Keep those leather seats looking new! Easy steps even you can do!

Would you like to know how to make your leather car seats look new and prevent them from cracking? Follow these simple tips on properly cleaning and protecting them from regular everyday use and exposure to extreme heat. These are especially valuable suggestions during the summer season, as the heat rapidly dries up leather, causing them to crack prematurely and fade.

First up, the main reason why leather seats wear out is the build-up of dirt. This is what gets deep into the leather and causes it to be dull. Over time, this build-up also forms a layer over the essential oils and protectants that are supposed to keep them soft and supple. Not to mention the effect of harmful UV rays that also has a similarly damaging effect; this is why properly caring for and maintaining leather seats is essential if you want to preserve their look and feel. 

The best way to keep leather car seats looking new all the time is really simple. Clean them regularly. Regular cleaning and applying a good quality leather conditioner are all it takes to keep leather car seats looking fresh and supple. Just remove dirt with a leather-friendly cleaner and then finish it with a coat of leather conditioner to moisturize the material.

Benefits of conditioning leather car seats

• Keeps leather looking great by refreshing its appearance and making it look smooth and hydrated
• Improves leather’s durability by keeping it supple and flexible, avoiding those damaging cracks.
• Adds a layer of protection against water damage or stains.

Below is a quick, easy-to-follow step-by-step guide on properly cleaning and protecting leather car seats like a professional detailer.

Step 1: Vacuum

Use a portable or household vacuum cleaner and vacuum the leather seats thoroughly. Most especially in between the crevices on the upholstery to suck up dirt, crumbs, or other loose soils from your car seats. It’s essential to vacuum your car seats first to avoid damage caused by rubbing abrasive contaminants into your leather finish.

Step 2: Leather cleaner

Apply short bursts of the cleaner onto each panel of your leather interior. Using a clean microfiber towel or with the help of a soft bristle brush, gently scrub or brush away dirt and grime using gentle, circular motions.

Continue to spray the cleaner and rub stubborn stains and soils until any tough spots on your leather car seats and upholstery have been removed. Ensure that every panel is wiped clean and dry, and leave enough time (10 to 15 mins.) to air dry the seats leaving the doors open if possible.

Step 3: Leather conditioner

Using a soft, clean sponge, apply the leather conditioner onto each panel until the entire surface has been covered. While there's no exact amount to how much leather conditioner to put, one thin layer should suffice for leather that's in reasonably good shape, but if it's starting to dry out, you may want to add another layer and rub it on the leather.

Step 4: Drying and buffing

After all the seats have been coated, leave the conditioner on the surface for a few minutes. Around 15 to 20 minutes will allow the ingredients to be absorbed into the leather's pores, hydrating the hides and getting them feeling right again.

Using a clean microfiber towel, buff your freshly coated leather to a beautiful, glossy sheen. This process will remove excess conditioner and allow the softening and hydrating agents in your leather conditioner to penetrate every nook and cranny of your leather upholstery.

Regular Maintenance

It would be best to do this monthly or quarterly, depending on how often the car is used. Remember that it’s much easier (and cheaper) to spend a little time maintaining your car's leather interior than reupholstering all the seats.

Furthermore, it helps raise the car's value once it is time to let it go. After all, we all want to keep our vehicles looking and feeling their best for a long time.