What leather needs
Automotive leather has a thin protective coating. Body oils, sunscreen, denim dye and dust build up in the grain and wear it down. Sun and heat dry it out, which leads to creasing and cracked bolsters. Wipes and all-purpose sprays often dry it further.
The goal is simple. Lift the dirt out of the grain, then replace some moisture with a conditioner that does not leave a greasy film. A matte, natural finish is correct. A shiny seat is usually a coated one.
This service suits cars with tan, grey, black or red leather that looks dull, feels stiff or shows darkened bolsters. For a longer walkthrough, see our leather seat care guide.
The most common mistake is using a glossy all-in-one product. These leave a slippery, greasy film that attracts dust and can cause seats to look patchy after a few weeks. Real leather care is dull by comparison, and it works because it is gentle.
Leather type matters. Most modern car leather is pigmented and protected, which makes it durable. Older, semi-aniline or very soft leather needs even more care. We test before we clean and adjust.
How we clean and condition
Leather cleaning is built into Interior Restoration, so it covers the whole cabin as well.
- Vacuum seats, seams and stitching to remove grit that could scratch the surface.
- Test cleaner on a hidden area to confirm the leather is coated and colourfast.
- Apply cleaner and agitate with a soft brush to lift dirt from the grain.
- Wipe off with microfibre, repeating on heavy soil until the cloth comes away clean.
- Clean perforated areas lightly so holes are not clogged.
- Apply conditioner by hand and let it absorb, then buff off any excess.
- Check the seats with you at the walk-around.
We do not use heavy dressings or silicone shine, which attract dust and make seats slippery.
Stitching and seams are where dirt hides. We work a soft brush into these lines without pulling at threads, and we lift the grime rather than pushing it in. Perforated leather gets a lighter touch, since cleaner and conditioner can clog the holes and affect heated or ventilated seats.
What cleaning cannot do
Cleaning will not repair cracks, tears or worn-through colour. It improves what is there and slows further wear. Dye transfer from jeans comes out in many cases but not all. Ink on leather is difficult and not always fully removable.
If your seats are fabric rather than leather, see stain removal and shampoo extraction. If you have a mix, such as leather bolsters with fabric inserts, we treat each appropriately.
If your seats are cracked, we cannot reverse that, but a cleaner, conditioned seat looks better and the cracking often slows. We tell you where the leather is past help so you can decide whether re-dyeing or repair is worth it.
How it is priced
Leather care is included in Interior Restoration, which starts from $119 $149. You do not pay for it separately.
- Base: Interior Restoration, sedan or coupe.
- Size: SUV +$30, truck +$40, van or minivan +$50, exotic +$60.
- Heavy stains +$50 for ink, dye or deep soiling.
- Every additional vehicle in the same booking is 20% off.
Photos of the seats, taken in daylight, help us judge condition. Start with the 60-second quote form.
Because leather care is part of the interior, you get it as a standard step. An SUV with leather seats is Interior Restoration plus +$30. A luxury sedan with light leather and a dye-transfer problem may add heavy stains at +$50. That is all that changes.
Between cleanings
A few small habits do more than a product.
- Wipe seats with a barely damp microfibre every couple of weeks.
- Park in shade or use a sunshade, especially in summer.
- Condition a few times a year.
- Keep dark jeans away from light seats for the first months of wear.
The overall interior rhythm is covered in our guide on how often to detail your car.
Sun is the enemy. If your car sits outdoors, a windshield shade makes a real difference over a summer, because it keeps the seat surface from baking. In winter, avoid putting heater vents directly on wet leather, which dries it unevenly.
Why mobile works for leather
Leather work should not be rushed or done in the cold. At your driveway or garage in Burlington or Oakville we work in good light so we can see what the cloth is lifting. We bring our own water, power and lighting, and we show you the result at the walk-around.
Leather often pairs with luxury and exotic car detailing and with steam sanitization for the surrounding trim.
Leather work also pairs naturally with The Full Detail, which covers the whole car.