Cleaning Suede Leather Seat Inserts

[Barry]

My son's Malibu has leather seats with the suede leather inserts. They are a light gray and dirtier than a well digger's elbows. Any tips on the best way to clean them? Thanks

[ddalder]

You ask the $1,000,000 question! I've been working on this for some time now. GM customer service told me to ask the dealership... they should be able to help. Every dealership I've asked has no clue. They all pull out the leather cleaner sitting on their display that can't be used on suede.

I went to one of the upholstery shops that specializes in automotives (30+ years IIRC). They gave me a chemical cleaner but it's EXTREMELY harsh. I used it a couple of times and it worked okay, but I think it's been having an effect on the surface. I'm going to visit a local shop that specializes in leather and saddle work to see what they say. I'll post again when I know but it'll probably be a few days before I can get there.

The suede inserts look great but they are a huge PITA at the same time Oh yeah, I was kicking around the idea of just replacing the seat covers... more than $600 / side for the Bonneville

[00Beast]

There is suede shoe cleaner, but I'm not sure how well it will work on the suede in the seats. I'm worried about it on my dad's GXP, too.

[harofreak00]

straight Vinegar worked wonders on my GXP when I had it. Completely removed a dried milk looking stain.

http://www.ehow.com/how_3139_clean-suede.html

[Barry]

From the page on how to clean suede: "Note that suede shoes treated with white vinegar may have a mild odor after cleaning."

That smell will be just great in a car thats had all the seat surfaces cleaned with vinegar.
What a bunch of idiots that came up with the idea of putting suede on car seats. No wonder our automakers are going under.

Keep the tips coming if anyone else has any ideas. I wonder if the Mr. Clean eraser pad would work.

[Skippy1827]

Ye4a, I use vinegar and water to clean salt stains from the floor mats, and it does smell for a bit afterwards.
make a note to not purchase a car with light colored suede.

[harofreak00]

The smell is temporary, as with most cleaning chemicals.

[ddalder]

The smell is temporary, as with most cleaning chemicals.

I might have to try that. You didn't experience any of the discolouration mentioned in the article?

Someone also suggested saddle soap, but I really need to ask the shop about that one first.

[harofreak00]

Nope, no discoloration.

[zuper8]

The smell is temporary, as with most cleaning chemicals.

I might have to try that. You didn't experience any of the discolouration mentioned in the article?

Someone also suggested saddle soap, but I really need to ask the shop about that one first.

nope don't use saddle soap. my experience with suede on equestrian equipment has taught me that- it makes a shiny flat spot on the suede

[ddalder]

The smell is temporary, as with most cleaning chemicals.

I might have to try that. You didn't experience any of the discolouration mentioned in the article?

Someone also suggested saddle soap, but I really need to ask the shop about that one first.

nope don't use saddle soap. my experience with suede on equestrian equipment has taught me that- it makes a shiny flat spot on the suede

Yikes! Okay... I won't be doing that! Thanks for the info