How To Clean Leather Car Seats

Headed home to Niagara in a new Mercedes-Benz sedan with luxurious leather seating? If this is your first leather-appointed vehicle, you’ll want to know how to keep that beautiful like-new gleam as long as possible! Below, we’ll look at how to clean leather car seats safely, so you can enjoy your Mercedes-Benz interior for many years to come!

How to Keep Leather Seats Looking Like New

Although you should bring your Niagara-on-the-Lake Mercedes-Benz vehicle by for a professional deep-cleaning every 6 months or so, taking a few minutes to clean and condition your car seat leather once a week goes a long way toward preserving your upholstery over time. Below, we outline how to clean leather car seats at home:

• Dusting — Lightly dust your car seats with a light rag to remove dirt and particles that could scratch the leather.
• Vacuuming — In addition to vacuuming regularly, you should vacuum your seats immediately before applying any cleaning product to the seat leather. Otherwise, dirt and debris could scratch the leather as you attempt to clean it. Use a vacuum extension without rough bristles.
• Safe Cleaning Supplies — Select your cleaning supplies carefully! If you buy supplies outside of a Mercedes-Benz certified dealership, do your research and find out if they’re safe to use on your Mercedes-Benz upholstery.
• Proper Cleaning Technique — Lightly apply cleaning solution to the leather (or a cloth) one area at a time, then rub conditioner thoroughly into the leather with a microfiber cloth. Don’t let the cleaning solution dry on the leather! For perforated leather, apply especially lightly so that cleaning fluid doesn’t soak through the perforations.
• Routine Conditioning — Weekly conditioning creates a protective barrier against scratches and stains. Microfiber cloths are best for applying conditioner because they don’t disturb the leather.
• Avoid Sun Damage — Long-term exposure to bright sunlight can leave your car seat leather looking dull and bleached-out. If you don’t have the option to park inside, choose a shady parking spot as often as possible — or try a window sun shade.

Safe Cleaning Products for Leather Seat Care

As we noted above, proper leather seat care includes using the right cleaning products and supplies. Not all leather cleaners are safe for your Mercedes-Benz upholstery, and the wrong supplies could cause irreversible damage to the leather. Before you start, have the following supplies on hand:

• PH-neutral cleaning solution
• Stack of microfiber cloths
• Soft-bristled brush
• Genuine Mercedes-Benz Leather Care products

You can pick up specially-formulated genuine Mercedes-Benz leather cleaners, leather conditioners, interior cleaners, full Leather Car Kits and more at the Performance Mercedes-Benz service centre.

Preventing Damage: Products to Avoid

Sometimes spills happen without warning in Pelham, so you may need to know how to clean leather car seats when you don’t have a leather conditioner or cleaner on hand. In a pinch, water and a few drops of household liquid soap should do the trick. However,  you should avoid the following household items at all costs:

• Sharp objects that may scratch
• Household spray or liquid cleaner
• Dark-colored cloths
• Detergents
• Furniture polish

Find Reliable Mercedes-Benz Auto Maintenance in St Catharines

Feel free to contact our service centre to speak with an expert technician about leather seat care. We’re also happy to answer any questions you might have about routine maintenance appointments for your make and model. Performance Mercedes-Benz is your go-to for genuine parts, cleaning supplies, accessories, and more!