How to Fix Leather Seats Damaged By Rain
by Nikki Cash
Leather seats add an elegant touch to either a home or automobile. The material is resilient, tenacious and can withstand a lot of abuse, but can also be vulnerable to long-term damages such as rain or water. However, these problems can be resolved if treated immediately after the initial damage.
Step 1
Soak up the water with linen towels or rags. After, use a wet-dry vacuum to suck out the excess water within the seat to prevent molding. There may be old conditioner that may have floated up to the surface from the rain, in which case, it is necessary to clean it off with a non-greasy cloth and cleaning solution to remove the grease and grime. If using a cleaning solution, make sure it is a solution specifically designed for leather.
Step 2
Dry the leather. Do not dry the leather by placing it in the hot sun. This may cause cracking and hardening of the leather. Rather, circulate air around the leather with fans. Do not dry completely. Leave it damp.
Step 3
Condition the leather. While the leather is still damp, apply leather conditioner. The pores are still open and allow for the solution to penetrate into the leather. Use a conditioner with a neutral pH balance rather than harsh alkaline pH as it will be harder for it to absorb into the leather. Apply the conditioner evenly to prevent spotting.
Step 4
Dry the leather. Let the conditioner set into the leather for about 30 minutes. Then towel off any excess conditioner that has surfaced or pooled to the top. Let the leather dry for a several hours before sitting on it.
Writer Bio
Nikki Cash graduated from UCLA with a bachelor's in film/TV, where she won an MPAA Scholarship. Since graduating, she has written and produced an independent feature film starting her career as a writer in 2005. Cash enjoys writing eHow articles with topics ranging from home improvement to crafts.
