How to Remove Stains From Leather Interior

Leather seats and interior are an upgrade for most vehicles.

Leather interior adds to your car's comfort and appearance. Since you typically pay more for leather interior in a car, take extra measures to ensure it stays clean. Tackle stains on your leather interior as quickly as possible for the easiest stain removal. Use supplies found in the home to remove a variety of stains and restore the look of your leather interior.

Things You'll Need

• Spoon or spatula
• Trash bag
• Paper towels
• Cleaning cloths
• Mild dishwashing detergent
• Cotton balls
• Rubbing alcohol
• Clothing iron

Instructions

1. Scoop up any solid stain substance using a spoon or spatula. Dispose of it in a trash bag.

2. Remove water and other liquid stains by wicking up the moisture with paper towels. Change to a clean paper towel frequently, and continue to blot until no additional liquid transfers to the paper towel. Open windows to speed the drying process and ensure no water soaks into the pores of the leather.

3. Treat food stains by dampening a clean cloth with water. Add a drop or two of mild dishwashing liquid and rub the cloth together to create soap suds. Wipe the food stain from the leather, using a bit more scrubbing action where the stain is heaviest. Follow by rinsing the area with a clean cloth dampened with cool water, then dry your leather interior with another clean towel.

4. 

   Act fast when dealing with ink stains.

   Tackle ink stains on your leather interior as quickly as possible. Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and squeeze out the excess. Dab at the ink stain from the outside of the stain, working your way in. Change to a fresh cotton ball dampened with rubbing alcohol and repeat as the stain gets lighter. Once the ink stain is removed from your leather interior, follow by wiping the area with a cloth dampened in water. Dry with a different clean cloth.

5. Remove crayon or other wax-based stains from your leather car interior by placing a paper towel over the crayon stain. Heat a clothing iron to the lowest setting, then rub it over the stain and paper towel. The heat from the iron will melt the wax and cause the crayon stain to transfer to the paper towel. Do not use a higher heat setting on your iron, as this may damage the leather.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a supply of paper towels in your glove compartment for quick wipe-ups of stains and spills.

• Avoid the temptation to tend to spills while driving. Arrive at your destination safely, then tend to spills and stains.

References

• I Love India: How To Remove Stains on Leather Seats