Leather seats are an investment in luxury, comfort, and style. However, they are also an investment of money. Leather seats are durable but they aren’t invincible. If you’re looking for a seat that will never wear then stainless steel is about your only option. Unless you’re a robot (if you are we still welcome your business) than learning about leather seat repair and prevention is a more practical option to protect your investment. We have covered how to care for Vinyl and today we’ll dive into the nitty gritty of leather care. Leather is classy—we’ll help you keep it that way. Let’s get started.
Being proactive is a better (and less expensive) option to fixing damage later on. Here are a few precautions to keep your leather looking strong, supple, and sophisticated.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that the sun is a blazing fireball of nuclear explosions. When viewed in that light, the sun sounds a lot more dangerous. A warm day may be pleasant for us, but it’s very damaging for your leather seats. After a while the leather will start to crack. A windshield cover is a good idea or a seat cover will do that same job.
A dirty interior will wear down and fade leather over time and make it more likely to tear. It doesn’t have to be deep clean. The first step is always to vacuum up any dirt or crumbs. After that, there are a few different options for washing the leather. The first is just to gently wipe it down with a moist cloth (not the best option but it works). The better option is to use a leather conditioner or an alcohol cleaning solution. If the leather does stain you can use baking soda, toothpaste, or lemon juice with cream tartar. When you’re done MAKE SURE to dry the leather completely with a towel or blow dryer.
Damage Repair
*sigh*. . . despite your careful planning the leather starts to crack. Thank you, Life, you’ve done it again. Luckily, your leather seats aren’t doomed to a slow death of tears and cracks and drying out. Follow these steps for leather seat repair and help your leather recover from anything Life throws at it.
Repairing Cracks
Leather is durable and can last for up to 20 years. As the years go by, though, cracks are a sign that the leather needs to be cared for. These are the items you’ll need to get for the repair: Leather conditioner, sandpaper, alcohol cleaner, leather binder, leather colorant (make sure it matches your seat’s color).
- Clean the leather following the steps from ‘Keep the Seats Clean’. The seats need to be free from dirt and grime to prevent the seats becoming more damaged.
- Use sandpaper to gently sand the cracks until they aren’t so pronounced. The homemade option is to apply a little bit of oil and smooth the cracks with the back of a spoon.
- Wipe the seats down with an alcohol cleaner and let dry.
- Coat the seats in a leather binder and wipe away any excess that might pool in the cracks or between the seats. Let it dry completely and repeat at least 5 times.
- Buy a leather colorant that’s the same color as your seats. Use a sponge or a soft to cloth to work the colorant into the cracks. If it doesn’t cover up all the cracks, let it dry and apply another coat of colorant.
Repairing Tears
Unlike cracks, there isn’t much you can do to prevent a tear. The only thing you can do to prevent a tear is to avoid putting any heavy items or items with hard edges on the seats. Other than that, it’s up to fate. Before you start you’ll need these items: Matching leather thread, needle, scissors, matching leather strip, leather colorant. For tears you have two options for repair.
- Use the scissors to cut away all the threads from the tear. If the tear is small enough then you can use the needle and thread to sew the leather back together without using the leather strip. Once that is done apply the leather colorant and gently sand the tear until the tear isn’t as obvious.
- For larger tears, you follow the same steps except you place the leather strip UNDER the tear, not over it. Then you can sew the two sides of the tear to the leather strip and then apply the colorant. Some people use a leather-safe adhesive instead of sewing, but this is less likely to last.
What if I Can’t Repair the Leather?
Sometimes the damage is just too much. Perhaps you don’t have the time or the resources. We can’t always prepare for every curveball that comes our way. Luckily, there are specialists who are passionate about leather seat repair. If you want to take your car to the best upholstery specialists then contact us at VIP European Auto. We will deliver the best quality service every time.
The leather seats in your car are one of the most expensive features on it. The cost of replacing them can be very high, not to mention how much you will spend on new clothes for when they get messy after eating a meal while driving! What’s more, if you have kids or pets who like to rest their feet on the seat, then these people (or animals) could be inadvertently causing damage.
That is why you may want to check a few expert tips and tricks about how to keep leather seats from cracking so that you don’t have any problems down the road.
Things to Do for Keeping Leather Seats from Cracks:
1) Park in the shade when you can
The sun is one of the biggest culprits for leather cracking. If you can’t park in the shade, at least make sure your car isn’t parked in direct sunlight. If it’s hot and sunny outside, consider using a sunshade to keep your car from getting too hot. The seats will be grateful [1].
2) Crack open a window on hot days
When it’s hot outside, crack open a window to let some air in and help keep your seats cool.
Bonus: this will also save you from having to blast the AC on high all the time which isn’t great for your car or your wallet.
3) Use a sunshade
Sunshades are available at most automotive stores. Be sure to get one that fits well so it doesn’t flap in the wind.
4) Clean your leather seats regularly
Leather needs to be cleaned and conditioned regularly to look its best.
You’ll want to clean the seats every few weeks with mild soap and water, then condition them regularly. Most car owners recommend doing this once per month if you live in an area that’s prone to high heat and humidity (or rain). Be sure to use only approved products on your car! Oils from foods like cheese, steak, fish & chicken will stain leather over time making it look dirty. Don’t eat food while sitting on the seats!
Also, a good leather cleaner and conditioner can be bought at any automotive store. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle carefully.
5) Install seat covers
If you’re not up for cleaning your leather seats every few weeks, consider installing seat covers. This will protect your seats from UV effects, cracks, spills, dirt, and other debris. There are many different types and styles of seat covers available, so be sure to find ones that fit your car and lifestyle.
6) Tint your windows
Window tinting will help keep the interior of your car cooler, and in turn, help keep your leather seats from cracking.
7) Vacuum with a soft bristle attachment
Regular vacuuming using a soft bristle attachment will help keep the dirt and dust off your leather seats. This will also help condition the leather over time.
8) Keep sharp objects off the seats
Don’t put sharp objects on your seats. If you have to, place a towel or blanket over them first. This way if anything spills onto the seat it won’t penetrate right through and stain the leather permanently (like coffee).
Bonus: sharp things like umbrellas should be stored in an umbrella holder that attaches securely to the door frame so they don’t poke through from behind into your backseat passengers!
FAQ
1. Why are my leather car seats cracking?
When the leather car seats are cracked, the causes could be many. However, one of the most common reasons is that you have not cleaned your vehicle regularly or in an appropriate manner based on how heavy traffic conditions and climate changes affect it. The cracks can develop into holes due to continued use without cleaning and restoring them with a suitable conditioner product for them.
This will make driving difficult as there would be discomfort while sitting in certain positions or when prolonged pressure points like your hips or buttocks put too much stress on these areas of your seat cover which may eventually become permanently damaged
Proper maintenance of leather products helps keep their natural appearance longer than usual by avoiding exposure to harsh environmental elements such as direct sunlight and high temperatures.
2. How do you maintain leather car seats?
Genuine leather seats are susceptible to cracking. This is why you need a leather conditioner for your car’s interior, which will keep the material supple and hydrated. By regularly applying these products to your car’s upholstery, you can preserve its original appearance over time.
There are a few key things to keep in mind when caring for leather car seats [2]:
- Make sure to read the product instructions carefully, as some conditioners should not be used on light-colored leather;
- Avoid getting the conditioner near the seams of the seats, as it can make them brittle over time;
- Apply a small amount of conditioner to a soft cloth and gently rub it into the surface of the leather. Be sure to apply it evenly, and avoid using too much pressure, which could damage the material;
- Allow the conditioner to soak in before wiping off any excess with a clean cloth;
Leather is a beautiful and luxurious material that can add an extra touch of class to your car’s interior. By taking proper care of it, you can keep it looking its best for years to come. For more information on leather car seat maintenance, please consult your local auto dealer or online resources.
3. Do seat covers keep leather from cracking?
Leather seat covers can help to protect your car’s leather seats from cracking and fading. They are also a great way to keep your seats clean and free of dust, dirt, and other debris. There are a variety of different types and styles of leather seat covers available on the market, so be sure to select the right one for your vehicle.
Installation of leather seat covers is usually a simple process, and they can be easily removed for cleaning. When choosing a set of seat covers, make sure to select one that is made from high-quality materials and fits your car’s seats snugly.
4. How can I make my leather seats soft again?
Here is how you can make it [3]:
- Clean the entire seat surface completely. Rub a liquid leather cleaner such as those available at your local auto store over the whole leather surface. Make sure to clean out all of the nooks and crannies in the seat. Allow the leather cleaner to sit for a few minutes on the seat before wiping it away with a paper towel or clean cloth to ensure that no excess remains;
- Fill a clean cloth with water and then saddle soap. Using the cloth, create a good foam before carefully working the saddle soap into the seat leather surface. Again, make sure you get down into all of the tiny nooks and crannies in the seat. Concentrate on any areas that are dry, cracked, or otherwise damaged to ensure that they are properly cared for;
- Check the color code for your car’s seats by examining the label on the inside of the driver’s side door. Many manufacturers include important information such as paint codes, interior codes, and seat color codes in this location;
- Apply the color restorer liberally to the seats and rub it in. Wipe away any excess with a paper towel or clean cloth if necessary;
- If the seats are black in color, use mink oil on them. Because mink oil may stain leather, it should not be used on light-colored car seats. Mink oil will make the leather darker and softer overtime, so apply it periodically to keep it from getting wet and becoming damaged;
5. How do you repair cracked leather?
If the leather is cracked but not broken, you can try to repair it with a commercial leather patch or sealant. First, clean the area around the crack with a mild soap and water solution. Dry the area completely, then apply the leather patch or sealant according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the leather is broken, you will need to replace it. Consult a professional upholsterer for advice on how to do this.
One way to help keep your leather seats from cracking is to condition them regularly. There are many different types of leather conditioners available at auto parts stores or online. Choose one that is made specifically for automotive use.
Use a soft cloth to apply the conditioner, then wipe off the excess with another dampened cloth. Allow the leather to dry completely before using it again. Repeat this process once every six months or so. You will be able to keep your automotive leather looking brand new for years to come if you take proper care of it!
6. How do you restore dry leather car seats?
If your leather car seats are dry, it’s time to restore them. You can do this by using a commercial leather cleaner and conditioner or you may choose to use products that you already have around the house such as saddle soap and mink oil (make sure they’re not scented).
Use a soft cloth or sponge when cleaning. Avoid abrasive cleaners like those made with alcohol. After wiping down the area, apply the leather conditioner according to package instructions.
Allow all of these items sufficient time to soak in before buffing off excess product with another clean towel. Repeat this process every 6 months for the best results!
7. Is lanolin good for leather car seats?
Linen can be a wonderful moisturizer, but it softens leathers more than an over-the-counter brand-name leather conditioner. This may be acceptable in certain instances, such as jackets, shoes, and wallets. Many individuals prefer their leather to feel hard and rough [4].
8. Does heat make leather crack?
It heats up leather, which dries it out. The drying process can damage the leather and make cracks more prominent. Leather is a natural material that comes from animal skin. It has pores, just like human skin does. Heat expands these pores and causes them to stretch beyond their limits; when the air cools down again, the leather shrinks back into its original shape with all of those stretched-out features still present.
The heat also breaks apart some of the chemical bonds in proteins found within cowhide so they become brittle and weak instead of flexible. As you continue to apply heat without applying any moisturizer or conditioner, your seat will develop permanent creases because nothing increases flexibility.
Other materials that heat up include plastic, vinyl, and rubber – all of which are commonly used to make car interiors. Leather is more delicate than these items so it does not fare well under the same extreme temperatures.
9. Can you put Armor All on leather?
Leather Wipes from Armor-All can be used on almost every leather surface, including treated leather furniture, apparel, and automobile seats. Their specially developed cleaners help to keep your leather looking new whether in your car or at home [5].
10. Can Murphy Oil Soap be used on leather?
You may use Murphy Oil Soap as a leather conditioner on your automobile’s dashboard or upholstery (not cloth), and it would also work well on leather furniture. Work the substance evenly over the region, then buff it with a clean towel [6].
11. How can I make my leather seats look new?
Use a leather cleaner and conditioner to restore that new-car look. Clean your car’s seat by sponging it with warm water, then use the mildest soap you can find followed by a thorough rinsing of clean water.
After drying off any excess moisture from the seats (this is important), apply some sort of leather conditioner using an applicator sponge or soft cloth. You may also purchase what is known as “leather dressing” at most auto parts stores.
It might take several applications overtime to get all the way down into older cracks and fill them in completely. Continue this process until you have achieved optimum results for your specific vehicle.
Useful Video: How To Prevent Leather Cracks – Chemical Guys Car Care
References:
- //www.sundevilauto.com/how-to-keep-your-cars-leather-seats-from-cracking
- //www.banisters.com/how-to-prevent-auto-interior-leather-from-cracking-in-the-winter
- //itstillruns.com/soften-stiff-leather-car-seats-5959764.html
- //www.galenleather.com/blogs/news/leather-conditioning
- //www.armorall.com/expert-tips/faqs/interior-faqs
- //www.murphyoilsoap.com/murphy-home-care/murphy-oil-soap-uses