How to Clean a Leather Top on a Car
A leather top can add a definitive class and style to your automobile. The one downfall of employing this type of decoration is cleaning the leather itself. Leather is a delicate material that has to be cleaned a certain way and, if not cared for, can be permanently ruined. Because the top of the car protects the rest from weather, it can collect rainwater, making it more prone to grow dangerous mold. The top also collects dirt, grime, leaves and other debris. Thankfully there are products and procedures for caring for leather car tops that can keep the hood of your car looking fresh and new.
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Things You'll Need
- Broom
- Hose
- Leather cleaner
- Microfiber cloth or leather brush
- Leather conditioner (optional)
Instructions
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1
Purchase leather cleaner and microfiber cloth or a leather brush from an automotive supply store. You can also find these products at leather stores or from Internet retailers.
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2
Brush surface debris from the top of your car with a broom. Remove any loose dirt, leaves, stick and other detritus so that it does not interfere with the cleaning products. You can also use the attachment from a vacuum cleaner to remove this debris.
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3
Apply a light layer of leather cleaner to the cloth or brush. You don't want to use too much at one time as you don't want to saturate the car top.
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4
Rub in small circles on an area of your car top until it is covered with cleaner. Move one small section at a time so that the cleaner does not dry on the top.
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5
Follow product instructions regarding rinsing the cleaner. Some cleaners need to be rinsed from the top while others will simply be absorbed. If you need to rinse, leave the cleaner in place for 5 to 10 minutes for it to work, but do not let it dry. Use clean water from a hose to rinse away.
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Repeat steps four and five until the entire car top is clean. Allow cleaner to dry completely.
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7
Apply leather conditioner if you want to; this is also available at automotive or leather stores. Rub the conditioner onto the leather with a microfiber cloth. Conditioner is waterproof and will help the roof to resist the growth of mold.
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Tips & Warnings
If the top of your car is a convertible, clean all areas that are visible when the top is lowered and the support systems for retracting the roof when you clean the top itself.
Spot test all cleaners on a spare piece of leather or an inconspicuous area of the roof to be sure there will be no damage or discoloring.
