How to Clean Leather Car Seats

Materials You Will Need:

• Vacuum cleaner

• Commercial leather cleaner or homemade cleaning solution (water and Castile soap or dish soap)

• Soft cloths

• Spray bottle (for DIY olive oil and vinegar solution)

• Toothpaste (non-gel)

• Toothbrush

• Lemon juice and cream of tartar (for light-colored upholstery)

• Rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs

• Baking soda

• Leather conditioner with sunscreenCleaning Process:
  1. Vacuum the Seats

  Begin by thoroughly vacuuming the seats to remove any dust, dirt, and debris from the surface and crevices.

  2. Apply Cleaning Solution

  Use a commercial leather cleaner according to its instructions, or create a gentle solution of warm water and Castile soap (5-to-1 ratio). Lightly dampen a cloth with this solution and clean the seats without over-wetting the leather.

  3. DIY Olive Oil and Vinegar Solution

  Mix half a cup of olive oil with a quarter cup of vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray on the seats, wait five minutes, then wipe away.

  4. Wipe and Dry

  After cleaning, use another clean damp cloth to remove any soapy residue from the seats. Follow up by drying the seats with a towel thoroughly.

  5. Address Stains
  • Toothpaste: Apply non-gel toothpaste on stains. Scrub gently with a toothbrush and wipe clean.
  • Lemon Juice and Cream of Tartar: For light upholstery, mix into a paste, apply, and remove after 30 minutes with a damp sponge.
  • Rubbing Alcohol: Blot stain with alcohol, cleanse the area with soap and water, then dry thoroughly.
  • Baking Soda: Good for oily stains, rub baking soda in, leave it to absorb the oil and wipe off after a few hours or overnight.
  6. Apply Leather Conditioner

  Once your seats are clean, use a leather conditioner that contains sunscreen to protect from UV damage, prevent cracks and fading, and give your seats a glossy, refreshed look.