Hugo Sanchez, owner of Sid’s Custom Upholstery in Mountain View, says people looking to restore their vehicles’ interiors should hire a company that specializes in the practice, not one that performs general body work. “By and large, body shops don’t know enough about upholstery to do an exceptional job. Vehicle upholstery is an art. You need specialized skills and experience to do it right.”
Taking care of your car’s interior can prevent the need for an upholstery job altogether. For leather interiors, Mr. Sanchez has one piece of advice: Use a leather conditioner on the seat at least once a month. “Just like you use lotion on your hands, a leather seat needs regular treatment to keep in good shape,” he says. “There are a number of good leather conditioners, including Lexol.”
To remove stains from your car’s upholstery, consider these tips:
• Mold on a seat can be removed using citrus cleaning solutions and peroxide detergents.
• Gasoline stains can be removed using a mixture of vinegar and detergent.
• Use baking soda to remove stains caused by acids.
• Use toothpaste to clean marks made by food or lipstick.
To remove dust that has accumulated on the upholstery, use a nylon-bristled brush and keep it in your car for regular cleaning. Also, fabric guards can be used to repel dirt and stains.
When it comes to caring for convertible tops, Mr. Sanchez recommends you never leave the top down overnight. “Letting it sit in the down position for long periods of time will create a crease in the rubber that attaches the material to the car,” he says. “That crease will weaken and crack over time. Keeping the top up when the car is in the garage will extend the top’s life considerably.”
