How to Maintain your Leather Interior

Many people don't realize that you need to take good care of leather to make sure it does not harden or even crack over time.  Here are some pointers on caring for your leather interior.

Leather is a resilient material but should still be cleaned about 4 times per year.  Start by vacuuming all leather surfaces to pick up any debris in the stitches or contours.  Then use a slightly damp microfiber towel to wipe off any noticeable residue before moving to the next step.

Next you will need a brush and leather cleaner.  Spray the cleaner on the brush to avoid liquid leaking into your seats through perforations or stitches.  Find a small, inconspicuous place to test the cleaner before applying to the major surfaces.  Make sure the cleaner you have selected is safe before proceeding with larger areas.  Once the cleaning product is verified as safe, gently scrub the major surfaces until everything looks clean.  Wipe dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

You should also condition your leather once a year, due to the Arizona heat.  Its best to do this right after cleaning has finished drying.  There are lots of leather conditioners on the market so look for one that is water based and pH neutral.  Apply to a small test area like with the cleaner.  If it doesnt discolor or stain, you can continue with the rest of the material.  Rub the conditioner in with a soft brush or microfiber cloth.  Massage the product into the leather and wipe any excess away.

Lastly allow the conditioner time to sit and soak into the leather.  Its best to allow this to happen overnight, but a few hours will do as well, just be sure to keep the vehicle out of direct sunlight during this time.  Once set, buff with a clean microfiber cloth and enjoy!