Taking Care of Alcantara and Suede Interiors

Don't try cleaning Alcantara if the car has been sitting in the sun all day. The cleaner will flash dry before you can work it. Get it in the shade and let the interior temp drop.

This is the most important prep step. You need to get the loose dust and grit out. If you wet the fabric while there's red dust in there, you're basically making mud. Use a soft brush attachment and go in multiple directions.

If you're doing a steering wheel, tape up the buttons and any leather sections. Alcantara cleaners are safe, but fabric protectors can leave a weird film on plastics if you're not careful.

Look for specific stains. Got a coffee spill? A bit of chocolate? Identify the 'problem' areas so you can give them extra attention without soaking the whole seat.

Always test your cleaner on a hidden spot. I've never had an issue with the big brands, but you don't want to be the first person to find out your aftermarket seat covers bleed dye.

Use your dry upholstery brush to 'open up' the fibres. Move it in circular motions to lift the flattened hair (the pile).

Never spray directly onto the Alcantara if you can help it. Spray your foam or liquid onto the brush. This prevents 'spotting' and over-saturation.

Work in small sections (maybe 10cm x 10cm). Use light, circular motions. You're not scrubbing a deck; you're just lifting dirt out of the weave.

Take a clean microfibre and press it into the area you just cleaned. Don't rub aggressively. You want the towel to soak up the dirt and cleaner. You'll likely see a brown/grey stain on the towel, that's the victory.

For a greasy steering wheel, you might need 3 or 4 passes. If the foam stays white, you're done.

Dampen a fresh microfibre with distilled water. Wipe the area down to remove any leftover cleaning agents. If you leave soap in there, it'll actually attract dirt faster next time.

If the fibres are really matted, hold a steamer about 10-15cm away and puff some steam onto the area while brushing. The heat helps break down the oils that the chemicals might miss. (Careful not to burn yourself or the car!)

While the material is still slightly damp, take your brush and brush everything in one direction. This is called 'setting the nap'. It makes it look uniform when it dries.

Leave the windows cracked and let it air dry naturally. Don't use a hair dryer on high heat, you can literally melt the polyester. Ask me how I know (actually, don't, it was an expensive mistake on a black Commodore back in the day).

Once 100% dry, the Alcantara might feel a bit stiff. Give it one more light brush with a dry suede brush to soften it back up.

Spray a light, even mist of fabric protector. I reckon two light coats are better than one heavy one. This helps repel sweat and makes the next clean way easier.

Don't drive the car for at least 3-4 hours after protecting. Let the product bond to the fibres properly.