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DIY Tips to Make Leather Seats New Again

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Your vehicle’s leather seats can take a beating from the elements and your passengers, and over time, they will lose their new-car look. Automotive professionals can definitely turn back the clock on your seats’ appearance, but enlisting their services can be pricey. According to Thought.Co.com Writers Tony and Michele Hamer, with some tools, time, and these DIY tips, you’ll be able to transform your leather seats to their old glory, for a fraction of the cost.


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“Look for a leather restoration kit that contains a cleaner, conditioner, and color restorer. Gliptone Liquid Leather Scuff Master, Lexol Leather Care, and Leather World are all recommended brands,” write the Hamers. “Whichever leather product you decide to use, contact the distributor regarding the color matching of your leather. If you are restoring to the original color, send a small swatch of leather (under the seat there is always a spare piece) to the supplier for color matching. You can also contact the vehicle manufacturer to find out the color code.”

If you’re able, they recommend removing your seats before starting, but if that’s not possible focus on cleaning your car’s interior.

“Thoroughly vacuum the seats and floorboards, examining surfaces for stains or blemishes. Use a leather cleaner product on a damp sponge or a soft clean cloth and rub in a circular motion to remove the initial dirt,” report the Hamers.

After cleaning, do a spot test of the leather conditioner, and if that goes well they advise using the conditioner on your seats as directed.

“For creases and cracks, dilute the product with 30 percent water and rub it onto the leather,” explain the Hamers. “Let it dry for about a minute and then wipe with a damp cloth.”


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It is also possible to restore your seats’ original hue.

“Apply a thin coat of non-diluted leather recoloring or retouching fluid to the area and dry it thoroughly with a hairdryer,” advise the Hamers. “You may have to repeat this step two or three times, drying it completely each time, to achieve the desired result. Dilute the final coat with 20 percent water and wipe down with a dry rag,”

Once your seats look like they did the day you purchased your car, they recommend applying leather condition for a final brilliance.

News Source: ThoughtCo.