Leather vs Cloth Car Seats – What’s the Difference in Cleaning?
You can’t clean leather the same way you clean cloth. Here’s how to treat each the right way for long-lasting results.
Why Material Matters
Leather is more delicate. Cloth is more absorbent. Vinyl sits somewhere in the middle. Each surface reacts differently to moisture, agitation, and cleaners—and if you don’t tailor your approach, you can cause staining, cracking, or discoloration.
Cleaning Leather Car Seats
- Cleaner: Use a gentle, pH-balanced interior product like Complete Cabin Cleaner.
- Tool: Use a soft bristle brush or microfiber towel. Never use a scrub pad or abrasive tool.
- Technique: Lightly mist your towel (not the seat) and gently wipe. Avoid excess product or water.
- Aftercare: Follow up with All Dressed Up diluted 4:1 for a soft, matte finish that keeps leather looking and feeling supple.
Cleaning Cloth Car Seats
- Cleaner: Again, use Complete Cabin Cleaner. It’s safe and won’t leave behind residue or stains.
- Tool: Use a Scrub Buddy Pad or a gentle fabric brush.
- Technique: Mist the pad or brush lightly and gently agitate. Do not soak the seat. Immediately follow with a microfiber towel to lift away dirt and moisture.
- Drying: Always use a dry towel after cleaning to prevent water rings or mold growth.
Which One Is Easier to Maintain?
Cloth seats tend to show stains more easily, but they don’t crack or fade like leather. Leather requires occasional conditioning, but it wipes clean faster when maintained regularly. Either way, using the right tools and products makes a huge difference.
Pro Tip: Check for Perforations
If your leather or cloth seats have perforated holes, be extra cautious about oversaturation. Spray your cleaner onto the tool—not directly onto the seat.
Final Thoughts
Leather and cloth seats each require a different approach, but one cleaner can handle both—when paired with the right technique. Keep your interior looking factory-fresh with gentle products, light pressure, and proper drying.
