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How do I fix water damaged leather car seats?

I accidentally left my front passenger window open overnight and it rained early this morning before I realized the window hadn’t been closed. I was able to soak up most of the water, but the seat looks like it may have already stained. Is there any way I can fix the water damaged leather?

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Andrew Biro · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It’s good that you removed what water you could—the initial drying is the most crucial step—but you’ll want to make sure the seat is completely dry before addressing the damage, so as to prevent potential mold growth. Set a fan to blow on the seat, letting it run for at least 30 minutes, to help evaporate any residual moisture.
After the leather dries, you’ll need to clean it before you can apply a leather conditioner. Premade leather-cleaning solutions exist, but you can also make your own in a pinch. A 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar should do the trick, and will help remove any old conditioner that may have surfaced from the rain.
Once you’ve wiped the leather down with your cleaning solution, apply the leather conditioner while the seat is still slightly damp—this makes it easier for the conditioner to soak into the leather.
Allow the leather conditioner 30 minutes for it to set in, taking care to towel off any that rises or pools to the top. All that’s left is to let the seat dry completely, a process that will likely take a few hours.
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