What is the best thing to clean leather seats in a car with?

Keeping your car's leather seats looking their best requires the right cleaning method. The best thing to use for cleaning leather seats is a specialized leather cleaner that is designed to gently remove dirt and grime without damaging the material. This article will provide a detailed guide on the proper way to clean leather seats in your vehicle.

Why Use a Leather Cleaner?

Regular soap and water or all-purpose cleaners can be too harsh for delicate leather seats, potentially causing them to dry out, crack, or become discolored over time. A dedicated leather cleaner is formulated to clean the leather without stripping away its natural oils and protective coatings. This helps preserve the soft, supple feel and appearance of the leather.

Steps for Cleaning Leather Seats

• Vacuum the seats first: Use the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dirt, crumbs, or debris from the surface of the leather.


• Apply the leather cleaner: Spray or wipe the cleaner directly onto the leather, following the product instructions. Gently rub it in using a soft microfiber cloth.


• Wipe away the cleaner: Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to wipe away any excess cleaner from the seats.


• Condition the leather: After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to help keep the seats soft, supple, and protected.

By following these steps and using a high-quality leather cleaner, you can keep your car's leather seats looking their best for years to come.

What do car dealerships use to clean leather?

Dealerships typically use professional-grade leather cleaners and conditioners that deeply clean, restore, and protect leather surfaces. What do detailers use to clean the interior of a car? Detailers commonly use commercial-quality cleaners, microfiber towels, brushes, and specialized equipment for thorough cleaning.

What household products can I use to clean the inside of my car?

You can use common household products like vinegar, dish soap, baking soda, and rubbing alcohol to clean your car's interior, but always mix them with water and test them on an inconspicuous spot first. For general cleaning, mix equal parts white vinegar and water for upholstery or use a small amount of dish soap with warm water. For specific tasks, rubbing alcohol works for stains, and baking soda can be used to absorb odors. 
Cleaning solutions by surface

• General cleaning and upholstery:
  • Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water in a spray bottle. 
  • For tougher spots, use a solution of a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water. 
  • Always test a small, hidden area first to avoid discoloration. 
• Hard surfaces (dashboards, center console):
  • Wipe down surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth and a diluted vinegar or dish soap solution. 
  • Use rubbing alcohol on a cloth for a streak-free shine on hard, non-porous surfaces. 
  • Disinfectant wipes can also be used on high-touch areas like the steering wheel and gear shift. 
• Windows:
  • Use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water or rubbing alcohol and water. 
  • Wipe with a lint-free microfiber cloth or newspaper. 
• Leather seats:
  • Wipe with a solution of equal parts olive oil and white vinegar for conditioning and cleaning. 

Odor and stain removal

• Odors: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and seats, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up to absorb smells. 
• Stains: Dab stains with a small amount of rubbing alcohol. For greasy spots on fabric, try sprinkling cornstarch or baking soda on the stain, letting it soak up the grease, and then vacuuming it up. 

Other useful household items

• Toothpaste: Can be used to clean scuffs on leather and polish foggy headlights. 
• Old toothbrush: Ideal for scrubbing hard-to-reach areas like air vents and around buttons. 
• Melamine foam sponge: Effective for scrubbing and removing scuffs from hard surfaces. 

What can I use to clean my leather seats in my car?

You can clean leather car seats using a specialized leather cleaner, a mild soap and water solution, or a DIY mixture of water and vinegar. Always start by vacuuming the seats to remove loose dirt, then apply your chosen cleaner with a microfiber towel and a soft-bristled brush, wiping the surface clean and dry with another soft cloth. 
This video demonstrates the entire process of cleaning leather car seats, including vacuuming, cleaning, and conditioning: 1mChemical GuysYouTube · Jun 5, 2024
Cleaning methods

• Specialized leather cleaner: These products are formulated to clean and protect leather, and often come as part of a kit with a conditioner. Apply the cleaner to a microfiber towel and wipe gently, using a soft-bristled brush for tougher spots. 
• Mild soap and water: For routine cleaning, a solution of a few drops of mild dish soap or Castile soap in water can be effective. Use a damp cloth and wipe the seats evenly, then dry them immediately with a clean, soft cloth to prevent water spots. 
• DIY vinegar solution: A mixture of one part white vinegar to two parts linseed oil can be used as a cleaner. Another option is to mix one cup of vinegar with a gallon of hot water for a more general cleaning solution. 
• Club soda: A spray bottle of club soda can be used to scrub out stains with a soft-bristle brush, wiping away dirt as it surfaces. 

Tools and supplies

• Microfiber towels: These are ideal for cleaning and drying leather because their fine fibers are highly absorbent and won't scratch the surface. 
• Soft-bristled brush: This is useful for agitating the cleaner and lifting dirt from the leather's surface and crevices without causing damage. 

Important tips

• Vacuum first: Always vacuum the seats to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris before you begin cleaning. 
• Test first: Before applying any cleaner to your seats, test it on an inconspicuous area to ensure it won't cause damage or discoloration. 
• Avoid harsh products: Never use harsh chemicals like bleach, laundry detergents, or abrasive cleaners on leather seats. 
• Don't oversaturate: Avoid getting the leather too wet, especially with soap and water, and dry it quickly and evenly. 
• Consider conditioning: After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to keep the material soft and protected. 
• Address spills immediately: Clean up spills as soon as possible to prevent stains from setting in. 

Can I use Dawn to clean leather car seats?

No, you should not use Dawn on leather car seats because it is too harsh and can strip the natural oils from the leather, leading to damage over time. It's best to use a cleaner specifically made for leather or a very mild solution of a pH-neutral soap and water, and always follow up with a leather conditioner on genuine leather. 
Why you should avoid Dawn

• It's a degreaser: Dawn is designed to break down grease on dishes, and it can do the same to the natural oils in leather, making it dry and brittle. 
• It can leave a residue: Some sources say dish soap leaves a film on surfaces that can interfere with other products. 
• Specialty cleaners are formulated for leather: Leather-specific cleaners are designed to clean effectively without damaging the material's delicate structure and natural oils. 

Safer alternatives for cleaning leather

• Dedicated leather cleaner: This is the best and safest option. It is formulated to clean leather without stripping it of its natural oils. 
• Mild soap and water: If you don't have a leather cleaner, a very diluted solution of mild, pH-neutral soap (not dish soap) and warm water can be used. Make sure to wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth afterward to rinse off all soap residue. 
• White vinegar and linseed oil: A solution of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts linseed oil is another option, though it is best to follow manufacturer instructions for your specific vehicle and test it in an inconspicuous area first. 

Important considerations

• Condition the leather: After cleaning, always apply a leather conditioner to help replenish moisture and protect the seats. True leather benefits from conditioner, but newer, synthetic leather may not, so check your owner's manual. 
• Check your owner's manual: Before using any product, consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific cleaning recommendations or products to avoid. 
• Test first: Always test any new cleaner in a small, hidden spot to make sure it doesn't cause discoloration or damage.