Best way to clean suede/leather seats ???

[jjfrehe]

Hi all - my current car has leather seats with suede inserts. Now I realize that suede is effectively leather, but can I simply use the same cleaning/conditioning products that I would use on "traditional" leather?

 

[RL-Audi]

I don't think its recommended to use regular leather conditioners and cleaners on it. I use a soft brush on mine, and occasionally use a slightly moist cotton cloth. Check out:

http://www.alcantara.com/en/experience/manutenzione/pdf/manuale_eng.pdf



Also, the following search in Google will give you a lot of good info:

alcantara cleaning site:autopia.org

 

[judyb]

Suede is leather but is extremely rare on care seats unless you have a very hi end spec interior. The 'suede' areas are more likely to be alcantara, buffalo or some equivalent and should not be cleaned with leather care products. They can be cleaned by HWE as a fabric.

Solvents should be avoided as they will cause the fabric to delaminate.

 

[Roger Koh]

Hi all - my current car has leather seats with suede inserts. Now I realize that suede is effectively leather, but can I simply use the same cleaning/conditioning products that I would use on "traditional" leather?

Yes you can simply use the same cleaning/conditioning products that you would use on “traditional� leathers – since you realize that suede is effectively leather (the reverse of leather is suede).



But the products you used has to be leather-safe (pH 3-5).



Otherwise these are the likely signs of damages to the suede.



1] Streaks and rings.



2] Browning



3] Stiff like Sandpaper.





When done with a leather-safe system the benefits will be as follows:



1] Simplicity of application to both leather and suede – all in one cleaning and conditioning process.



2] With a pH 3.8 cleaning, pH 3.0 rinse, pH 3.3 hydrating and a pH 5.0 fatliquoring – you will see the suede color bounds back and the suede naps softer than before after renapping with either a suede brush or suede eraser.





Have you seen the link I PM you?



Check out how these people in Detroit - USA cleans, hydrate and fatliquor their suede and nubuck beautifully.





Roger Koh

Leather Doctor®

 

[imported_agentf11]

Hi all - my current car has leather seats with suede inserts. Now I realize that suede is effectively leather, but can I simply use the same cleaning/conditioning products that I would use on "traditional" leather?

Your seats are probably Alacantara, not suede. Alacantara is a fabric that just looks like suede and should be treated accordingly. See Bairum's link.



http://www.alcantara.com/en/experience/manutenzione/pdf/manuale_eng.pdf

 

[Roger Koh]

Hi all - my current car has leather seats with suede inserts. Now I realize that suede is effectively leather, but can I simply use the same cleaning/conditioning products that I would use on "traditional" leather?

Post some pictures please, we will help you identify it!



So there is no regret!





Roger Koh

Leather Doctor®