How to Protect & Clean Leather Car Seats Like a Boss

If you're lucky enough to own a premium vehicle with leather seats, like the Bugatti Chiron, you know how luxurious they can look and feel. However, with that luxury comes a great deal of responsibility, as it takes a lot of effort to maintain leather car seats and upholstery. (Such is life, right?)

Need help cleaning, protecting, and maintaining your leather upholstery? Don't sweat it! Follow our 5-step "How to Take Care of Leather Seats" guide below to ensure your vehicle remains in tip-top shape.

1. Prepare for Leather Car Seat Cleaning

If you want to clean your leather car seats properly, take the necessary steps to prepare for the process. This involves gathering the right materials and equipment and identifying the type of leather used in your car seats.

Firstly, you'll need to gather the necessary products and accessories. This should include the following items:

• soft-bristled brush
• microfiber cloth
• car leather cleaner
• car leather conditioner
• leather upholstery protectant
• paper towels or rags

Next, it's important to identify the type of leather used in your car seats. Different types of leather require different cleaning methods, so it's important to know what you're dealing with before you begin. Check your car's manual or consult a professional if you're unsure of the type of leather used.

2. Remove Surface Dirt & Gunk

Before you can deep clean your leather car seats, it's important to remove any surface dirt and grime that may be present. This can be accomplished using a vacuum cleaner with a soft-bristled brush attachment.

Start by using the brush attachment to gently sweep the surface of the seats, removing any loose dirt or debris. Be careful not to scratch the leather, and avoid using a vacuum with a high suction setting, as this can damage the surface of the leather.

Next, use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any stubborn dirt or grime that may be present. Be sure to use a gentle touch, as pressing too hard can damage the leather. Focus on areas that are particularly dirty or stained, such as the driver's seat or the armrests.

After you've removed as much surface dirt and grime as possible, it's time to apply a leather cleaner to the seats. Choose a cleaner that is specifically designed for use on leather, and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Apply the cleaner to a microfiber cloth, and then gently rub it into the surface of the seats using circular motions. Be sure to cover the entire surface of each seat, paying extra attention to any areas that are particularly dirty or stained.

Once you've finished cleaning the seats, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away any excess cleaner or residue. This will help to ensure that your leather car seats look their best, and that they remain in good condition for years to come.

3. Treat Stains & Spills

Even with regular leather car seat maintenance and cleaning, spills, and stains are bound to happen. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to remove these stains and restore your seats to their original condition.

Identify the type of stain and select the appropriate cleaning solution:

Different types of stains require different cleaning solutions. (Check the manufacturer's instructions or consult a professional to determine the best cleaning solution for the type of stain you're dealing with.)

Wondering how to get ink out of leather seats?

Ink can be especially difficult to remove from leather upholstery, but it is certainly possible to clean it if you act quickly.

First, blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth. You should avoid rubbing or scrubbing, which will cause the ink to spread and embed deeper into the upholstery.

Next, you have a few options:

• Apply liquid dish soap on a different cloth. Blot (do not scrub) and repeat.
• Use rubbing alcohol on a cotton swap or cotton ball. Dab the ink stain and repeat.
• Spray hairspray or cuticle remover on a cloth. Blot and repeat.
• Magic Erasers may also work.

Once the stain is gone, it's important to condition the leather to keep it soft and supple. Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a clean cloth and gently rub it into the surface of the seats.

Wondering how to get sunscreen out of leather?

Sunscreen is another product that can stain leather upholstery and become difficult to clean due to its chemical composition (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and polyethylene glycol) though there are some solutions to try.

Again, blot the stain and avoid rubbing or scrubbing. 

• Cover the stain with cornstarch or baking soda thoroughly. Let it sit overnight. Check the powder for signs of yellowing. If it has turned yellow, then it absorbed some of, if not all of the sunscreen. Blot the powder with a damp cloth and observe the upholstery for any visible stains, then repeat if needed.
• Spray white vinegar on the stain to lightly dampen the leather. Use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the stain, then immediately blot dry with a clean cloth. (Vinegar can harden and crack leather if left too long.)
• Spray rubbing alcohol on the stain. Use a non-abrasive sponge and scrub lightly. Blot immediately with a clean cloth.
• Leather-friendly degreasers can help dissolve sunscreen compounds. Pour a very small amount on the affected area and use a non-abrasive sponge to lightly scrub it away. Blot immediately.
• If all else fails, ask your auto detailer or service center about a professional leather interior cleaner that removes sunscreen from car interiors.

4. Condition the Leather:

Once you've removed the stain, it's crucial to condition the leather to keep it soft and supple. From here on out, it's all about leather car seat maintenance!

Before conditioning, clean the seats once more to remove any dirt and grime. Use a mild dish soap and water solution, or a specialized leather cleaner, to clean the seats. You may even want to use a vacuum to ensure you get every little speck of filth. Dry.

Once the seats are clean and dry, apply a high-quality leather conditioner to the seats. Use a clean cloth to apply the conditioner in circular motions, working it into the leather. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying time.

After conditioning, it's a good idea to protect the seats from future damage. Apply a leather upholstery protectant to create a barrier against UV rays, moisture, and other environmental factors.

5. Continued Protection:

Protecting leather car seats is a task that should be performed regularly. How often you need to condition and protect your seats will depend on the climate and use of your vehicle, but many professional auto detailers recommend running through the leather upholstery maintenance checklist every three to six months. (This is especially true if you live in very sunny areas such as Miami!)

Here are some additional tips to help you maintain your car's leather interior:

• Avoid harsh cleaning agents: When cleaning your leather seats, avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaning agents that can damage the leather. Stick to mild soap and water solutions or specialized leather cleaners.
• Keep sharp objects away: Sharp objects like keys, pens, or other items can scratch or puncture leather seats. Keep these objects away from your seats to prevent damage.
• Vacuum regularly: Dirt, debris, and crumbs can get trapped in the crevices of your leather seats, causing damage over time. Vacuum your seats regularly to remove any dirt or debris.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Leather can become dry and crack in extreme temperatures, so it's important to keep your car at a moderate temperature. Avoid parking in direct sunlight or extreme cold and hot temperatures.
• Use seat covers: If you have pets or frequently transport messy items, consider using seat covers to protect your leather seats from damage. You can order OEM seat covers and seat protectors from an auto dealer near you.

There you have it, a comprehensive guide to cleaning and maintaining your leather car seats. With a little bit of effort and some TLC, your leather car seats will continue to look and feel luxurious for years to come.

Need specific advice about Bugatti leather seat maintenance? Simply want someone in Miami to do the work for you? Give Braman Bugatti a call at (786) 577-5216 to speak with our experts. We'd be happy to assist you with choosing the best leather car seat cleaners, materials and other products, as well as service to keep your interior looking its best.