Leather Seat Care

Leather seat covers in cars have always been associated with style and elegance. It can enhance the looks of car interiors. However, such seat covers can be expensive and require special care for maintaining its appearance. Apart from the looks, they are considered durable and stain-resistant. Such seat covers require regular care, that includes cleaning and conditioning. Without regular care, they can become dull, dry and cracked, as they lose luster and flexibility. If you care for your leather seat covers regularly, they will remain soft, fresh and clean and will last longer.

How to Care for Leather Car Seats

Unlike other materials used as seat covers, leather is very delicate. It is infused with essential protectants at the time of manufacturing itself. But, with time, these protectants lose their potency, making it susceptible to damage caused by dirt, dust, oil and sunlight. In order to maintain its texture and shining, you have to clean and condition the leather on a regular basis.

Cleaning

Leather is actually dead skin only. Even though, it is infused with protectants at the time of production, with time, dirt and dust can get ingrained in it. Apart from that, climate conditions can make it dry. All these factors results in cracks, cuts and dirty seats. So, regular cleaning is a must to avoid such conditions. However, leather seats should not be cleaned with water and soap. In such cases, the leather will shrink and harden. Even greasy and waxy products should be avoided for cleaning, as they can attract dust and dirt. All you have to do is to wipe down the seats with a clean and soft cloth, on a regular basis. Good quality leather cleaners can be used once in every three months.

Conditioning

Leather has to be hydrated at regular intervals, so as to avoid drying and cracking. As we moisturize our skin, this material too needs some moisture supply, to retain its sheen. It can be hydrated with leather conditioner. Make sure to buy good quality conditioner, that has to be applied over the seats. All you have to do is to spread the solution on the seats generously and wipe the seats with a soft cloth. You have to apply the conditioner on the seats liberally, so that the moisturizing agents in the conditioner are absorbed by the leather. It is recommended after you finish with the wiping, the seats must be left with a wet film over them. Once the conditioner dries, buff the seats with a dry, clean cloth.

In short, cleaning and conditioning are two important parts of regular leather seat care. Apart from that, you must also protect these seats from direct sunlight, that can make them dry and prone to cracks. You can use sun shades for this purpose. They should not remain wet for a longer time, so, in case of spills, clean at the earliest, by blotting with a soft cloth. Don't use regular upholstery cleaners on them.