Leather Car Seats – How To Remove Stains

Although leather car seats generally resist dirt and stains much better than cloth car seats, leather car seats can still take some wear and tear over time. Stains left untreated for a long time can eventually damage the seats and become impossible to remove. It is important to remove stains as soon as you see them. But you don’t have to wait until you see stains to start cleaning them. Keep your seats clean and prevent permanent stains and discoloration by cleaning them regularly. Below are easy instructions on how to remove stains from your car’s leather seats.

• Oil stains: Cornstarch is a great product not only for cooking, but also for removing oil-based stains. You’ll be amazed how this inexpensive little product you have in your kitchen cupboard will remove oil stains. Food, sweat, or hair stains are oil-based stains and can be removed with cornstarch. Simply rub the cornstarch into the stain with your fingertips. Rub clockwise for about 30 seconds, then counterclockwise for another 30 seconds. Then take a paper towel and hold it down firmly on the stain for about a minute. If cornstarch is not available, you can also try potato starch or talcum powder, although cornstarch has been shown to be the best stain remover for oil-based stains.
• water stains: You would think that water cleans things, not stains them. But water droplets can cause irritating smudge marks. But water stains are not difficult to remove. When you look at the stain, it is not the entire stain that needs to be removed. Only the dark line on the outside of the stain is the actual stain. Once you remove that, the interior isn’t really visible. To remove the outer line, take a damp lint-free microfiber cloth or damp sponge and use the same technique as the paper towel on the oil stain. Keep the sponge or cloth pressed firmly against the stain for a minute or two. Absorb excess moisture with a clean, dry cloth.
• Mold or mildew stains: These stains not only look unsightly, but if left untreated, they will also make your car smell bad. To remove mold or mildew stains, make a solution of half water and half rubbing alcohol. Take a cloth or thick paper towel and use the same method as above.
• Dirt stains: Dirt is perhaps the easiest type of stain to remove. You can use a dry toothbrush to remove any dirt or other debris. If the dirt is especially stubborn and won’t come off, put a little dishwashing liquid on your toothbrush and try scrubbing it again.

Remember, to keep your leather seats looking new for as long as possible, treat the stain as soon as you see it. Don’t let the stain get so thick and caked that you can’t remove it. Getting car seat covers is also a good investment to keep your car seats clean longer. Car seat covers can protect your seats by preventing spills, food, and dirt from falling on them.