How to Clean Leather Car Seats of Tire Dirt

If you do not properly care for your car's leather seats, they may become dry and brittle. If you must transport a used tire, tire dirt, grease and debris can make a mess of your leather car seats. It is important to clean the leather seats right away to prevent further staining or damage.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum
• Leather cleaner
• Leather scrub brush
• Soft rag

Instructions

1. Attach a soft upholstery brush to the vacuum. Turn the vacuum on and brush over the tire-dirt stain. Apply light pressure so the brush does not scratch or tear the leather seat. Begin vacuuming at the top of the stain and pull the brush towards you, repeating this motion until the surface grime is removed.

2. Spray the dirty area with the leather cleaner. Hold the sprayer roughly 5 inches from the stain, misting the entire area until it is soaked. Let the solution sit on the tire dirt for four minutes.

3. Brush the stained area with a leather brush using light pressure. Scrub left and right over the stain in rows.

4. Wipe the leather car seat with the soft rag. Rub in a circular motion to remove any remaining cleaner and to condition the seat.

Tips & Warnings

• Use leather cleaner that does not contain alcohol. Also, find one with designed to clean tough grease and dirt stains.

• If the tire dirt stain is still visible, repeat steps 2 to 4.

• Always test the leather cleaner on a hidden portion of the seat. Some cleaners may lighten or change the color of the leather.

• Never use harsh cleaners or brushes on a leather surface. Leather is delicate and may rip or scratch easily.