You just bought a new – or new-to-you – convertible with leather seats! You probably can't wait to drop the top and get on the highway to feel the wind in your hair. But before you do, take a few minutes to learn how to care for those leather seats so they'll stay clean, comfortable and beautiful for many years of cruising.

Keep Your Car's Interior Clean

Keeping the interior of your convertible clean can be more challenging than keeping the interior of your hardtop clean. All kinds of stuff can get into your convertible, whether it's being driven or just parked. In addition to the usual culprits that contribute to a messy car, like drink cups, napkins and crumbs, convertibles can collect leaves, road dirt and debris, and even droppings from our feathered friends.

You probably do a thorough cleaning when you wash your car, but a convertible with leather seats requires a little more than that. Every few days, or whenever you come back from a trip of more than an hour or two, wipe down the seats with a damp cloth. Don't worry about the old adage that you shouldn't use water on leather – a damp cloth will do no harm. Microfiber is best since it doesn't leave lint behind.

Treat Your Seats

Use a leather conditioner that's recommended by your car's manufacturer. Make sure it has UV protection. Sun can damage any car's upholstery, and convertibles are especially susceptible. It's likely that your seats have a vinyl coating over the leather, so a liquid conditioner will work better than a cream. Some conditioners are made specifically for the leather seats in convertibles.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for using the conditioner. You should treat your leather seats at least three or four times a year, and as often as monthly during top-down season.

Cover Up

If you know you will have to park your car for any length of time in a sunny spot, throw a towel or blanket over your leather seats. This applies whether the top is up or down. This will not only keep your seats from drying out and cracking, it will also prevent fading and keep them cooler for when you get back in the car.

Regularly cleaning and conditioning your car's interior will keep those seats looking beautiful, so be sure to set a regular schedule for your car's interior maintenance. If you have any questions, be sure to contact an upholstery professional like those at Westside Upholstery.