How to clean perforated leather car seats

Leather perforation is a matrix of holes in regular intervals on leather surfaces. This technique is commonly used on automotive upholstery. In the furniture sector, there are only perforations on the back sides of leather cushions for ventilation reasons.

Shoes and leather clothing are sometimes perforated because of design reasons. Leather seats in cars are perforated to allow better breathability through the pigmentation and to allow moisture to be released more effectively and reduce sweating. Perforations also support the effect of seat heating or seat cooling systems. However, perforations also make the seats more sensitive to stains. Below, we have described some best practices for cleaning and maintaining perforated leather.

Perforated leather should only be cleaned when dirt is visible. Use care products every three to six months depending on usage of the upholstery. Apply all products sparingly in the area of perforation to not fill or wet the holes. Otherwise the moisture penetrates into the leather and swells the edges of the perforation holes. Excessive use of liquid products can cause the cushion core to become wet. This moisture can migrate back through the leather and cause visible stains on the surface. Also, residues of cleaning or conditioning products in perforation holes are unappealing and difficult to remove.

When cleaning, the following procedure is recommended: Put some cleaning foam on a soft cloth and carefully clean the leather. Always start on a surface that is not perforated. Remove cleaner residues with a damp cloth. If the area is too wet, dry the leather immediately with a hair dryer and leave the car open for ventilation until the leather is dry.

Also when using, conditioning products work with little amounts. Use a slightly damp cloth and always start in an area without perforation.

Using COLOURLOCK Elephant Leather Preserver, always wipe some grease into the cloth first before wiping over the leather surface. If you follow these basic practices, there are no risks due to the perforation and the leather remains beautiful for a long period.

Stains caused due to moisture. Only professional colouration can solve the problem. Sometimes edges remain.

Perforated steering wheel.

Perforated seat with abrasion. No problem to repair with COLOURLOCK Leather Fresh. It will not fill the holes.

Recommended products for cleaning perforated leather seats

Leather Cleaning Brush normal
The Leather Cleaning Brush is ideal for:  Using with the Mild or Strong Leather Cleaner to remove ingrained dirt Using with the COLOURLOCK Cleaner for Artificial Leather to remove ingrained dirt from vinyl or plastics Brushing up nubuck and suede Polishing shoes and boots with COLOURLOCK Elephant Leather Preserver Amount: 1 piece. One brush is usually sufficient for cleaning a car interior or a set of furniture multiple times.With its durable bristles and high-quality wooden handle, the Colourlock Leather Cleaning Brush is great for removing dirt and stains effectively and gently from leather car seats, sofas, chairs, clothing and handbags. It can also be used to clean Alcantara and other Textile materials as long as it is used gently.
Brush Size

US$5.99*
Tip
Leather Cleaner with sponge
Ideal for cleaning leather car and furniture upholstery, bags, suitcases or garments.The Leather Cleaner is provided in a foam dispenser bottle. Foams clean the leather more efficiently than liquid agents, the consumption is considerably smaller, and the leather does not become wet, which could otherwise become hard after drying.Firstly, clean the leather thoroughly before refreshing the colour or applying care products. Use COLOURLOCK Mild Leather Cleaner against normal soiling. Cleaning before treatment prevents the dirt sticking to the leather's surface. Our COLOURLOCK Leather Cleaning Brush effectively removes ingrained dirt (use circular motions and work from seam to seam). After cleaning, it is always best to apply a care product to protect it against general wear and future staining.Amount: 200 ml Mild Leather Cleaner. This is usually sufficient for the cleaning of a whole car interior or set of furniture.Amount: 1 litre Application of Leather CleanerAlways test any products first on a hidden area in case they affect the colour.Dispense some foam on a sponge or brush. Do not apply to the leather directly! Clean the leather from seam to seam using the foam; repeat several times, if necessary. Remove dirty foam residue with a slightly moistened piece of cloth, then allow to dry.On older leathers, stains might sink into the surface, or perceived dirt might actually be colour damage. Such stains cannot always be removed by cleaning, in which case, use COLOURLOCK Leather Fresh for refreshing the colour, or ask us for advice.These products are also suitable for "Cool Leather/SRT (SunReflective Technology) Leather"!
Available Sizes

US$27.73*
Leather Shield
Leather Shield protects new leather from wear marks and dirt.Application area: New smooth leather, pigmented or surface-coloured leather in cars, furniture, jackets and handbags. Do not use on porous leathers, suede, or nubuck. Application Always test any products first on a hidden area in case they affect the colour.Moisten a terry cloth slightly with COLOURLOCK Leather Shield, lightly wipe the moistend cloth over the leather and let dry. Do not buff or polish immediately after application. One application is sufficient. Repeat every three months on strained surfaces or heavily used areas. Prior to application, clean off any dirt with COLOURLOCK Mild or Strong Leather Cleaner.These products are also suitable for "Cool Leather/SRT (SunReflective Technology) Leather"!
Available Sizes

From US$22.69*
Elephant Leather Preserver 125 ml
Ideal for the care of leather which is exposed to the weather, or for conserving extremely dry or antique leather.Designed for treating genuine "Pull Up" furniture leather (oiled leather). Do not use on Bycast or polyurethane-coated (PU) leather.ApplicationAlways test any products first on a hidden area in case they affect the colour.Rub some preserver onto a clean, soft piece of cloth and apply to the leather. If required, use the cloth to give a final polish. The fat is difficult to use when it’s cold, so be sure to work at room temperature or warm it slightly with a hair dryer.COLOURLOCK Elephant Leather Preserver protects and waterproofs all types of nappa leather.

US$22.69*