How To Clean Perforated Leather Seats?

Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd

Perforated leather seats are a luxurious and stylish addition to many vehicles, but keeping them looking their best can be challenging. Learning to clean perforated leather seats to stay soft and look new is easy. All you need is the right products and a little bit of time.

Cleaning A Perforated Leather Seats: Step-By-Step Instructions

Supplies Needed:

Before cleaning, you should gather a few items to ensure your leather seats look their best.

• A bucket or bowl of warm water mixed with mild soap
• A soft sponge
• Microfiber cloth
• An upholstery brush for scrubbing the material
• Leather cleaner or saddle soap
• White vinegar
• A quality leather conditioner or protective cream

Step 1: Remove All The Loose Dirt, Dust, And Debris With A Vacuum

Use the vacuum to remove any dirt and debris accumulated in the perforations’ crevices. Be sure to use light pressure when cleaning, as too much pressure can damage the leather.

Step 2: Wipe The Seats

Use a damp cloth soaked in warm soapy water. Ensure to wring out as much moisture as possible before wiping down the seat. This will ensure that no extra moisture remains on the leather, which can potentially damage it. Wipe in circles, taking care not to miss any spots or crevices, and use a clean, dry cloth afterward to buff off any remaining residue. You may need to repeat this process a few times for stubbornly dirty areas until all the dirt and grime are removed from each seat’s surface.

Step 3: Chose Leather Cleaner And Do A Patch Test

Before taking out the cleaner, read the directions carefully, as some leather cleaners are only suitable for certain types of leather. Once you have removed your chosen cleaner, do a patch test first. This will ensure that the chemical makeup of the cleaning solution does not discolor or damage the seat.

Apply a small amount of cleaner onto an inconspicuous area and wait at least 24 hours before wiping it off with a damp cloth. If no discoloration or damage is visible, it’s safe to proceed with cleaning all your perforated leather seats using your chosen cleaner. Make sure to follow any additional instructions on the bottle or packaging before using it on your seats, as this will ensure that they stay looking their best for many years to come.

Step 4: Apply The Cleaner Onto A Fresh Microfiber Towel And Scrub

Spray the cleaner onto a fresh microfiber towel. Ensure that you spread the cleaner evenly on the towel’s fabric so it can be applied to the seat easily. Then, scrub and work in circular motions with moderate pressure to remove dirt and grime from your perforated leather seats. Be careful not to use too much pressure as this may damage or discolor your leather seats.

Step 5: Continue To Scrub Carefully

Continue scrubbing the leather seats with enough moderate force to remove all dirt and grime. Make sure not to press too hard, which can cause damage or discoloration. Additionally, use gentle circular motions when cleaning this material. To ensure optimal results, use a clean cloth for each section you are cleaning so that the dirt does not spread around. When finished with one section, switch to a new cloth and repeat the process until all areas have been thoroughly cleaned. After scrubbing each area of the seat cover, gently pat it dry with a soft towel.

Step 6: Use Another Microfiber Towel

Use a second microfiber towel to remove any leftover residue. This will help remove any excess product that may have been left over from the first cleaning. Make sure to concentrate on the perforations of the leather seat, as they are more likely to trap dirt, dust, and crumbs. Take your time and be gentle, using circular motions with light pressure. With enough patience and effort, you should be able to get all of the dirt out without damaging or stretching out the leather material.

Step 7: Condition The Leather

Leather conditioner should be applied after cleaning the perforated leather seats. It should be applied in thin, even coats and left to dry for at least 10 minutes. It is essential to read the instructions on the product’s label carefully before applying it, as each type of leather may require a different type of conditioner. Leather conditioners can help protect the material from cracking or fading while providing additional moisture, which will help keep it looking soft and supple. When applying, make sure that you cover all areas evenly and avoid over-applying, which could damage the leather further.

Step 8: Wipe And Dry The Just-Cleaned Leather Seats

Start with a soft cloth dampened with cool water. Gently wipe away any remaining soap residue and dampness while not rubbing too hard or applying too much pressure on the surface of the leather seat. Once done wiping down, use a dry cloth or towel to absorb any excess moisture left behind on the surface of your leather seat.

Step 9: Buff And Polish

Using a microfiber towel, buff the seats in a circular motion until dry. The microfiber material will pick up any residual dirt and dust particles left behind from the cleaning process. Keep buffing until the leather is clean and shiny. Using more than one towel to complete this step effectively may be necessary. Finally, give the leather seating an extra shine by using a soft microfiber cloth not used on any other surface during your cleaning process.

What’s The Difference Between Leather And Perforated Leather?

Leather is durable for clothing, furniture, accessories, and vehicle interiors. It has a uniform surface with no visible holes or gaps. Perforated leather is leather that has been cut with tiny holes or slots. This creates a unique texture and looks that can be aesthetically pleasing in car interiors.

Can You Steam-Clean Perforated Leather Car Seats?

Steam cleaning is one of the most effective ways to clean perforated leather car seats. It involves using a steam cleaner and a special detergent or cleaning solution designed specifically for leather surfaces. The steam helps to break down dirt and grime while the detergent lifts away any remaining residue.

Conclusion:

Cleaning perforated leather seats is not an overly complicated task. With the right supplies and a few steps, your vehicle looks as good as new. Remember to use a leather cleaner specifically made for perforated leather, a soft cloth and brush, a vacuum, and a protectant. Start by vacuuming the seat and then use a soft cloth with a small amount of cleaner to target specific spots. Follow up with the brush and protector; your car should look great quickly!