Summer Interior Care Series Pt. II

Last Updated April 29, 2022

Now that you know how to properly clean your interior, we need to address the next step in summer interior care. Conditioning, or moisturizing, is extremely important, especially in summer months. You might think interior conditioning only applies to leather surfaces, but it’s also necessary with surfaces like vinyl and plastic.  

Why Condition?

Conditioning the right way restores those faded surfaces and makes them look brand new again! During summer, the sun is blaring and there’s absolutely nothing you can do to stop it. If you let your car sit in the sun long enough, your sensitive interior surfaces can easily become dried out. Well who cares, you might ask? You do! Or you will… after we tell you that a dry interior can mean a faded interior, and then… a CRACKED interior surface.

What to Condition

Everyone knows leather is expensive. That’s precisely why you need to condition it, so that it maintains its firm but supple touch and monetary value. If you ever plan on selling your car, which most people do, a cracked interior surface due to sun damage means a depreciation in the value of your car. In some extreme cases, it means replacing your interior, and that’s not only a hassle but also incredibly costly. Don’t take the risk, just take the care! Plastic needs conditioning too, otherwise it can look faded and old. Interior plastics can be conditioned with leather products, but don’t use products designed for plastic on leather because they could damage it.

How to Condition

We know you read our most recent post about cleaning, so you know how to keep your interior spotless. Ensuring all surfaces are free from contaminants means better results when conditioning. Use a clean microfiber to apply your conditioner. Make sure the towel isn’t over saturated with product, or you’ll be wasting money and the time taken to remove excess. Once conditioner is applied, let it sit for a as much as 15 minutes so it can penetrate the surface.   If you’re conditioning leather, and you apply conditioner that is then absorbed after the 15 minute waiting period, apply more. It means your leather is really “thirsty” and dry, so the more you can condition it, the more restored it’ll be afterwards. If a conditioner is leaving a greasy finish on your surface, it’s going to attract dust. If, for example, you condition your leather seats and greasy residue is left behind, sitting on your seats will mean grease all over your clothes and skin. Not desirable. Get a conditioner that moisturizes without making your interior slimy.

Clean, Condition, and…

Next week, Dr. Beasley’s will be completing our Summer Interior Care Series with a post about interior protection. In the mean time, keep your interior surfaces happy with the correct conditioners.