How to Clean Leather Car Seats

Many models in our lineup come equipped with leather seats, and virtually every vehicle we sell offers them as an optional upgrade. With this in mind, you should have any trouble understanding why so many Atlanta-area drivers ask our service team about how to clean leather car seats! Although leather is sensitive material, leather seat care is far from difficult when you have the right products on hand. We’ve got you covered.

How to Clean and How to Protect Leather Car Seats

Ready to get started? Take these steps on how to protect leather car seats with the following cleaning process:

1. Carefully vacuum out your seats, and get into the crevices. This will clear away larger debris, so you can avoid scratching the leather.
2. Apply a pH-neutral cleaning solution to your leather upholstery. If your seats are perforated, try to prevent your cleaning product from leaking through to the cushion beneath.
3. With a microfiber cloth and a soft-bristled brush, gently clean your upholstery.
4. Conditioning is just as important as cleaning. Apply a fair amount of conditioner, and work it into the material using your microfiber cloth.
5. Go over the seats again with a dry, clean microfiber cloth. This will ensure an even distribution of conditioner and remove any extra product.

What BMW Leather Cleaners Should Be Used?

If you’re not using the correct products, even the most thorough leather seat care regimen won’t achieve the results you desire. Make sure to use colorless, damp rags without rough fibers, and pick up appropriate BMW leather cleaners at our BMW parts department. Check your owner’s manual for recommendations if you’re unsure of what products to use.

Knowing what not to use is also important. If you’re in a pinch, you might be tempted to use household cleaner, dark cloths, detergents, or furniture polish. Think again, and wait to clean your leather seats until you have exactly what you need.

BMW Leather Cleaners for Proper Seat Care

If you have leather seats, there are a few products you’ll want to steer clear of. It’s best practice to stick with a damp cloth. If you need to wash them more thoroughly, you can mix a small amount of soap with warm water or use a high-quality leather cleaner. Check your owner’s manual to see what type is suggested. Overall, you’re going to want to stay clear of the following cleaning products:

• Detergents
• Dark clothes
• Furniture polish
• Household cleaner

There’s also the brand’s very own BMW leather cleaner kit which comes with its own excellent UV protection as well as 3 sponges and 5 cleaning cloths to help you scrub out any dirt or debris and keep your vehicle looking at its best.

Other Methods on How to Protect BMW Leather Seats

There are many ways you can ensure your luxury leather seats stay intact for years to come with the following tips:

• Keep leather out of the sun for as long as you can. There are many different sun blockers you can invest in that will block these rays from damaging your seats.
• Utilize cotton from old shirts to clean your vehicle instead of using paper towels which can leave scratches on your upholstery.
• Maintain your seats with a leather conditioner to keep your seats looking good as new.
• Buff out your leather seats which will bring out their signature shine.
• When possible keep your windows down to avoid rising temperatures on the inside which can cause damage to your leather seats.

Leather Seat Home Care Tips and Tricks

• It pays to keep a small bottle of leather cleaning solution in your vehicle as you drive around Lawrenceville or Swanee.
• As long as you also stock a few clean microfiber cloths, you’ll have everything you need to manage spills and debris before they set in.
• Store your vehicle indoors or in the shade as often as you can! Sun damage can wreak havoc on leather seats, and extreme temperatures can do damage too.

Cloth Seat Care Tips and Tricks

• Vacuum the seats first to remove any debris. Be sure to also get in between the crevices.
• Take a piece of fabric or cloth cleaning product to lightly spray the seats with a cleaning solution.
• Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the seats one area at a time. Once done, use a microfiber cloth to wipe up suds.
• Go over the seats one more time with the vacuum. This can help clear up leftover debris and dry the seats.
• Make sure your seats dry before you drive.

Our Car Care Team is Here to Help!

Interested in a professional touch or want to learn more about how to clean or how to protect BMW leather seats? Hoping to learn more DIY car care skills to practice in Lawrenceville or Swanee? Schedule service at our Duluth service center, check out our service tips and tricks today, learn how to check your oil, what to do after an accident, learn about the BMW X3 towing capacity, BMW X7 towing capacity, or even find out why you should buy a BMW.