Even if you don't tend to travel with passengers, it's important to keep your car seats clean. Not only does a good clean improve the look and feel of your car's seats, but it can also help the upholstery last longer. Whether your new Audi has cloth or leather seating, it's possible to keep the material fresh and clean with just a few items. Read on to learn more about how to clean leather car seats and cloth car seats! 


Tips for Leather Seat Care 

  • Vacuum the Seats: First, you'll want to vacuum the crevices of the seats to get rid of any debris and dust. 

  • Clean the Seating Surfaces: Using a pH-neutral cleaning solution, a microfiber cloth, and a soft-bristled brush, carefully clean the leather. Perforated leather seats can be trickier to clean; make sure the solution doesn't soak into the material. 

  • Condition the Leather: Grab a clean microfiber cloth and use it to massage a leather condition into the material. 

  • Protect the Leather: When parking around Portsmouth, don't expose the car seats to direct sunlight. This can cause the leather to fade and crack. 

Tips for Cloth Seat Care

  • Vacuum the Seats: Just like with leather seats, it's important to start with a clean surface. Be sure to vacuum between the crevices of the seats to remove any debris hidden from view. 

  • Clean the Seating Surfaces: Don't use an all-purpose cleaner. Instead, use a fabric or cloth cleaning product and lightly spray the solution over the seats. Make sure you don't oversaturate. 

  • Scrub the Material: Using a soft-bristled brush, gently scrub the seats one area at a time. Avoid hard-bristled brushes, as they can pull out the material's fibers and damage the seats. Use a microfiber towel to wipe up the suds. 

  • Vacuum Once More: Once you've cleaned the seating surfaces, go over them once again with the vacuum to help facilitate the drying process. 

  • Let the Seats Dry: Give the upholstery time to dry before you drive anywhere. 

What NOT to Use on Leather Seats

If you have leather seats, you need to be especially careful about what you use to keep them clean. Stick to a damp rag or microfiber cloth to give them a quick dusting. If you plan to wash them more thoroughly, use some warm water mixed with a small amount of soap or high-quality leather cleaner. Your owner's manual may contain some recommendations for the best products. In any case, certain products should be avoided at all costs when it comes time to clean your leather seats: 

  • Sharp objects that may scratch

  • Dark cloths

  • Detergents

  • Furniture polish

  • Household cleaner

Rely on Audi Stratham for More Car Care Tips! 

Do you have additional questions about how to clean leather car seats or cloth car seats? Need tips on cleaning other parts of your vehicle, like the inside of the windshield? Perhaps you would like to learn how to repair dents and scratches? Or, would you rather a professional take care of it for you? Contact us at Audi Stratham, or schedule a service appointment today!