How to Clean Leather Truck Seat Covers (Without Damaging Them)
Your truck seat covers take a beating—muddy boots, work gear, pet claws, and the occasional coffee spill. If you’ve invested in leather truck seat covers, knowing how to clean them properly is key to keeping them looking sharp and lasting for years.
Whether you drive a Ford F-150, a Silverado, or a Tacoma, here’s everything you need to know about caring for leather covers the right way.
🛠 What You’ll Need
Before diving in, gather these supplies:
- ✅ Microfiber towels (at least 2)
- ✅ pH-balanced leather cleaner (spray or foam)
- ✅ Soft bristle brush (optional, for textured areas)
- ✅ Leather conditioner or protectant (non-greasy)
⚠️ Avoid:
- Harsh household cleaners (like Clorox, Lysol, or Windex)
- Abrasive scrub brushes
- Excessive water or steam
🧽 Step-by-Step: Cleaning Leather Truck Seat Covers
1. Vacuum or Shake Off Loose Debris
Use a handheld vacuum or gently shake out crumbs, dirt, or pet hair to avoid grinding particles into the leather. Make sure to use a slim vacuum attachment to get in to the cracks of the covers.
2. Apply Cleaner to a Microfiber Towel (Not Directly on the Leather)
Spray your leather cleaner onto a towel—not the seat—and wipe in small circular motions. This prevents oversaturation and streaking.
3. Gently Scrub Stains
For dried-on stains, apply cleaner and use a soft brush or towel to lightly agitate. Never scrub aggressively—leather doesn’t need that kind of punishment.
4. Dry with a Clean Cloth
Use a fresh microfiber towel to blot up any remaining moisture. Let the seats air dry fully with windows cracked open if possible.
5. Apply Conditioner (Optional)
After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to restore softness and UV protection. This helps prevent cracking over time—especially in trucks exposed to sun and cold weather.
🧼 Cleaning Frequency Recommendations
| Use Case | Recommended Cleaning Schedule |
|---|---|
| Daily Driver / Light Use | Every 2–3 months |
| Work Truck / Heavy Use | Monthly |
| After Spills or Pet Mess | Immediately |
Are Leather Truck Seat Covers Waterproof?
Our leather seat covers are water-resistant, especially if treated or coated. The seat covers wouldn't be truly 100% "waterproof" as exposed liquid on top of the perforated material would enter in to the padded material of the covers, however it would have low chance of reaching your cloth seats due to the backing underneath the padding. At TruckLeather, our seat covers are designed to be durable and easy to clean—even in rugged conditions.
Learn more: Explore our full line of leather truck seat covers »
📌 FAQs
Q: Can I use baby wipes or household wipes to clean leather covers?
A: Avoid them—many contain alcohol or fragrances that can dry out or discolor leather.
Q: What if I already have stains?
A: Use a pH-balanced leather cleaner and test on a small area first. Persistent stains may require a professional cleaning.
Q: How can I prevent cracking or fading?
A: Regular conditioning is key. Also park in the shade when possible and crack windows to reduce heat buildup. We rarely see cracking or ton of fading if you follow the steps in this article.
🚘 Upgrade or Replace Your Covers?
If your current seats are beyond saving or make you cringe every time you sit, it might be time to upgrade. At TruckLeather, we offer custom-fit leather seat covers for Ford, Chevy, Toyota, and more—made for real-life use and backed by years (since 2009!) of satisfied customers.
