By Richard Hutchins, CD, Leather Repair Company, Hull, East Yorkshire, England
Protecting your vehicle’s interior is just as important as keeping it clean and tidy. Regular cleaning helps prevent premature damage taking place. Spills should be cleaned up the moment they happen, and having interiors coated will help prevent stains damaging interiors. Carpets build up dirt and germs quickly within the piles of the carpets, so these should be vacuumed off weekly at a minimum, depending on the use your vehicle gets. Carpets can also have a coating applied to them to avoid damp feet causing staining. With a coated interior, the dirt always sits on the coated surface rather than soaking in the fabric’s fibers causing damage.
Here are some tips on how to protect your vehicle interior from damage:
1. Use floor mats. Floor mats can help protect the carpeting and flooring from wear and tear, dirt, and spills. They are easy to clean and replace and can help maintain the resale value of your vehicle.
2. Use seat covers. Seat covers can help protect the upholstery from stains, spills, and wear and tear. They are available in a variety of materials and designs and are easy to install and remove.
3. Use sunshades. Sunshades can help protect the dashboard and other interior surfaces from fading and cracking due to exposure to sunlight and heat. They are available in a variety of sizes and designs to fit your vehicle.
4. Park in a shaded area. Parking your vehicle in a shaded area can help protect the interior from heat and sunlight. If a shaded area is not available, use a sunshade or cover to protect the vehicle.
5. Use leather conditioner. If your vehicle has leather seats, it’s important to use a leather conditioner to keep them soft and supple. This can help prevent cracking and fading due to exposure to sunlight and heat.
6. Clean up spills immediately. Accidents happen, and spills are a common occurrence in vehicles. However, cleaning up spills immediately can prevent stains and damage to the upholstery.
7. Regularly clean and maintain the interior. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the interior can help prevent damage and extend the life of your vehicle. Use appropriate cleaning products, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
8. Use fabric protectors. Fabrics in vehicles are susceptible to staining if they are not coated with a protection system. Uncoated fabrics can easily get stained and become ruined. Regular care is required to ensure they are kept in great shape at all times, extending the life cycle of your interiors.
Protecting your vehicle’s interior is essential to maintaining its value and longevity. By following the tips above, you can protect your vehicle’s interior from damage and keep it looking and feeling great for years to come.
About the Author: Richard Hutchins, CD, is the Owner of Leather Repair Company, a global leather care brand based out of Hull, East Yorkshire, England. Their leather care and repair services help keep all forms of leather in top condition, increase resale value, and avoid costly replacements, helping to protect the planet with its eco-friendly award-winning products range. They offer a wide variety of leather care, repair, and restoration products, as well as providing training courses and distributorship deals globally. They are a circular economy business, who are ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certificated.