Leather Like New: Restore Sheen & Repair Scuffs and Scratches for Under $10
Posted on: 18 April 2017
Leather seats make a great addition to any car's interior: however, over time signs of wear will inevitably begin to show through. You may think that your seats' best days are behind them, but don't give up on them just yet – the following guide will take you through the best, fastest and cheapest way to revitalise old leather, without the need for expensive or specialised products. You will need:
- One damp cloth
- (dish soap optional)
- One tub of petroleum jelly
- Hair dryer
- One dry cloth
Step 1: Clean the leather The first step in rejuvenating your old leather seats is to ensure that they are clean before you treat them. If the leather is unsoiled, a damp cloth alone will suffice. If there is visible dirt, a quick wipe clean with a warm cloth and diluted dish soap will prepare the leather perfectly for the next step.
Step 2: Apply the petroleum jelly
Using your fingers, apply the petroleum jelly liberally across all of the leather surfaces to be treated. Ensure that no areas are left out and that a visible layer of the jelly is left on the surface of the leather once you are done. You should already be seeing scuffs and scratches begin to fade as you rub in the petroleum jelly. Once you are satisfied that this has been accomplished, move on to Step 3.
Step 3: Apply heat
This is where the magic really happens. Using your hairdryer (on a hot setting), begin to apply the hot air to the surface of the leather. The petroleum jelly will become thinner with the application of the heat, allowing you to massage it deep into the porous leather. This will moisturise the leather, keeping it supple and restoring its former sheen. Go over the entirety of the surface of the leather until most or all of the petroleum jelly has been absorbed, taking care not to place your hand directly in the path of the hairdryer to avoid burns. Once this is done, you may proceed to the final step.
Step 4: Remove the excess petroleum jelly
If you were a little too generous in applying the petroleum jelly in Step 2, you may be left with a little excess on the surface of the leather at this point. Simply buff this off with a dry cloth, or repeat Step 1 to clean the surface more thoroughly if the excess is too great. You will be left with shiny, supple leather, all for the price of a tub of petroleum jelly. Enjoy!
For more information and help with maintaining your car's interior, contact a company that specialises in commercial furniture upholstery.
Share