Cars with leather interiors are well sought after, and for good reason – they’re gorgeous. Often, however, people opt for nappa leather seats in their vehicle, thinking about how great a nappa leather interior looks, and they don’t think about the work that they’ll need to put in to keep the nappa leather soft and whole.
If you have nappa leather in your vehicle like in the Mercedes AMG 63, you need to know exactly how to care for nappa leather, which includes knowing all about deep cleaning nappa leather and protecting nappa leather from damage. Otherwise, you’ll soon find that the interior of your vehicle is no longer as pretty as it once was.
What is nappa leather?
Nappa leather was discovered in the mid 20th century. It was named after Napa Valley in California, and for a long time nappa leather was rare as it was an innovative material that was soft and pliable. Now, however, ‘nappa’ leather is a title given to any pliable leather with softness and durability. Nappa leather is full grain leather, and is used commonly for car interiors and car seats due to its durable nature.
What can you do to care for nappa leather seats?
You’ve just got a car with a nappa interior, and you know you need to put some effort into protecting nappa leather. What can you do?
The most obvious answer is that you can clean nappa leather on a regular basis. Dusting the surface down frequently, cleaning nappa leather seats, and deep cleaning nappa leather on a yearly basis can help to maintain the leather’s natural characteristics and prevent it from tearing.
In addition to cleaning your nappa leather seats, you may choose to use a leather protective product. You can get leather sealant and leather protectors that provide an extra layer of security for your leather car seats.
You must also, on a regular basis, use a leather conditioner to moisturise the leather car seats. Nappa leather is very sensitive, and so the smallest change in environmental factors can lead to it becoming dry and more brittle. Using a high quality leather conditioner is incredibly important to maintain nappa leather.
Leather Dye Kits From The Leather Colour Doctor
Leather dye kits can significantly enhance the appearance and longevity of nappa leather car seats. Nappa leather, known for its softness and durability, can deteriorate and fade over time due to wear, tear, and exposure to the elements. By using a leather dye kit, one can restore the original colour and vibrancy of the leather, covering scratches, stains, and discolorations, and protecting it from further damage. The application of such a kit can rejuvenate the interior of a vehicle, making it more aesthetically pleasing and maintaining the value and integrity of the car, while preserving the luxurious feel and comfort of nappa leather seats.
How to deep clean nappa leather seats
At least once a year, it is recommended that owners of nappa leather do a deep clean. Deep cleaning nappa leather is not particularly difficult, and can really benefit the material. You will need:
- a dedicated leather brush
- a dedicated leather cleaner
- soft cloth or microfiber towel (must be a lint free cloth)
- leather conditioner
- a vacuum or horsehair brush
Step one: remove dirt or dust
Using a horsehair brush or a soft brush attachment to a vacuum, remove dirt or dust fro the nappa leather seats. This needs to be done thoroughly to ensure you do not rub the dirt into the seat, as it will be abrasive.
Step two: use your dedicated leather brush and leather cleaner
In a circular motion, apply the leather cleaner to the nappa leather using the leather brush. You should take a car when cleaning your nappa leather items, being sure not to apply too much force on your car seats.
Step three: wipe off excess with a soft cloth
Remove any residue from the leather using a soft cloth or microfiber towel.
Step four: use a leather conditioner
To moisturise the leather, you should carefully and gently apply leather conditioner to the nappa leather. This will help to maintain its pliability and durability.
How to clean nappa leather on a regular basis
You do not need to deep clean the nappa leather seats on a weekly basis, but you can – and should – do a smaller clean on a weekly basis. This should take much less time than deep cleaning the nappa leather.
Step one: remove dirt and dust
Just as with a deep clean, you’ll need to remove dirt and dust from the car seats using a soft brush attachment or a horsehair brush. This will help to prevent scratches when you’re cleaning the car seats.
Step two: clean the nappa interior
You should then wipe the leather interior with a mixture of white vinegar and water (at a 1 to 1 ratio) using a soft cloth. Be sure not to soak the leather, as this can be damaging to the material.
Step three: condition the nappa leather seats
Once clean, your nappa leather will need conditioning using a leather conditioner. Simply apply the conditioner to the material and use a lint free cloth to buff it into the leather carefully.
Treating stains on nappa leather seats
Sometimes, mistakes happen, and we end up pouring or spilling or dropping things. If you’ve accidentally stained your nappa leather, you will need more than leather cleaner to get rid of it. You should instead use a white vinegar and water mixture on your car seats and spot treat the stains.
Tips for maintaining and caring for full grain leather
In addition to using leather cleaner and leather conditioner on your nappa leather, try these tips and tricks:
- avoid constant high temperatures
- avoid too much air con
- use high quality leather conditioner
- empty your pockets before you sit in the car
- do not eat or drink in the car
- purchase and use leather protectors such as a leather sealant or water-resistant spray
- invest in a good leather cleaner
- avoid water-based products where possible
- condition once a month if possible
