The Lowdown On Leather

By Jennifer McDonald

Leather, genuine or not, is a popular choice for many consumers in different categories of purchasing.  When it comes to Seat Covers, many tend to choose the Faux Leather material over another fabric.  Faux Leather is made from Polyurethane (PU), a synthetic resin, that creates a vinyl or plastic substance.  This is mixed with wax and dyes to make a texture that looks and feels very similar to Genuine Leather, without harming animals or using animal by-products.

Faux Leather is often referred to as PU Leather, Leatherette, Pleather, etc. but all are made from the same vinyl or plastic mixture.  The Faux Leather material is more pliable then Genuine Leather but still gives it the same feel. It is also odorless and since it is manufactured and processed, it allows purchasing this material to be more cost efficient and cost effective.

When Seat Covers are made with Faux Leather, the material can be perforated to give a more breathable feel. This way, it will not trap the heat or cold into the Leather Seat Covers, providing a more comfortable experience. Leather Floor Mats are a better choice in material because they are easy to clean and provide a more stylish look.

Genuine Leather is known to age with the years. Faux Leather will be just as faithful given the proper maintenance. Cleaning and caring for your Faux Leather car items and providing upkeep with them will result in Seat Covers, Floor Mats, and so forth, that will ride with you for a long time to come. Here are some tips on how to clean and care for your Faux Leather products, to get the most out of each one.

1. Spills and stains

When spills or other accidents that can cause stains occur, it is important to clean these immediately. By using a rag or paper towel, simply wet it and wring it out, removing as much excess water as possible. Once it as damp, wipe the damaged area until it is fully gone. Feel free to use a dry cloth to wipe up any excess water. The Faux Leather is water resistant and holds up against that, however, it is best to dry the material and not leave it wet.

2. Scheduled Cleanings

Your Faux Leather should be cleaned on a regular basis. Invest in Leather Conditioner to use for your cleanings. We suggest going with a spray conditioner to allow a longer lasting result. Simply spray down your Faux Leather item and let sit for one minute. After that, wipe it down with a damp rag or cloth. While it is great to maintain with a conditioner, keep in mind it is still a chemical and leaving it on your Faux Leather for long periods of time will dry it out and cause cracking. If you prefer not to use a chemical you can opt to use just soap and warm water to clean it but be sure to wipe down the access water!

3. Dye Transfers

When picking out Faux Leather Seat Covers for your car, be sure to take into consideration your lifestyle. Consider a darker color seat cover to avoid dye transfers. Dye transfers can occur from any product that has high levels of dye, such as blue jeans, in long-term contact with the seat covers.  If you believe you will have a great deal of contact and a good possibility for dye transfers, we suggest you do not choose a lighter color Faux Leather Seat Cover.

4. Weather the days

If your car is often parked in a spot with a lot of sun, it’s great for when you get into your nice, warm car, however, it’s not great for your Faux Leather. But how do you avoid that? One way to do it is to park somewhere else. (Thanks Captain obvious, right?) If this is not an option, try purchasing one of our Auto Covers. Throw this over your car to help take care of your Faux Leather items. It will prevent it from drying out and cracking!

These are our top four tips to get the most out of your Faux Leather car products and to ensure the long-lasting capability of this material. FH Group offers a “pleather” of Faux Leather options to accommodate your individual style!