Cleaning sweat off leather seats?

[SteveC68]

I periodically (once a month) drive my car in local autocross events.  During the summer months this means I am sweating on the seats a bunch.  What would be the best method to clean the seats?  Up until now I have been using the Adam's leather cleaner followed by Adam's leather conditioner.  Is this too much, not enough, or just about right?

 

Thanks,

Steve

[BKazzle]

Your process should be fine.

 

I've heard that steam cleaners kill bacteria, but I don't know the science behind that statement. With that said cleaning seats in a smoker's car with a steamer helps reduce the smell A LOT. Which leads me to believe it kills bacteria like stated.

 

So, my point is that if LIC doesn't kill bacteria (which it might, not sure), then a steam cleaner would be IDEAL at doing so.

 

Steam cleaners really help in the cleaning process and a consumer model can be had for ~$120.

[DonJuan692006]

Your process should be fine.

 

I've heard that steam cleaners kill bacteria, but I don't know the science behind that statement. With that said cleaning seats in a smoker's car with a steamer helps reduce the smell A LOT. Which leads me to believe it kills bacteria like stated.

 

So, my point is that if LIC doesn't kill bacteria (which it might, not sure), then a steam cleaner would be IDEAL at doing so.

 

Steam cleaners really help in the cleaning process and a consumer model can be had for ~$120.

The heat of the steam cleaner will be enough to kill most common bacteria and would also help prevent any mold of mildew from forming.

[BKazzle]

The heat of the steam cleaner will be enough to kill most common bacteria and would also help prevent any mold of mildew from forming.

Yeah I understand the heat kills bacteria, but if you actually feel the steam that comes out, it's not the boiler temperature unless you have the the jet nozzle right up against whatever you're cleaning. The steamer I use says 200 degrees, but it's not when it comes out, it's just too hot to touch if you're near the steam exit, so that's why I said what I said. (Should have been more clear)

 

I'm always worried about using the steamer at a really close distance.

 

Edit: if that makes sense haha...I wrote that real quick on the phone while walking. Sorry, Hopefully you understand what I was trying to say.

Edited August 25, 2013 by BKazzle

[Hot_Wheel]

You aren't worried about putting the water into the leather?  Sorry, I'm not a pro, so I wonder about it.

[DonJuan692006]

Yeah I understand the heat kills bacteria, but if you actually feel the steam that comes out, it's not the boiler temperature unless you have the the jet nozzle right up against whatever you're cleaning. The steamer I use says 200 degrees, but it's not when it comes out, it's just too hot to touch if you're near the steam exit, so that's why I said what I said. (Should have been more clear)

 

I'm always worried about using the steamer at a really close distance.

 

Edit: if that makes sense haha...I wrote that real quick on the phone while walking. Sorry, Hopefully you understand what I was trying to say.

I hear ya. To sanitize you only need to hit about 170 and that's good enough to eat off of. The point about introducing moisture is a solid one though. I guess it really depends on what the OP wants to prevent. Edited August 25, 2013 by DonJuan692006

[BKazzle]

You aren't worried about putting the water into the leather?  Sorry, I'm not a pro, so I wonder about it.

  

 

There are techniques where you can introduce the heat to leather and just a little bit of water/pressure. There are also different attachments.

 

I hear ya. To sanitize you only need to hit about 170 and that's good enough to eat off of. The point about introducing moisture is a solid one though. I guess it really depends on what the OP wants to prevent.

That makes sense.