Cleaning leather seats regularly, using appropriate methods is necessary to get back the natural shiny look of the leather. For this you have to follow some cleaning techniques. This article tells you how to clean leather seats, the products that are available for this, and a few tips to be followed.

The versatility of leather as a fabric is unmatched. Its texture has a rich feel and a classy look which makes it unique. These seats in your vehicles are exposed to dirt and grime and thus get soiled and stained very easily. They need to be thoroughly cleaned or else mold, mildew, and germs will grow on them. Growth of such microbes can cause allergies and other health problems. However, in this process, you have to be careful, or the finish may get spoiled.

Cleaning Products

There are several types of leather such as cattle, snake skin, alligator, and so on. The composition of each cleaner is different from the other. Before application, try the product in some inconspicuous area of the seat to find out if it is suitable for it or not. The following are the most popular and easy ways to clean leather seats.

Commercial Cleaner: Cleaning products that are available in the market are not suitable for all types of leather. A particular product may work for certain types of leather, but it may be harmful for the others. Always use water-based foam cleaners. Read the label of the product to find out if it is suitable for the seat. For your convenience, you can clean the seat by dividing it into sections. Clean each section at a time. Spray the cleaner generously on the surface. Take a washcloth and dip it into water and rub it gently on the sprayed cleaner. Slowly, you will find the foam getting activated. Let the foam remain untouched for few minutes, so that it sets well on the seat. In this way, the dirt and soil that are deep within the surface can be pulled out easily. Wipe off the foam with the help of a dry piece of cloth. Once you are finished with one section, clean the other sections following the same process. After this, a good quality leather conditioner has to be applied on the seat.

Natural Cleaner: Many people do not like to clean their car seats using commercial products, as they fear it may cause damage to the leather. In that case, you can use homemade cleaners. Mix one part of white vinegar and two parts of food grade linseed oil to prepare a mixture. Dip a soft, white cotton cloth into the mixture and apply it on the entire seat with a circular motion. Allow the mixture to settle overnight. On the next day, buff it up and you will find a clean and shiny seat. You can remove mold and mildew with another natural homemade cleaner. Mix equal quantities of alcohol and water, and pour it on a damp, soft, cotton cloth. Rub it all over the leather so that the entire seat is properly covered. Then let it dry. However, do not let it dry under direct sunlight.

Removing Stains

Stains of grease or ink are an ugly sight. Here are a few tips on removing stains from leather seats.

Grease Stains: Cornstarch works best on grease stained leather seats. Sprinkle some cornstarch on the greasy marks so that it covers the entire stained area. Rub the cornstarch vigorously on the stain with your hands. As a result of intense rubbing, heat will be generated, which will help remove the grease. If you find that the stain is still left behind, add some more cornstarch and rub it again. At the end of the process you will find that the stain has disappeared.

Ink Stains: Isopropyl alcohol or hairspray are the best choice for removing ink stains. Do not spray these substances directly on the leather. Pour some alcohol on a piece of soft cloth or cotton and apply it over the affected area. Rub it gently till all the stains are cleared. Alcohol has the tendency to absorb the natural moisturizer of the leather and make it dull and dry. Apply some conditioner on the area with the help of a soft cotton cloth in order to replenish the moisture. 

Regular cleaning will increase the life of the leather. For further protection, avoid parking your vehicle in areas directly under the sun. You can also cover the windows of the vehicle for protection.

YSK  HK  LIMITED