A car is not just a set of complicated machinery but also holds an emotional and physical value for the owner. Anyone who purchased a car can vouch that they love it nothing less than a partner, and pay extra attention to its care, maintenance, and upgrades. Of course, there is always a section of society that does not care for the beast machine, but we are concentrating on the other sector in this article.

From your rims to the car seats, there are many options available to upgrade and design the vehicle as per the owner’s expectation. One of the most elite options and picks among many car owners is the faux leather seat. This upholstery not only gives the car a very royal quality but also enhances the overall look. Moreover, it is comfortable and always in style. I mean, what doesn’t look good with leather?

In this article, we will be talking about how to care for faux leather car seats. Let’s get started!

What is Faux Leather?

Before we address the bigger topics, let’s first have a look at the basics.

Faux Leather, also known as Vegan Leather or Fake’ Leather, is essentially a synthetic material that is designed with leather-like grain and is backed with fabric. It’s not the usual animal-procured leather, but a man-made product that allows you to enjoy the same feel and look of real leather. There are different make and qualities of Faux leather with the most common ones being PVC (polyvinyl chloride), Polyurethane and Polyamide microfibre.

Since we are talking about how to care for faux leather car seats, it is a good point to mention that faux leather is easy to clean and maintain. They do not require particular care like real leather, and with a few tips and tricks, your car seats would be as good as new.

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How to care for Faux Leather Car Seats- Tips and Tricks

1. Protection is extremely important

Faux Leather might just look like real leather, but has different properties. However, a few cleaning and maintenance tips can be applied to faux leather also. As leather needs a protective layer to keep it safe and sound, faux leather also requires protection. However, real weather absorbs the protective treatment, whereas faux leather keeps it on the surface.

Make sure you use a protective treatment to apply a thin layer, making the seats easier to clean in the future. Since faux leather cannot take harsh cleaners, the protective layer helps with that.

The idea is to use a mild cleanser along with the conditioner that will protect the surface. In case there are crumbs and dirt, you can always vacuum with a soft brush before moving forward. 

2. Regular Mild Cleaning Sessions are a must

When it comes to cleaning faux leather, the only piece of cleaning advice that works is ‘Go Mild’. Harsh cleaner or detergents are the biggest enemies of the leather, and it might even cause them to break and tear. Moreover, harsh detergents cause drying of the product, snatching away their shine and royal quality.

It is a good habit to regularly clean the upholstery to avoid any build-up of dirt and grime. Use warm water with washing up liquid and a non-abrasive cloth. Make sure the cloth is not dripping wet, and then wipe over the seats. Use a microfiber cloth next, to avoid any building up of marks.

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3. Precautions to take while maintaining faux leather

Sunlight

Sunlight is the biggest enemy of faux leather since it dried it out. Make sure you park the car in the shade, especially when the sun is blazing out.

Colour transference

If you notice any colour transfer onto the faux leather, make sure you wipe it as soon as possible. These kinds of strain can leave their mark if not treated quickly. Even if you feel the colour is very light, it is a good idea to wipe it down in case it darkens after a while.

New Products require test

If you’re trying out a new product on your faux leather, it is advised to check on a hidden part. It will allow you to ensure there is no adverse reaction. Once it dries, have a look to see how the finished product looks.

Bleach is a big NO!

Bleach is one of the most drying products that you can ever use on your car seats. Apart from drying, it might affect the structure of the fabric, leading to a large patch or area affected by breach treatment. Even if you’re successful with bleach treatment, it might make that area extremely susceptible to cracking, compromising the overall quality of the interiors.

Use non-abrasive cloths

Using abrasive cloths to rub/scrub any surface might lead to damage and crack of the faux leather. It is advised to use a non-abrasive cloth and mild, circular action for accurate results.

Wipe it off!

After you are done cleaning with the mild cleaner, it is a good idea to run down a piece of dry cloth afterwards. Cleaners are meant to do the job but are not meant to be left on the surface for a long period of time.

This brings us to the end of our article on how to care for faux leather seats. In a nutshell, you need to avoid anything harsh, use only the designated products, and keep it away from sunlight. If you’re any questions or doubts, feel free to drop a comment below. For more such articles, keep watching this space.