When neglected, leather seats are susceptible to scratches, stains, and cracks.

The color can also fade if not properly treated.

You should clean more frequently if your seats see heavy use from multiple passengers or pets in the car.

Black leather car seats being cleaned with spray cleaner and brush closeup

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Additionally, light-colored leather typically needs more frequent cleaning than dark-colored leather.

“Therefore, I would recommend buying a leather cleaner.”

When you’ve finished with the first microfiber cloth, wipe once more with a second, drymicrofiber cloth.

Materials and tools to clean leather car seats

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Varela says a store-bought leather conditioner works wonders.

Return with a new, clean microfiber towel and blot the surface to remove any excess product.

This will ensure the leather conditioner fully absorbs into the fabric.

Black leather car seats being vacuumed with dust brush attachment

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Want more cleaning and organizing tips?

Most leather conditioners should be applied once every three months.

Most experts recommend you avoid detergents like Dawn and instead stick to cleaners and solutions designed uniquely for leather.

Leather cleaner sprayed on front car seats

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

It is okay toclean leather seatswith water, but not water alone.

You will also need a cleaner designed specifically for leather.

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Leather cleaner wiped on black car seats with microfiber cloth

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

White leather conditioner sprayed and wiped on black leather car seat

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Black leather car seats let to sit with leather cleaner and air dry

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska