleaning your leather once every six months. However, if you live near the sea or desert, where the weather can be so dry and sunny, cleaning your leather seats every three months is necessary. Now, if you live in a sunny, dusty area, and use your vehicle to fetch your children daily, drive yourself to work, take your pet to the vet, then a monthly cleaning is recommended.
Leather needs a lot of care and attention and it can easily be damaged if it is not taken care of properly. If you are unable to clean your leather car seats properly due to your hectic schedule, then you can seek professional mobile detailing services for this purpose.
Cleaning Leather Car Seats at Home
1. Vacuum First
To clean your leather car seats, start by vacuuming the interior of the car thoroughly. Your vacuum cleaner has several attachments, each with a specific purpose. Use them to properly remove dirt and dust from all areas of the car seat.
2. Wipe and Dry
Next, take a white cloth or sponge. Dip it in water. Use this to wipe away the grime, dirt and residue. Then, thoroughly dry the seats with a microfiber towel.
3. Test the Leather Cleaner
When you are using the leather cleaner, you must first try it on an inconspicuous area of your leather car seat cover. Use a fresh cloth or sponge and work the cleaner into the leather. Make sure that you keep the foam for at least ten minutes before you wipe it away with a dry towel.
Leave the test area for at least 24 hours and check for any discolorations. If the color of the leather seems to be just the same, then you can start using the leather cleaner on rest of the car seat.
4. Apply on the Rest of the Interior
Repeat step 3 on a larger area of the car seat. Make sure that you make the foam sit for at least ten minutes. Then dry off with a microfiber towel.
Clean all the leather surfaces and trims with the leather cleaner. For stubborn stains, repeat the process.
5. Condition the Leather Car Seat Cover
Make use of a leather conditioner and work it on the leather with the help of dry sponge or towel. You can also spray the leather sunscreen onto the leather seats. This will add an extra layer of protection against dirt and drying from sunlight.
A leather car seat cover needs careful attention and proper maintenance to enhance its appearance and increase its durability. For best results, schedule an appointment with DetailXPerts. Our detailing experts will give your vehicle, including your leather car seat cover, the proper treatment it deserves.
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