Before cleaning your car, check the recommendations made in your owner’s manual and on the labels of any products you use.

Like most luxuries, leather requires a fair amount of maintenance to keep it looking its best, as it stains easily, dries up over time, and can be damaged by UV rays.

Products created especially for leather contain cleaning agents, conditioners, and UV blockers to clean, moisturize, and protect the leather and keep it looking soft, supple, and natural. Be sure to first test any product you use on an inconspicuous spot for color fading before using it on your seats, door panels, consoles, and dashboards.

Cleaning Leather

• Keeping leather free of dust and lint is one of the most important things that can be done to maintain its look. As dust and dirt settle into creases, they can have a coarse effect on the leather.
• To clean leather, use saddle soap or another cleaning product specially designed for leather. Do not use an all-purpose cleaner on leather.
• In addition, you may use the leather cleaning product to treat stains. See the product label for details.
• Spots and scuff marks can sometimes be removed with a pencil eraser, especially on lighter leather.
• Ink and pencil marks can be lifted with hairspray-be sure to first test on an inconspicuous spot. After spraying the hairspray on the ink or pencil stain, blot with a paper towel to remove it.

Conditioning and Protecting

• After cleaning the leather, dress it with a leather conditioner or protectant to prevent drying and cracking. Again, make sure the product is specially designed for leather.
• Leather protectants typically provide protection from spills, stains, and/or sun damage by including UV blockers/inhibitors that combat fading and premature aging.