Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd
Synthetic leather car seats are an excellent investment for those who want the look and feel of real leather but want to avoid paying the hefty price tag that comes with it. The best way to clean synthetic leather car seats is by vacuuming and using a damp cloth with warm water. Use warm water and mild soap to add cleaning power. Cleaning your synthetic leather car seats will help maintain their freshness.
What Is Synthetic Leather?
Synthetic leather is a popular alternative to natural leather, as it has many of the same characteristics while being more affordable. It is often made from polyurethane or other plastics designed to look and feel like genuine leather. Synthetic leather car seats are becoming increasingly popular for their durability and easy maintenance.
What Is The Difference Between Synthetic And Real Leather?
The primary difference between synthetic and real leather is the material used to make them. Real leather is made from animal hide, while synthetic leather is made from manufactured materials like plastic or other polymers. Both materials provide a durable covering for car seats, but they have some differences in care and maintenance. Synthetic leather is often more affordable than genuine leather, making it a great option for those looking to save money.
Cleaning Synthetic Leather Car Seats
You Will Need
- Damp Cloth
- Warm Water
- Cleaner (Mild Soap, Baby Soap, Leather Cleaner)
- Vacuum Cleaner With An Upholstery Attachment
- Soft Bristle Brush Or Toothbrush
- Leather Conditioner (Optional)
Instructions
Vacuum: Begin by using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and dirt. Use an up-and-down motion rather than across the seat, which helps reduce damage to the fabric.
Spot Clean: For any spots or stains, use a damp cloth and a mild soap like baby shampoo to scrub the soiled areas gently. You can also use a specialized leather cleaner if you need more cleaning power.
Brush: After spot cleaning, take a soft bristle brush or toothbrush and lightly brush the seat’s entire surface to maintain the fabric’s texture.
Clean: Apply a small amount of mild soap or cleaning agent onto a damp cloth to clean the car seats, working in small sections at a time. Gently scrub the fabric with a soft bristle brush or toothbrush to remove any stubborn dirt and stains.
Rinse: Once cleaning your car seat, use a clean damp cloth to remove any remaining soap residue.
Dry: Wipe the seat dry with a clean towel and allow it to air dry completely.
Condition: Leather conditioners help keep synthetic leather looking its best, so applying a small amount of conditioner will help keep the seat looking clean and new.
Protecting: Finally, you can use a spray-on fabric protector to help protect the car seat from future stains and spills.
Finally, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe down your seats one last time to remove any dust or dirt particles. Your synthetic leather car seats should now be free from dirt and grime, looking better than ever!
Maintaining Synthetic Leather Car Seats
- Vacuum the seats to remove dust, debris, and crumbs that may have gathered on them regularly.
- Clean any spills immediately with a damp cloth or paper towels and an upholstery cleaner specifically designed for leather. If using a cleaning product, use it sparingly – too much can cause discoloration or damage.
- Condition the synthetic leather with a product specifically designed for this material, such as a conditioner with UV protection. This will help to maintain its color and prevent cracking or fading from sun exposure.
- To preserve the life of the car seat’s upholstery, use a protector spray or sealant<span data-preserver-spaces=”true”>, especially if the car is parked in direct sun or exposed to wet weather often.
- Have your synthetic leather car seats professionally cleaned and treated as needed—usually<span data-preserver-spaces=”true”> every two years—to keep them looking their best.
Way To Preserve Synthetic Leather Car Seats
- Keep sharp objects such as keys, jewelry, or tools away from the car seat, as they can cause tears and cuts in the material.
- Cover your synthetic leather car seats with a protective blanket or towel when they are not in use to protect the material from fading or discoloration due to sun exposure.
- Park your car in an area away from direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures, as much as possible, help extend the life of the upholstery.
- Keep pets off the car seat, as their claws can cause severe damage to the material.
- Remove any dirt or debris on the leather seats with a soft cloth and a mild cleaner specifically designed for leather. Too much cleaner or an abrasive material can cause discoloration or damage to the leather.
- Keep your synthetic leather car seats away from any liquids that might spill onto them, as these can seep into the material and cause permanent staining. If you get a spill on these seats, clean it up immediately with a damp cloth and cold water.
FAQs
Is It Easy To Keep Leather Car Seats Clean?
Yes, As long as you keep up with regular maintenance and use the right products, it is relatively easy to maintain synthetic leather car seats.
How Do You Moisturize Synthetic Leather?
To moisturize synthetic leather car seats, you’ll want to use a light oil. Baby oil and coconut oil are both good choices as they won’t cause damage to the material like other oils might.
To apply:
- Pour a small amount of oil onto a clean cloth or sponge, then gently rub it into the seat in circular motions.
- Get into all the crevices.
- Be careful not to use too much and avoid getting any on non-synthetic parts of the seat, like metal or plastic.
- Once you’ve worked it in, let it sit for a few minutes before buffing it off with a dry cloth.
How Do You Clean Leather Car Seats Naturally?
Wipe down the entire surface with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust from the seat, making cleaning easier. Mix vinegar and linseed oil in a bowl and combine.
Dip a cloth in the mixture and wring it out before scrubbing the entire seat. The vinegar will act as a disinfectant, while the linseed oil will help protect and nourish the leather. Let the mixture sit on the seat for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth. This will leave your car seats looking and feeling like new again.
How Can I Clean Leather Car Seats Daily?
When it comes to daily cleaning of your leather car seats, there are two main steps: vacuuming and wiping<span data-preserver-spaces=”true”>.
Conclusion
Synthetic leather car seats require extra care and attention to keep them looking their best. Regular cleaning with gentle, non-abrasive materials can help to maintain the seat’s luster and protect it from stains and discoloration. When possible, use special cleaners formulated for synthetic leather. With proper care and attention, your synthetic leather car seats will look new for years to come.
