Been trolling around the internet for a while now reading and watching those who have cleaned their interior with steam. My 2011 coupe is pretty "used", in so many words trashed inside and out. It's smoked in often, moving boxes for work, driven on major highways and interstates weekly. One plus is that I have an unlimited membership at a car was in my area and I bring the car 1-2 times a week. With that being said it's usually pretty clean, at a quick glance at least.

Lots of people say cleaning the leather with steam gets rid of almost all the dirt and brings back that factory matte look to the seats. Others say it dries out the leather and will do long term damage. Me personally, I figured the cars pretty beat up why not give it a shot.

Got my steamer Saturday evening and took on the project today. Reviews and tutorials all suggest using meguiars APC however, couldn't get my hands on any this weekend so I used 303 (spot cleaner). Apparently this is an all purpose cleaner as well and is pre-diluted and ready for use.

My interior is black and I haven't seen one video of posting on any forum showing results so I figured I'll post it here.

Started by first steaming the leather with a triangle tool wrapped in a microfiber cloth. Immediately I see results. I sprayed some APC (generously) all over the seat and let it sit for a minute. Started steaming again and wiping clean with another micro fiber cloth.

Log story short I did the front & back seats, along with cup holders, console, dash, steering column and peddles.

Don't murder me my pictures are not that great, did not intend on posting but after I was finished I figured I have to share with people in the same boat as me.

Whole process took about 1 1/2 hours. I see a complete difference in the leather and over all cleanliness of the car. I even steamed the vents which apparently kills some smells.

Driver seat before:


Rag after:


Driver seat after:


Pass side before:


Rag:


Pass side after:

 

Did it soften up the leather? My passengers side bottom near thigh is very hard lol. How much did the steamer cost

 

I took away some stiffness however, I didn't use the steamer to its full potential as it was my first time using it. Steamer cost me $150 with tax. If it did anything noticeable it's the cup holder and center console (nav area, shifter, etc) it's beyond clean and feels brand new.

I think if I get meguiars APC the seats would come out even better!

 

Why not? Just rent a steam cleaner for few hours. It's less than $50