Leather car seats are luxurious options for vehicles and can provide your car interiors with that classy look. Not only does this material emerge attractive, but you would also find leather car seats pretty comfortable.
However, one thing that could damage such leather pieces over time is stain, as different substances can leave permanent discoloration on the vehicle’s seat if you aren’t careful. So, while cleaning leather car seats, you should learn a few things about “how to remove stains from leather car seats.”
Do you find your leather vehicle seat dirty and stained? We’ll outline a few simple tips on how to get pesky stains off your car seat in this blog post.
Eliminating Stains from Leather Car Seats: Step By Step
While leather car seats may appear pricey, they undoubtedly add a deluxe touch to your vehicle’s interior. Hence, you need to maintain this piece appropriately to make such an investment worthwhile.
It is no longer news that stains on the leather car seat can make it look messy and unattractive; hence, the need to remove stains swiftly. Although you may find pesky stains challenging to handle, there are a few helpful techniques you can try.
Supplies Needed
- Leather cleaner
- Vacuum cleaner
- Microfiber cloth
- A soft-bristled brush
- Leather conditioner
Below are 5 easy steps you should follow.
Step 1: Employ a Vacuum Cleaner
Finding a stain on your leather car seat sucks and can spoil your entire mood. But, using a vacuum cleaner is the best way to start – the vacuum should help remove all dirt that seems stuck on the car seat.
It would help if you got a suitable air compressor that can blow away the dirt between seams and cracks of the seat. Be sure to vacuum carefully to remove debris and dirt from all crevices, ensuring you don’t leave scratches on the leather surface.
Step 2: Apply a Cleaning Solution
This step is where the major work lies; be sure to rub a generous amount of cleaning solution on the discolored part of the seat. You can get a good leather cleaner that works as the best stain remover for leather car seats from stores or formulate one using household supplies.
A mild dishwashing soap mixed with water can work for mild stains. You can also mix white vinegar and water if you seek the best way to clean light leather car seats. A solution of olive oil and vinegar (3:1) can serve as another effective cleaning agent.
Some other effective stain removal cleaning remedies include:
- Rubbing Alcohol: Use sparingly to prevent the leather from drying out
- Lemon Juice + Cream of Tartar: This DIY cleaning paste works well on light-colored leather material.
- Non-Gel Toothpaste: Rub on the soiled area to remove scuffs and stains
Note: Endeavor to avoid bleaching agents on leather as they can cause severe damage. Also, don’t soak up the leather with excess moisture; spray cleaning solutions in small amounts.
Step 3: Use a Suitable Brush
While you can use a microfiber cloth to rub off stains on the leather car seat after applying the cleaning agent, you might find some discolorations hard to get off. Thus, you need a brush as an easy way out. Employ a soft-bristled brush on stubborn stains on the seat, and be sure to do so gently.
Step 4: Wipe the Eat Surface
Once done tackling the stain, get a damp cloth and wipe the leather surface to remove the moisture and residue from the cleaning process. It is recommendable to use microfiber cloths for this purpose. Leave the car seat to dry away from heat afterward.
Step 5: Rub a Leather Conditioner
A leather conditioner is an excellent option if you are keen on maintaining the beautiful appearance of your leather car seat. Such a product further protects the material’s finishing from fading or cracking. If you don’t have a leather conditioner, you should learn how to condition leather car seats naturally.
Removing Pen Marks or Ink on Leather Car Seats
Ink or pen marks on leather car seats should be one of the nastiest spots and can make the inside of your vehicle look trashy. The best way to handle this case is to act swiftly – use a blotting paper or soft cloth to get out as much spilled ink as possible.
You can get the remnant of the pen mark or ink off the leather with rubbing alcohol, vinegar, or acetone.
Apply any of these ink removers using cotton balls, let the solution sit on the affected area, and watch the stain fade. Wipe the car seat with a damp cloth and let it dry. Applying a conditioner afterward would help retain the leather’s natural shine.
Removing Oil/Grease Stains from Leather Car Seats
Whether from a minor mechanic repair or food, grease/oil stain doesn’t sit well on leather car seats. Handle fresh oil or grease smears urgently; wipe off with a microfiber cloth. Then, sprinkle a good amount of cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb the remains.
Let the powder sit for a while, and take it off with a vacuum cleaner. If there’s any stain left, use mild grease-cutting dishwashing soap to eliminate such. Squirt some amount of the soap onto the leather and wipe clean with a cloth.
If dried, get a putty knife to scrape off the flakes (avoid scratching the leather surface). Damp a rag with WD-40 and moisten the affected area. Apply leather cleaner and rub a soft sponge or soft-bristled brush over the grease stain to get it off.
Final Words
Leather car seats might be the perfect touch for your vehicle if you want a lavish car interior. However, such material can quickly become stained and soiled, much more as you take rides with your kids and pets. Thus, knowing how to clean dirty leather car seats and eliminate stains are crucial.
Please note that different techniques work better on different stain types, so it is crucial to know the appropriate method. Not to worry, you can look through the tips provided in this post on how to remove stains from leather car seats.
