best way to clean very dirty leather car seats
There are many ways to clean leather. One method is to use Leatherique cleaner and conditioner. Another method besides Leatherique, is using steam. This is an excellent method for those very dirty seats with extra grime. A “trashed” seat could be the better word in this case. The photo above shows a 2009 Chevrolet truck that the owner uses as his “work truck.” I believe its safe to say the seats have never been cleaned. Using steam has its advantages and disadvantages. One must be careful not to go overboard and use too much pressure and heat. Common sense is a must. Also, a very good leather conditioner needs to be applied after the cleaning process is completed. The Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil is definitely the best. One thing I always do first is air purge the seats in between the folds, all the cracks, and all of the seams where there is stitching. Then, I use a very light concentration of Meguiars All Purpose Cleaner. Simply spray the cleaner on the seat and let it sit for a few minutes.
Even though the cleaner is about 90 percent water, it’s still very powerful and strong. Be careful not to make the dilution ratio too strong. Auto Detail Doctor uses a VX5000 vapor steamer and one of the attachments is a triangular brush. The bottom of the brush has about 50 pores and each omit steam. Being careful not to be too aggressive, use a microfiber towel between the leather seat and the brush bristles. The bristles will push the microfiber towel into the leather surface enough to use a scrubbing effect, while the steam will do 90 percent of the cleaning work. This process doesn’t take very long, about 15 seconds. Remember, the goal is to clean and lift the dirt off the seat, not get crazy and damage the seat. Once the cleaning process is complete, the seat will need wiped off with a clean microfiber towel. Above is the finished product. The seat doesn’t have any leather conditioner applied. It still needs a good application. This is just a description of the cleaning powers of the Meguiars All Purpose Cleaner and the vapor steamer.
however, keeping the leather seats in great condition can really make your car stand out. You'll want to remove surface dirt, clean the leather, and condition the seats regularly.
duct & vent cleaning servicesWhile this may sound labor intensive, the steps are actually quite simple, and when done regularly, cleaning is a breeze.
best way to clean very dirty leather car seats Check to see if your car seats have any perforated areas. If so, take care not to get water, cleanser or conditioner stuck down into the holes. Consult your car manual. Before you clean or apply any products, refer to your car's owner's manual. There should be specific instructions on how to properly care for the leather upholstery, as well as products to avoid.Use a vacuum hose and attachment or wet-dry vac to suck up any large particles of dirt.
Use extreme care so you don't scratch the leather. You could also use an air compressor to blow out dirt from in between the seat cracks.If your seats are really dirty, you'll be able to see a layer of grime on the leather; however, even seemingly clean seats will have a layer of dirt and grime that's accumulated over time. Spray a microfiber towel with cleaner and wipe over the seats. Use leather cleaner, saddle soap, or another mild leather soap. You can use a commercial cleaner for leather seats or make your own: Combine 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts linseed oil in a bowl or spray bottle. Use a brush to deep clean the leather. Spray the cleaner directly onto your seats and use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the leather. This will agitate the dirt and bring it to the surface. If you have perforated leather seats, avoid spraying cleaner onto the seats. Instead, spray the bristle brush and use it to scrub the leather. Then, wipe dry with a microfiber cloth. Wipe the seats clean.
Use a clean and dry microfiber cloth to wipe off the cleaning agent that you scrubbed into the leather. You should notice dirt, oil, and grime on the cloth. Regularly clean your seats. While you should lightly clean your seats every month or so, try to deep clean your seats 3 to 4 times a year. You may want to do this more often if you have light-colored leather or if you begin to notice grime building up. Choose a water-based, pH neutral conditioner. Look for a high-quality leather conditioner that does not contain petroleum distillates, silicone, or waxes.[5] The goal of the conditioner is to replenish the natural oils in the leather, so choose one with top-quality ingredients. Cheaper leather conditioners may cling to the leather and have a greasy finish. Perform a spot test. Choose an inconspicuous area and apply a little conditioner. Gently rub it in using a microfiber cloth or sponge. Make sure the cleaner doesn't damage or discolor your seats.Apply the conditioner to the seats and use a microfiber cloth or sponge to gently massage or rub it into the leather.
Avoid applying too much conditioner, which will sit on top of the leather, making the seats greasy or slick. If in doubt, take a clean dry microfiber cloth and lightly wipe over the conditioned seats to remove any excess conditioner. Be sure to follow the product directions. Park your car in the shade or in your garage overnight. Give the conditioner some time out of the sun so it has a chance to set in without the bombardment of UV light. Let the conditioner sit for at least one hour. Use a microfiber cloth to buff the seats. Once the conditioner has had a chance to soak into the leather, take a clean dry microfiber cloth and polish the seats. Use circular motions and take care to wipe up excess conditioner. Don't over-condition your leather seats. Most seats only need conditioning treatment a few times a year. Cleaning and conditioning your vehicle's leather seats doesn't take long and should be repeated at least every 3 months. Avoid using a household cleaner on your leather seats, even if it's diluted.