Protecting your vehicle requires careful selection of products. We recommend using water-based protectants instead of oil based ones as they seem to leave a more natural finish and do not seem to damage the interior surfaces.
Pro Tip: Always have half a dozen or dozen simple microfiber cloths handy in your garage. You can use them for interior wiping and buffing.
Leather & Vinyl
Nearly all leather in modern vehicles is nowadays soft finish coated to enhance its lifespan. Hence, these types of leathers do not require cleaning and conditioning. Instead, they require cleaning and protecting, similar to plastics and vinyls within the vehicle.
Equipment Needed:
Microfiber/Foam Applicator (eg. Amazon Basics Microfiber Applicators)
3x Microfiber Cloth (eg. Amazon Basics Microfiber Towels)
Protectant (eg. 303 Aerospace Protectant)
Steps:
Make sure the surface is vacuumed and cleaned
Spritz the protectant on the applicator and then in a circular motion apply the protector
Let the protectant stay on the surface for 10-20 seconds
With gentle pressure, wipe the protectant residue from the leather surface
Repeate this process on vinyls, plastics, steering, dash and consoles
Fabrics & Carpets
Many cars have fabric seats which are very similar to the material used for carpeting within the car. Hence, you can use the same product for both purposes. A good quality protectant provides protection from spills due to its hydrophobic properties and thereby reducing the chances for your car to stain or spot.
Equipment Needed:
1x Soft Bristled Upholstery Brush (eg. Chemical Guys Horse Hair Upholstery Brush)
Protectant (eg. 303 Fabric Guard)
Steps:
Make sure the surface is vacuumed and cleaned
Generously spray the fabric or carpet surface while trying to avoid overspray of other surfaces
Using the upholstery brush, in backwards and forward motion, ‘brush in’ the fabric protectant.
Repeat last step 1-2 times to add more coats and even absoprtion
Spray one more time on top of the surface bristles and then let it dry on its own.
Faux Leather
Faux leather can be treated very similar to coated leather mentioned above as the finish is very similar.
Natural Leather
Natural leather is uncommon on most vehicles nowadays and unless your car manufacturer specifically says so, your car probably doesn’t have natural leather. These require a lot more care and treatment may be required monthly, bi-monthly or every few months in general depending on the use. Natural leather also stains easier and absorbs grime and dirt a lot easier despite having the classic and luxurious feel to it! For every day drives, coated leather is ideal and luckily most cars do come with coated leather, save for classic and enthusiast cars. However, the treatment of these ensures your car has a ‘new car’ musky smell for years to come!
Equipment Needed:
1x Soft Bristled Upholstery Brush (eg. Chemical Guys Horse Hair Upholstery Brush)
Microfiber/Foam Applicator (eg. Amazon Basics Microfiber Applicators)
Leather Cleaner (eg. Leather Honey Leather Cleaner )
Leather Conditioner (eg. Leather Honey Leather Conditioner)
3x Microfiber Cloth (eg. Amazon Basics Microfiber Towels)
Steps:
Make sure the surface is vacuumed and free of debris
Spray or apply the cleaner on the surface of the leather
Work in the cleaner using the soft upholstery brush(soft brush is very important here as hard brushes will damage the leather!)
Use the microfiber cloth to wipe away the seats dry to prepare for the conditioning
Apply some conditioner on the applicator and work in the conditioner on top of the seats
Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes, depending on the conditioner.
Wipe away the residue using a microfiber cloth