How to Remove All Types of Stains from Leather Car Seats

From accidental spills and food crumbs to muddy footprints and the general wear and tear of everyday use, car seats inevitably accumulate dirt and stains over time. If your car’s interior boasts luxurious leather seats, tackling these stains becomes an even more delicate task.

Since leather is a sensitive and porous material, it demands immediate attention when it comes to cleaning. However, in order to these clean stains effectively, you need to understand the nature of the stain and the appropriate cleaning methods required. Simultaneously, you need to ensure you use compatible products that won’t damage the leather car seat.

In this comprehensive guide, we will dive into the world of leather car seat stain removal. Whether it’s a coffee spill, ink mark, grease stain, or any other unwelcome blemish, we’ve got you covered. Let’s jump right in!

Removing Food Stains 

Food stains on leather car seats can range from sauces and oils to coffee, tea, wine, and even chocolate. These stains often occur as a result of eating in the car, placing takeaway containers on the seats, accidental spillage, or enjoying a beverage on the go.

Here are the steps you should follow to remove food stains from your cars leather seats:

1. You can either use a mild dishwashing detergent or an oil and vinegar solution. 
2. Carefully mix the ingredients in a bowl or into a spray bottle.
3. Take a microfiber cloth and dip it into the soapy water solution, so that it is thoroughly soaked but not dripping wet. 
4. Gently dab the food stain with the dampened microfiber cloth. Work in the direction of the grain of the leather, while applying light pressure. 
5. Pour a small amount of distilled water onto the stained area and continue to do so until lather forms.
6. With clean fingers, softly rub the stain in a circular motion. The lather created by the distilled water and soap will help to break down the stain and lift it from the leather’s surface. 
7. You can use some more distilled water to rinse off the lather from the leather. Lightly dampen a clean cloth with water and gently wipe away the soap residue until no soapy residue is left behind. 
8. After rinsing, take a fresh, clean cloth and blot the leather car seats to remove excess moisture. 

Removing Grease & Oil Stains

Oil and grease stains on leather car seats are common and can occur when oily substances, such as food grease, motor oil, or cosmetic oils, fall on the leather surface. These stains can happen while you’re eating greasy food or handling oily products.

If you’re dealing with grease and oil stains on your car seat, here’s how you can treat them:

1. Use a spoon, knife, or flat object (carefully, to avoid puncturing the car seat) to scrape off any visible additives. This will leave behind an oil stain on the surface.
2. Now take a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the stain and remove any excess oil from the surface. 
3. Sprinkle baking soda on the oil stain and let it sit for up to 15 minutes. The baking soda will absorb the oil. 
4. Vacuum the area to remove the soda and repeat this step if needed for larger or more persistent stains.
5. Blot the surface gently with a dry cleaning solvent, following the instructions on the label. If you don’t have a dry cleaning solvent, you can use a cloth or dishwashing detergent. 
6. After completing the stain removal process, thoroughly dry the area. Use a clean microfiber cloth to blot away excess cleaning agents. You can speed up the drying process by using a fan or hair dryer in a low, cool setting.

Removing Ink Stains 

The next type of stain we will be discussing is ink stains. These stains are a result of ink pens or markers scratching onto the car’s surface. To treat ink stains, it’s important to act quickly by following the steps mentioned below.

1. Immediately blot any excess ink from the car seat using a damp cloth, removing as much ink as possible.
2. Dip a microfiber cloth in rubbing alcohol and dab it on the affected area. Continue dabbing with the cloth until the ink stains disappear.
3. Rinse off any remaining cleaning solution by dabbing the area with a clean microfiber cloth soaked in cold water.
4. Allow the area to dry, then inspect it for any remaining ink stains. If stains persist, repeat the steps until the stain is gone completely.

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive guide, please feel free to reach our article on how to remove ink stains from leather.

Removing Blood Stains

Blood stains on leather car seats are usually a consequence of accidental injuries, nosebleeds, or other unforeseen circumstances. These stains, if not promptly addressed, can penetrate the leather, and become more challenging to remove.

It’s important to remove blood strains before they dry, making immediate treatment crucial. Here’s what you need to do to remove blood stains on your leather car seats: 

1. In a large bowl, combine a tablespoonful of liquid dishwashing detergent with about two cups of cold water. Stir well to ensure thorough mixing.
2. Take a clean, white cloth and soak it in the prepared detergent solution. Make sure the cloth is fully saturated.
3. Apply the soaked cloth to the stained area on the leather seat. Gently brush the area using light pressure to help loosen the stain from the fabric. You can use a toothbrush for this step but avoid using a scrub brush as it may be too aggressive and cause the stain to sink deeper into the fabric.
4. Take a clean, wet cloth and use dabbing motions to rinse the detergent solution from the seat. Blot the area gently to remove any remaining residue.

Removing Mud Stains

Muddy boots and shoes coming into contact with leather seats can leave behind dirt, debris, and mud stains. These stains can be more challenging to remove as the mud can get embedded in the texture of the leather, requiring specialized cleaning techniques to effectively treat and restore the seats.

If you notice mud stains on your car’s leather seats, here’s what you should do:

1. Let the mud on the leather car seat dry completely. Trying to clean wet mud can spread it further and make the stain worse.
2. Use a soft-bristled brush or a dry cloth to gently brush off the dried mud from the leather surface. 
3. Moisten a clean cloth with warm water. Wring out any excess water to ensure the cloth is only damp and not dripping wet.
4. Gently dab the damp cloth onto the mud stain, starting from the outer edges and working your way toward the center. 
5. Use a dry cloth to blot the dampened area, absorbing the moisture and residue from the mud stain. Repeat the process with a clean damp cloth and continue blotting until the stain is no longer visible.

Removing Sweat Stains

Sweat stains on leather car seats can occur due to perspiration, especially during hot and humid weather or long drives. The combination of body oils and sweat can leave unsightly smells and stains on the leather, requiring proper cleaning and maintenance.

Follow the steps mentioned below to effectively remove sweat stains from your leather car seats: 

1. In a container, mix one cup of vinegar with one gallon of water. You can also add a tablespoon of dish soap for enhanced cleaning. 
2. Attach a brush head to your vacuum cleaner and thoroughly clean the car seats to remove any loose debris. This will make the stains more visible and easier to clean.
3. Transfer the water and vinegar solution into a spray bottle. A standard car detailing spray bottle will work well for this purpose.
4. Spray the solution onto the stained areas of the car seats, ensuring even coverage.
5. Use a microfiber cloth or a soft bristle brush to gently scrub the stains in circular motions. Continue scrubbing until the stains are effectively removed.
6. Take a clean rag and carefully blot any excess moisture from the car seats by dabbing the seat surface.
7. Open the car doors and allow the vehicle to sit in a well-ventilated area so that the remaining moisture evaporates.

Removing Sunscreen Stains

If you wear sunscreen when going out or are just returning from the beach, you might get sunscreen stains on your leather car seats. The ingredients in sunscreen, such as oils and chemicals, can penetrate the leather, leading to stubborn stains that need to be cleaned in a specific manner.

Here’s what you need to do to effectively remove these sunscreen stains.

1. In a large bowl, combine 2 ounces of dishwashing liquid and, if available, 1 ounce of white vinegar. Mix them well to create a solution.
2. Take another bowl and fill it with warm water. Gradually pour the contents of the first bowl into the second bowl while stirring for approximately 15 minutes until suds start to form.
3. Dip a sponge into the cleaning solution and carefully scrub the sunscreen stain on your leather seats. Apply firm pressure while avoiding excessive force that may damage the leather. 
4. Using a damp cloth, wipe off the sunscreen from the leather seats. 

We’ve also created a comprehensive guide on removing sunscreen stains from your leather car seats, where we reveal the five best methods!