When purchasing a car, any car owner should think about purchasing all the necessary accessories that will not only decorate the appearance of the interior and bring comfort, but also protect the seat upholstery from dirt and mechanical influences. Today, manufacturers produce a huge number of various models of car covers, capes made from a wide variety of materials and incredible designs.
It can sometimes be difficult to choose, but there are covers made from materials that especially attract buyers with their elegance and practicality, these include eco-leather car covers. They will be discussed in our article. Let's try to figure out together why they are so good and how to properly care for them.
Eco leather. Composition, advantages and disadvantages
The material is two-layer. The base is a canvas, which is covered with a layer of polymer on top, painted in the required color and given the desired texture. It is this ratio and technology that allows products made from eco-leather to have excellent air permeability, even better than natural leather. They exactly replicate the silhouette of a car seat, which is comfortable, they don’t bulge or slide down. They have no odor at all, but easily absorb foreign substances, so it is better not to smoke in the car or ventilate it in a timely manner.
The cost of such products is much lower than their leather counterparts, but at the same time they have many more advantages: they are convenient to use, durable and easy to care for, which is why car owners adore them so much.
Even such great strength and wear resistance does not guarantee that the item will last long. To do this, you also need to properly care for it, promptly remove any leftover food and dry it after it gets wet.
Caring for velor car covers
Velor's best friend in the interior is a car vacuum cleaner. Due to the pile, velor covers accumulate dust, so going over them with a soft nozzle is never a bad idea. The second tool for cleaning velor in a car is a special brush, which, however, can be replaced by a hair roller. Velor brushes should have medium or low hardness.
Velor covers can be cleaned with soapy water and a sponge. When it comes to chemicals, either specialized compounds or carpet cleaners are suitable, but they must be used carefully. First test on a small area of velor and evaluate the result.
Velor is easy to clean. Do not pull or pluck the lint. Do not use bleach or alkaline cleaners. Velor car covers should be dried at room temperature. You can speed up drying by using a hair dryer.
You cannot put wet covers on the seats - they will become deformed.
Proper operation is the key to long service life
Most importantly, no loads with sharp corners, protruding nails or cutting objects. Do not sit on the seat wearing jeans or shorts with zippers on the back pockets or iron decorative details; abrasions and even tears may appear.
If you have a pet with large claws and prefers to travel with you, then transport it either in special carriers or wear soft pads if possible, otherwise your seats will be covered with continuous scratches. If the material has anti-scratch microfiber, the likelihood of damage is reduced.
It is necessary to keep a pack of wet and dry wipes in the glove compartment; they can come in handy at any time. Having a car vacuum cleaner is also welcome; it won’t hurt to go over the seats at least once a month, and brushes will help you get out debris in hard-to-reach places.
Spilled liquid? Blot immediately with tissues or dry microfiber, do not try to scrub with a hard brush or use a lot of force. You can carry with you special products for cleaning leather products that form foam and work instantly. Can be found at any auto store.
The time interval between repetitions of care procedures for eco-leather covers depends on how often you use them and how quickly their surface becomes dirty. With normal use, you can get by with one or two cleanings every few months. It is not advisable to delay this, since the dirt will penetrate into the skin as much as possible, and it will be much more difficult to get rid of it.
There are special means for different types of contaminants, which will be described in more detail below. Artificial leather will withstand any wet cleaning, the main thing is not to overuse cleaning substances.
Any cleaning using chemicals should be carried out in a dark place; eco-leather heats up quickly, which can affect the processes in the composition of the products used. The skin may subsequently become stained, change color, and these are not all the unpleasant surprises that may await you in the end.
Removing stains from eco-leather
Clean up spills immediately
If you accidentally spill liquid, such as coffee or juice, on the seat, use a damp cloth to immediately clean up the spill. Or you can use a damp cotton or wool cloth to clean. Do this carefully and do not rub too hard to avoid damaging the polymer coating layer.
Use soapy water
For deeper cleaning we need to use soapy water. Mix a tablespoon of liquid hand soap or dish soap with warm water. Soak eco-leather in mixed soapy water and wipe off stains. It is also a good idea to test the mixed soapy water in an inconspicuous area in case it stains the surface of your leatherette car seats.
To clean again, use a clean, damp cloth
This step will help remove any remaining soapy water. Remaining soap can damage the structure of eco-leather. Once you're done with the soapy water, gently wipe the surface of the leatherette with clean water and a cloth. In the meantime, make sure the stains are completely removed. Otherwise, wash it again with soapy water. And then rinse it again with clean water.
Use a dry cloth to finish
A dry environment is very important for leatherette car seats. So, the last step in cleaning stains is to dry them. Use a dry soft cloth or wool to absorb any water that remains on the surface.
Eliminating the consequences of spilled liquids
All you usually need is plain water, a dry cloth or a non-wet wipe.
Usually spilled coffee, dairy drinks, juices and less often alcoholic beverages. To avoid consequences, you need to clean up the puddle as quickly as possible. To begin with, use blotting movements to remove moisture with a towel or dry cloth, without rubbing or sweeping movements. Do not stretch the fabric too much.
Next, wipe with damp wipes or a cloth, and then wipe dry again.
Do not use chlorine bleaches or abrasive powders or pastes. They can damage the top layer, ruin the appearance and quality of the products.
General cleaning of eco-leather car seats
Use a vacuum cleaner to clean up debris
The vacuum cleaner is suitable for most types of cleaning leatherette car seats. But two points should be noted.
- First, attach a soft brush to the vacuum cleaner to avoid scratching it.
- Secondly, pay more attention to hard-to-reach areas that are easy to ignore but where most of the dust and dirt is hidden.
Proper use of a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush or cloth is important.
Use a cloth to clean dust
After vacuuming away debris, gently wipe leatherette car seats with a damp cloth. This way you can wipe off dust from the surface. Then wipe off dust from the entire surface with a dry cloth. Make sure the fabric is initially clean and free of dust.
Wipe regularly with a damp cloth
Regular maintenance is also important. It is advisable to regularly wipe the leatherette with a damp cloth. This way you can keep the surface clean and glossy for a long time.
Getting rid of scuff marks on car covers
If the look of shiny seats no longer pleases you, then you should put them in order. For such purposes, there are special chemicals available in specialized stores. They help care for artificial leather and hide blemishes.
It is best to contact the consultants of the retail outlet and they will tell you what is best suited. You can also read the instructions or label on the packages. Usually the whole process is described there in detail. However, there is nothing complicated about it.
Apply a little product to a soft cloth or directly to the surface of the car covers and rub gently. A similar procedure is usually carried out once every few months to prevent further contamination or as needed.
Washing perforated eco-leather
- You can also use damp microfiber to wash perforated leather.
Using a circular motion, the brush will thoroughly clean the perforated skin.
- For more severe contamination, use a store-bought or homemade cleaning composition with a soft-bristled brush.
- Spray the product onto the brush, not directly onto the seat.
- Gently work the skin in a circular motion. Walk this way over the entire surface.
- While the product is still wet, dry it with a microfiber towel. This wet residue will contain all the dirt that was lifted from the surface by the brush and product. The process can be repeated until the desired result is obtained.
- When wiping, use the clean side of a microfiber towel.
- Microfiber should be rinsed and wrung out periodically.
- If moisture or debris gets into the holes of the perforated leather, you can vacuum the holes with a narrow nozzle.
How to dry covers correctly
Also not an unimportant process in cleaning and preserving
creating a pleasant smell in the cabin. After all, if the covers are not allowed to dry completely after wet cleaning, then mold or a musty aroma may appear.
Remember to ventilate the interior in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight. Preferably in any season, not just on warm days.
For drying, do not use heating devices, place covers on hot pipes or iron them, including using a hair dryer. You can damage the fabric structure and even ruin the covers; they can become deformed and stretched. It should dry on its own.
Do not wash eco-leather car covers in a washing machine, even if there is a delicate cycle.
No. 3 Cleaning dry dirt
What you will need:
Soft sponge, cloth, soap or 40% alcohol-water solution.
We sorted out wet cleaning - nothing difficult. Now the task is more difficult. Clean eco-leather covers from dried food or dirt from feet.
A soft sponge or cloth soaked in a regular soap solution will help us here. Let us remind you that eco-leather is not afraid of moisture and easily tolerates water treatments.
The main thing is that after cleaning, the cleaning area must be carefully wiped dry.
This is important because Remaining moisture may eventually damage the polymer protective film on the material.
When cleaning even heavy dirt, we do not recommend using a bristle brush. It may leave minor scratches. But a 40% alcohol-water solution will definitely help.
How to care for colored and bright, light models of covers
Did you choose bright colors or light solid colors? Be prepared for more frequent maintenance procedures. They are more beautiful and pleasing to the eye, but stains with dirt on them are much more noticeable.
To extend their service life and maintain their appearance, professional conditioners are required to clean leather and leatherette. Simply apply to the item and rub lightly or directly onto a rag.
It is best to apply an additional spray after treatment - water and dirt-repellent. Do not use chemicals on natural leather, where there is a prohibition sign for use on polyurethane coatings.
No. 1 We use it correctly
The cotton-based polyurethane coating, which is hidden behind the word eco-leather, is a fairly unpretentious material. It is easy to clean with available products and retains its elegant appearance for a long time.
However, remember - eco-leather does not like sharp piercing and cutting objects.
Be careful if there are zippers or fasteners on the back pockets of your trousers. Over time, they leave deep scratches or cuts.
During active driving, eco-leather tends to wear out, especially if the upholstery is light-colored.
Do not allow it to become heavily soiled - it will be more difficult to clean later. Otherwise there are no special problems with it.
With proper care, the covers will easily serve for 3-4 years.
The best care products
Manufacturers of high-quality eco-leather furniture insist that owners use only specially developed products that do not harm the coating, remove dirt well and protect the surface from cracking. The best of them are the following:
- Eco mist is a spray that does not require rinsing. It removes dirt well, is non-toxic, completely safe for children and pets. Gives furniture shine and gloss. Does not contain fragrances and is safe for allergy sufferers and asthmatics.
- Glutoclean – removes dirt and debris well and has an antistatic effect. Does not cause allergic reactions, protects leatherette from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation and dry air.
- Unicum – gently cleanses and nourishes eco-leather, gives a beautiful, moderate shine. Does not require rinsing or wearing gloves.
Before using products, make sure that they are specifically approved for use on non-natural leather surfaces. Read the instructions first, as each of them has its own method of application, and some need to be rinsed off.
Description of eco-leather: its differences from genuine leather and substitutes
Many things are made from artificial materials. From winter to summer clothes. This article talks about how to care for eco-leather and what you need for this.
What is eco leather
The fabric is made of two layers, and woven fabric is used as the base. A polyurethane coating is applied on top, which is painted in the desired tone and thereby structures the canvas. A polymer is a solution consisting of a large number of organic and inorganic compounds. For example, it could be cellulose, rubber, jute.
Faux fabric sofa
Advantages of eco-leather products
When creating eco-leather, you don’t need any special expenses to have animals - you only need material and a chemical substance. Other benefits include:
- Durability of the canvas;
- Does not cause allergies;
- Stretchability;
- Large selection of colors and patterns;
- The material holds its shape;
- Easy to care for;
- It allows water to pass through, so it is not hot in it;
- Air circulation;
- Resistant to frost;
- You can choose any fabric size;
- No animals are untouched during production;
- A little worse than genuine leather, but much cheaper;
- No chemical smells.
Proper care
How to distinguish leather from eco-leather
The difference between leather and eco-leather can only be understood by touch. Eco-leather is quite breathable and pleasant, unlike real leather. When buying things, it is difficult to understand how natural fabric will differ from artificial fabric, but knowing some of the nuances, it is quite possible.
Note! The difference between eco-leather and artificial leather can be understood by its appearance. The inside of the product has a fabric base, and the cuts will be ribbed. Shoes made from real leather have a strong smell, while shoes made from artificial leather have almost no smell.
Furniture or car covers. If you put your palm on the product, it will start to heat up and sweat, this only happens from natural material. For covers, quilted eco-leather is usually purchased. It can be distinguished by the use of linings.
You might be interested in what kind of fabric is used for a wedding dress, car covers
When purchasing bags, you need to carefully inspect the seams and zippers. For natural fabrics, the edges will be clearly visible. When buying clothes, you need to look at the label. Products made from natural fabric will have a leather pattern sewn on. Natural material is more durable than artificial material. Types of eco-leather can be perforated or self-adhesive. The composition may contain polyurethane or polymer. In production it can be pressed or made with foam rubber. There are certain types based on the type of thread used.
How to distinguish eco-leather from leatherette
Eco-leather is a material made from PVC fabric, so it is tougher and denser. Such fabric is used to produce cheap products of poor quality. You need to hold the product in your hands, eco-leather will be pleasant and warm, and leatherette will look like a piece of plastic. Leatherette emits a pungent chemical smell.
Car interior care
Caring for eco-leather in a car involves wet cleaning. The interior needs to be maintained as it gets dirty. Comprehensive cleaning can be done approximately 2 times a month. In this case, the capes will last a very long time. But you shouldn’t wash car covers too often. When dirt appears, it is advisable to remove it immediately, because it can penetrate deep into the fabric.
It is important to purchase products specifically for cleaning car interiors and not to use acetone or solvent. Clean only with microfiber. Before you start, be sure to vacuum the interior with a fine nozzle.
How to care for an eco-leather sofa
Eco-leather sofas come in corner, quilted, straight or diamond shapes. Mainly produced in Turkey and Belarus. Basic Rules:
spring jacket
- It is prohibited to place sofas near radiators or under direct ultraviolet radiation. In sunlight, the upholstery quickly fades and cracks form on it;
- Remove dust with a damp cloth;
- If there are a lot of stains, they can be removed with soapy water;
- Fatty stains can be easily removed with shaving foam;
- Ink and paint can be removed with ammonia mixed with water;
- A beige sofa can be wiped with warm milk;
- Brown eco-leather can be cleaned with peroxide.
For sofas, armchairs and beds, stretch eco-leather is mainly used.
Subtleties of shoe care
Description of care rules:
- Constantly wipe with a damp cloth; for severe stains, use a special spray;
- Water should not get inside the shoes;
- Use water-repellent impregnations;
- Sometimes use spray paint for shoes.
Eco-leather for bags and shoes is taken of the same type.
Shine Gel
How to quickly and easily clean an eco-leather item
This material almost never gets dirty or collects dust, but it needs to be cleaned at least twice a month.
Before starting any care, you need to read the information on the tags.
Basically, manufacturers write washing rules right up to spinning. Some materials can be washed at any temperature and can also be dried. And others only need delicate care.
How to clean a white eco-leather sofa
Basic cleaning rules:
- It is advisable to perform dry cleaning only. Spilled water must be cleaned up immediately, otherwise the coating may swell;
- Fresh stains should be wiped with a sponge dipped in soapy water;
- It is better to remove heavy dirt with shaving foam or ammonia;
- Do not wash eco-leather with hot water.
Reaction to hot water
Fighting stains
It is not necessary to always do a full wash. Even difficult stains can be removed in a zoned manner. It is only important to start cleaning immediately and not wait until the stain is absorbed. Before you start cleaning, you need to determine the type of contamination (paint, ink, grease, juice, etc.) and only after that choose a method of elimination.
Washing rules
Not all stains can be removed with a wet cloth. Also, many products, for example, winter jackets and demi-season coats, sundresses, sweaters and pants, are made from various materials or decorated with small inserts. In this case, many people wonder whether it is possible to wash the item in a machine.
Variety of colors
Whether washing is allowed or not is indicated on the label and nowhere else. Washing is allowed at 40 degrees, with liquid powders. Drying should be in a horizontal position. If eco-leather with foam rubber, then washing is prohibited.
Is it possible to wash eco-leather in a washing machine?
Basically, most factories indicate in the instructions permission to wash eco-leather. Some materials require only delicate care and drying.
Prohibited eco-leather care products
What not to use:
- It is forbidden to use gasoline and White Spirit; they will immediately damage the fabric;
- Do not use rough sponges or brushes that tear the surface;
- Do not dry near heating devices or UV rays;
- Ironing is contraindicated.
Proper storage
How to dry
Basic drying rules:
- After washing, the water should drain on its own, do not wring out;
- Next, the product should be placed on a thick towel;
- Place another similar towel on top;
- Soak up excess water;
- Light items should be dried on hangers, and heavy ones on the surface;
- Eco-leather black dries at room temperature.
Smoothing
Some products are allowed to be ironed, but you need to monitor the temperature. The iron should be heated to 90 degrees. It is not advisable to use a steamer.
Storage Features
It is better to store eco-leather items in fabric bags. It is better not to put them in ordinary bags. The room should be cool, no higher than 20 degrees, and should not be exposed to sunlight.
Outerwear
It is better to store outerwear on hangers in the closet. The hanger should be the size of the product so that it does not wrinkle. It is better to store bags or sundresses folded in a box.
In conclusion, it should be noted that eco-leather is quite popular at the moment. It is almost as good as natural, although much cheaper. With proper care, it can last for several years. You can use it to glue various products yourself.
Source: https://tkanix.guru/svojstva-tkanej-i-poloten/uhod-za-ekokozej
Concept of material
Eco-leather, like natural leather, cracks, becomes stained and changes color over time.
To prevent this, you need to know how to care for eco-leather.
Do you even know about this material?
This is a high-tech product. Structurally, it consists of two layers. This is a polyester fabric base and microporous polyurethane coating. The first layer serves as wear protection. The second gives the necessary appearance.
Leading and certified manufacturers use GOST. But there are also those who make eco-leather according to specifications.
Caring for Polyester, Neoprene and Mesh Fabrics
Durable, high-quality synthetics are actively used in car covers: mesh fabric, polyester, neoprene. The latter material is used, for example, in St. John's wort cases. These are durable covers, but they will last longer if you follow simple rules: wash neoprene in warm water (30-40 degrees) with soap and dry naturally.
Polyester is washed in water at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees. The material dries quickly, so if stains or dirt appear, you can quickly wash them and dry the covers. When machine washing polyester, choose “delicate wash” or “hand wash”. Polyester is rarely ironed, since the material retains its shape well, but if such a need arises, then it should be ironed through a damp cloth, and on the iron I select a medium temperature setting. Polyester covers dry naturally.
Knitted mesh or voluminous mesh fabric does not require maintenance. Mesh covers can be washed by hand or machine. Like other synthetic fabrics, the material prefers delicate washing and water temperatures up to 40 degrees (up to 60, if allowed by the manufacturer and indicated on the label).
Using a hair dryer or placing it on a radiator is harmful for products made from synthetic fabrics.
