How to Clean Leather Seats

Leather seats are expensive. Keep them looking that way with a little cleaning and conditioning.

Step 1: Park the car in a shady area.
Step 2: Vacuum the seats thoroughly, making sure to remove all debris in the crevices.
Step 3: Apply leather cleaning solution to a dry sponge, and wipe one seat with circular motions until it's covered with cleaner.
TIP: For stubborn stains, try mixing equal parts lemon juice and cream of tartar and rub the paste into the spot—just make sure to test it on an inconspicuous place first.
Step 4: Dry the seat with a cloth.
Step 5: Repeat with the other seats one at a time, rubbing the cleaning solution on with a sponge and then drying with a cloth.
Step 6: When all the seats are clean and dry, apply leather conditioner to a clean cotton cloth. To protect leather from the sun, use one that contains sunscreen.
TIP: For quick clean-ups, use leather wipes, sold in auto parts stores, that contain both cleaner and conditioner.
Step 7: Wipe down the seats with the conditioner.
Step 8: Let the seats dry for at least an hour. They should now be as clean and soft as when the car rolled out of the factory.
FACT: The Italian Pagani Zonda S racecar comes with a pair of driving shoes made of the same leather as the car's interior.