How To Maintain Leather Seats in Ford Explorer?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: July 7, 2023

The allure and superior comfort of a vehicle is often signified by leather seats. Whether your Ford Explorer was fitted with leather seats from the get-go, or you opted to switch out the cloth ones, it certainly adds a touch of luxury and class to your car's interior.

However, if not given the care it deserves, the appeal of leather seats can be fleeting. Neglected leather seats can quickly lose their stylish appeal, leading to wear, cracks, and even tears in the upholstery.

Dedicating some time to look after the leather seats in your Ford Explorer not only retains their luxe appeal but also helps protect the material from potential damage.

How to Clean Ford Explorer Leather Seats?

The upkeep of leather seats is a different ballgame compared to that of cloth seats.

Leather, by nature, is a more sensitive material. It necessitates gentle cleaning methods to avoid unnecessary wear and maintain its high-end appearance.

If neglected or cleaned improperly, leather seats are more likely to dry out, crack, and fade than their cloth counterparts.

So, it's crucial to follow the guidelines below to ensure the durability and fresh look of your Ford Explorer's leather seats.

What you need to clean your Ford Explorer's leather interior

It's no doubt that you'd want your leather seats to retain their shine and luxe appeal for years to come. Having the right tools and leather care products can revive them and offer future protection.

Furthermore, you don't need to splurge on pricey cleaning supplies. Reliable cleaning materials can be found at your nearby auto shop or online.

Here's a list of supplies required for cleaning leather seats:

• Vacuum cleaner - to get rid of dust and debris;
• Microfiber cloth - for gently wiping down the leather upholstery;
• Leather cleaner - for removing any contaminations;
• Leather conditioner - to protect and enhance the leather;
• Soft brush - to apply the cleaning agent effectively;
• Paper towels - for wiping off the leather cleaner

Clear the Deck

Prior to starting, make sure to remove any unnecessary items from the leather seats of your Ford Explorer. This can include personal belongings, seat covers (if you have them), bags, etc.

Remove Large Debris

Manually remove any large pieces of debris from your leather seats, such as napkins, papers, and wraps - anything that could be on or under them, or get lodged in the upholstery.

Vacuum the Seats

Utilize the vacuum to cleanse the surface of the Ford Explorer's leather seats. Avoid applying too much pressure to prevent damaging the upholstery.

Take care to thoroughly clean all the hard-to-reach and hidden areas of the seats, as dust and dirt tend to accumulate there. If your vacuum comes with a specialized nozzle for seats, make use of it for a more effective cleaning.

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How to Choose a Leather Cleaner for Ford Explorer?

The chemical product you opt for plays a significant role in cleaning your leather interior. Factors such as cleaning efficiency, leather seat longevity, and the health of passengers should always be taken into consideration. To simplify the process of picking the right product, just keep the following in mind:

●      The cleaner does not contain harsh chemicals, which can harm your seat.

●      The cleaning product is in a spray form that is easily applied and wiped off.

●      The leather cleaner is compatible with a variety of leather colors and textures.

●      The product caters to both new and old leather.

●      The product formula is non-toxic or fragrance-free, to avoid staining your seats.

Before applying the cleaner to the entire seat surface, it is strongly suggested to test it on a small, barely noticeable spot of the leather.

This will help you ensure that the cleaner operates as intended without leaving any marks or discoloring your seats. The fact is, each Ford Explorer's leather seat is unique across different generations and trim levels. Hence, some cleaners designed for dark leather may discolor light ones. 

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Apply Leather Cleaner to the Seats

Apply leather cleaning products to the seats. Rub the cleaner diligently all over the Ford Explorer seats, but don't go overboard; you could potentially damage the leather. Use a specialized brush to ensure the leather cleaner is effectively applied to the seats.

A brush proves beneficial if your Explorer is equipped with perforated or ventilated leather seats. Such seats have pores that can get filled with dirt, dust, etc., requiring extra care during cleaning.

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It's advisable to work along the seat seam and apply the leather cleaner from top to bottom. Once applied, leave the cleaner for 5-7 minutes to do its magic.

Wipe the Seats Using a Towel or Microfiber Cloth

Next, wipe the leather cleaner off your seats. It's essential to wipe carefully without leaving any residue on the seats. Also, don't let the cleaner dry on the seats - it could leave difficult spots to clean. 

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Don't use an overly wet microfiber cloth or towel - it should be slightly damp, and don't allow water to dry on the seats - it may cause stains.

Dry Your Ford Explorer's Leather Seats Using a Microfiber Cloth or Towel

Use a microfiber cloth or paper towel to dry your leather seats. Carefully wipe every single spot on the seat. Use a blotting motion while wiping. Avoid rubbing as it can cause unwanted damage to the leather. Take your time and ensure you dry every part of the seat.

Apply the Leather Conditioner

Apply some leather conditioner to your seats. Use a microfiber cloth to evenly spread the agent over the seat's surface. Applying the correct amount of leather conditioner is important: not too much, not too little.

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If there's an excessive amount, it could lead to stains on your seats. Strive to apply the leather conditioner in a way that leaves a thin layer of the liquid. After it's done, allow it to dry for a while.

How to Prolong the Lifespan of the Ford Explorer's Leather Seats?

Clean and polished leather seats deliver comfort and an air of luxury. To maintain these pleasant experiences each time you step into your Ford Explorer over the years, you must tend to the leather with appropriate products and careful attention. Even minor mechanical damage can harm the leather upholstery. Thus, knowing what actions can harm your leather seats and how to prevent them is crucial.

Shield the Seats from the Damaging Effects of Weather Conditions

Weather can significantly impact the condition of the leather. When temperatures soar, leather seats can burn, fade, and become more prone to damage.

When the weather turns cold and freezing, leather becomes rougher and stiffer, leading to cracks and distortions. This state makes the leather more susceptible to all kinds of damage.

To prevent undesirable damage, it's advisable to adhere to two main rules:

1) In summer, don't leave your car under direct sunlight for extended periods.

2) In winter, park your Explorer in a warm spot (or in the garage if available).

During both summer and winter, you should monitor the leather seats to prevent them from drying out or retaining dampness. If you notice that your seats start to dry, moisten them a bit with a leather conditioner. If the drying becomes frequent, consider switching to another leather treatment product.

Immediately Wipe Stains and Other Dirt from the Seats

Leather has a knack for absorbing dirt quickly, so any accidental spills like water, coffee, or soda may penetrate into the seats and become incredibly challenging to clean. Therefore, always keep a microfiber cloth handy to swiftly wipe off such spills.

Avoid Wearing Clothing with Metal or Sharp Elements

Leather seats are vulnerable to mechanical damage - they can be easily scratched or torn. The upholstery can also get damaged if you or your passengers wear clothing with solid or sharp elements. So, when climbing into your Ford Explorer with leather seats, try to avoid clothing with numerous buttons, zippers, chains, and the like.

Be Mindful When Settling into the Seats

Even the simple act of getting in and out of the seat can cause wear and tear over time. If you're always moving around or adjusting the seat, this could accelerate the wear. Therefore, when entering your Explorer, do so carefully, and always adjust the seat to a comfortable driving position to minimize unnecessary movement.

Wrapping It All Up

Leather seats require extra care as they're significantly more prone to damage.

Maintaining leather upholstery in top-notch condition requires not only the use of cleaning agents but also a keen eye on any signs of potential damage.

Proper care not only prolongs the life of the leather but also preserves the exceptional, luxurious feel of your seats every time you climb into your Ford Explorer.