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9 Simple Steps to Cleaning Perforated Leather Seats

How to Clean Perforated Leather Seats Featured Image

While perforated leather seats are great for absorbing sound, and have a luxurious look and feel but when it comes to cleaning them it is a bit challenging.

A perforated leather product is created by passing large pieces of leather through a machine that punches small holes in the leather at regular intervals throughout the piece.

However, it is also quite challenging to keep it clean. You will need to be careful and delicate when cleaning perforated leather seats. So if it sounds like you, then this article might help you.

How to Clean Perforated Leather Seats Simply?

So, keeping your car seats clean is mandatory if you want to make a good impression. Also, you must have bought your dream car finally. So, why not keep the spills on perforated leather seats clean!

Tool to Clean Perforated Leather Seats

  • Horse Hair Leather Cleaning Brush
  • Vacuum or Steam Cleaner or Leather Cleaner
  • Soft Towels
  • Scrub
  • Leather conditioner

Here are 9 complete steps to the process.

Step 1: Vacuum the seats

To begin, vacuum the seats. This removes any dust and debris from the leather. As long as the vacuum has a soft brush head, you can use it dry or wet.

Simply run it on a moderate setting for a few minutes, starting with the driver’s seat, the passengers, and finally, the back seats. Armrests and headrests should not be covered as well.

Step 2: Wipe the leather seats

Use a clean and soft towel to wipe down the seats after completing the vacuuming process. This cleans the leather again and ensures that no extra dirt remains.

Step 3: Use the leather cleaner to perform a patch test

Now it’s time to use the leather cleaner you’ve been saving. First, read the packaging’s directions. Then follow along carefully. Perform a patch test on an inconsequential location on the seats. Allow 1-2 minutes before testing any negative side effects.

Step 4: Pour the cleaner on a towel and scrub

If the patch test seems good, use another clean towel to apply a small amount of the cleaner. Check to make sure the towel isn’t too saturated.

Dab your seat with the towel. Now scrub the area with a soft-bristle brush. Your cleaner’s foams will be activated due to the agitation, and it will be able to do its magic.

Step 5: Continue scrubbing on the seats

Scrub in a circular or side-to-side motion to keep the skin smooth. It’s quite OK if you like up-and-down motions.

Use only a little pressure. Otherwise, the leather on your chairs may be scratched or cut. Take your time with this one. The more meticulous and attentive you are now, the less effort you will have to give in the following steps.

At a time, focus on one area of the seats. You can move on to the next section of the seat once you’ve completed one. Work your way down the seat from top to bottom. You won’t miss any portions or make a mess if you do it this way.

Step 6: Use another clean towel to wipe the seats

Again, wipe down the seats with a newer microfiber cloth. Rinse the towel in clean water between wiping if it acquires a lot of debris. Ensure that all of the cleaning solutions have been absorbed. Repeat the methods above if you are still dissatisfied with the progress.

Step 7: Use leather conditioner

In this step, apply a thin application of the leather conditioner you’ve made to the seats. Make sure you follow the product’s instructions to the letter. You should also use it sparingly, like with the leather cleaner.

However, excessive use can have the opposite effect. You only need a small amount to keep your leather seats crack-resistant and hydrated.

Step 8: Wipe with a dry cloth/towel

It’s now time to dry the freshly cleaned perforated leather seats. Give them a dry wipe with a new microfiber cloth. Then set them aside to air dry. Ensure that your automobile is parked in a shady area and is not directly exposed to sunshine.

Step 9: Polish again with a fresh-clean towel

After the seats have dried completely, buff and polish them with a clean, dry microfiber towel in a circular motion. Now wash away any remaining conditioner with a damp cloth.

Additional Steps to Clean Gunk from Small Leather Holes

You might notice filth in little holes in the leather seats from time to time. Yes, they can be uncomfortable and difficult to get rid of.

Here are a few strategies you can try to get rid of them quickly.

Method 1: Using an Air Compressor

Firstly, you can use pressurized canisters or an air compressor (or tire inflator). The solid specks will be blown away, and all you have to do now is clean them up.

It’s a good idea to place a plastic cover directly beneath where you’re going to use compressed air so that any junk that flies out will rest on the plastic. Later, you can then pick it up as a whole and throw it away.

Method 2: Using a Steam Cleaner

You can also clean using a steam cleaner. This method works well for hard muck inside the small gaps. The steam will soften them and force them to flee. However, you may need to use a towel or brush to get the greatest results.

Method 3: Using a Toothpick

Make use of a toothpick to help you out. This is a great tool for removing debris from extremely filthy holes. Choose the ones with the most persistent dirt and attack with a toothpick. However, we do not recommend using a toothpick to repair every little hole in your leather seats physically.

Tips on Cleaning Vomit out of Perforated Leather Seats

Yes, this can be the grossest task in cleaning your perforated leather seats. But you must know how to clean vomit out of perforated leather seats as it’s a bad idea to leave it uncleaned for days.

So, here are 3 ways you can do this.

1. Using leather cleaner and bristled brush

The first thing we’d suggest is that you use a sturdy brush and some cleaning solution. We recommend using the best commercial leather cleaner you have available in your region for this task.

Mix one-part vinegar with two parts of linseed oil in a spray bottle to do your own leather cleaning.

The benefit of utilizing a brush is that you can use it to scrub the vomit out of the nooks and holes of your perforated leather seats. For the procedure, you must have the following items:

  • Leather Cleaner (Leather Milk or Weiman Leather Cleaner)
  • Bristle Brush
  • Warm Water
  • Soft and clean cloth

2. Using a steamer to remove vomit

Using a steamer is the second way to clean vomit from perforated leather seats. A steamer can get into the holes of your leather seat and clean any traces of vomit, so this is the most effective way.

A steamer, also known as a Steam Cleaner, may force vomit out of the crevices in your perforated leather seats by applying high temperatures and pressure. However, since you’ll need to purchase a steamer, this will be more expensive.

For the procedure, you must have the following items:

  • Soft and clean cloth
  • Steam Cleaner

3. Rubber tipped gum stimulator

Using a rubber-tipped Gum Stimulator is the third and final method. A gum stimulator is just a rubber-tipped tool for cleaning vomit out of perforated leather seats in your car.

This procedure will most likely take the longest because you will need to wipe out the perforations of your vehicle seats one at a time with a rubber-tipped gum Stimulator.

We usually advocate this procedure after you’ve exhausted all other options and still have vomit remains caught in your car seats’ perforations. For the process, you must have the following items:

  • Rubber-tipped gum stimulator
  • Soft and clean cloth
  • Leather cleaner or mild dish soap
  • Water

Conclusion

So, now you know the 9 simple steps on how to clean perforated leather seats. Having debris, dirt, food waste, and vomit on your car seats can be regular. So, it is best if you clean your car seats regularly. This is especially applicable when you have perforated leather seats.

You bought the car with a lot of enthusiasm and excitement. So, it is time to keep it clean and tidy.

FAQ

Why are leather seats perforated?

Automobile manufacturers began using perforated leather in seats to improve breathability and reduce sweating.

Air circulation is enhanced by the little holes, which improves comfort. Perforated leather seats in newer model cars can also be heated or cooled.

  • Prevent slippage due to bad roads or sudden breaks.
  • As it is made with breathable material the temperature remains comfortable in any weather.
  • Absorb Sound.

Is perforated leather water-resistant?

Yes, the perforated leather seat is water-resistant. There is a foam coating underneath the leather material to prevent water from running in.

How often should you clean perforated leather seats?

To keep the leather seats looking their best, use a leather conditioner once a month. You can follow these leather vehicle seat cleaning and care guidelines to keep your leather seats looking new!

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