Maintaining/cleaning Alcantara in the vehicle – steering wheel, seats & Co.!

Thomas Wachsmuth 4 May 2023 Car repair & tuning guide

Reading time 9 Min.

Alcantara is a luxurious and versatile material that is commonly used in high-end factory vehicles. It is also extremely popular in the tuning scene to upgrade the interior. It is soft, durable and feels comfortable. However, Alcantara also requires regular and careful maintenance to maintain its comfort and attractive appearance. In this article you will learn everything about caring for Alcantara in the vehicle, from cleaning the seats to repairing minor damage.

Alcantara – A Brief Introduction

Alcantara is a synthetic material made from a blend of polyester and polyurethane. It was developed in Italy in the 1970s and is named after the region where it is made. Alcantara has a similar feel to suede, but is much more durable and at the same time easier to care for. Available in a variety of colors and textures, it is commonly used in vehicles for seats, steering wheels, dashboards, and headliners.

Care products for Alcantara

When caring for Alcantara, it is important to use the right care products. In general, you should stay away from harsh chemicals renounce and instead choose mild cleaners and care products that have been specially developed for Alcantara. The following are some of the most commonly used care products:

Alcantara cleaner: These specially formulated cleaning solutions are mild enough not to damage fabrics, yet effectively remove dirt and stains. Be sure to choose a product that is approved for Alcantara. (Sonax Alcantara & Textile Cleaner, Dr. Wack A1 Upholstery & Alcantara Cleaner, Swissvax Alcantara Cleaner, Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean, Meguiar's Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, Koch Chemie Pol Star Textile & Alcantara Cleaner, CarPro Inside Fabric & Leather Cleaner)
Microfiber Cloths: Soft microfiber cloths are best for applying cleaners and wiping Alcantara. They are gentle enough not to damage the delicate surface of the material.

Soft brushes: A soft brush can be used to remove dirt and dust from the surface of the Alcantara without damaging the material.
Alcantara protective agent: After cleaning, a special protective agent can be applied to the Alcantara to protect it from future soiling and wear. (Nanolex Textile & Leather Sealant, Colourlock Alcantara Protector, Gyeon Q2 FabricCoat, Sonax Xtreme Textile & Leather Sealant, 303 Fabric Guard, CarPro Cquartz Fabric, I1 Smart Fabric Coat by Gtechniq)

Care of Alcantara seats

Alcantara seats should be cleaned and maintained regularly to maintain their comfort and attractive appearance. Here are the steps you should follow:

Remove You loosen dirt and dust with a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush.
Wear one Alcantara cleaner onto a soft microfiber cloth and clean the seats in a circular motion. Make sure the cloth is not too wet to avoid moisture penetrating the material. It is better to test the product in an inconspicuous place beforehand.

After cleaning, you should wipe the seats with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove excess cleaning solution remove.
Release the seats completely drybefore using them again. Avoid direct sunlight or excessive heat to avoid damaging the material.
When the seats are dry, you can Alcantara protective agent Apply to protect the material from future soiling and wear. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.

Care of Alcantara steering wheels

Alcantara steering wheels are susceptible to dirt and wear and tear as they are frequently touched. To keep an Alcantara steering wheel clean and tidy, do the following:

Remove You loosen dirt and dust with a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush.

Use a special one Alcantara cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth to clean the steering wheel in a circular motion. Avoid excessively wetting the material.
Wipe the steering wheel with a clean, dry cloth microfiber cloth to remove excess cleaning solution.
Allow the steering wheel to dry completely before using it again.

If desired, enter Alcantara protective agent onto the steering wheel to protect it from future soiling and wear.

Special Alcantara cleaners developed exclusively for steering wheels are not very common. As a rule, the Alcantara cleaners mentioned above can also be used for steering wheels, as they are suitable for seats as well as other Alcantara surfaces.

Care of Alcantara headliners

Since Alcantara headliners are generally less touched than seats or steering wheels, they need to be cleaned less often. However, you should follow these steps to keep the headliner clean and tidy:

Remove You loosen dirt and dust with a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush.
For stains or heavy soiling, use one Alcantara cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth to gently clean the headliner. Use little cleaning solution to prevent material soaking.

Wipe the headliner with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any excess cleaning solution remove.
Leave the headliner complete drybefore using the vehicle again.

As with Alcantara cleaners for steering wheels, dedicated headliner cleaners are not very common. However, you can also use the Alcantara cleaners mentioned above for the headlining. Again, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and allow the headliner to dry completely after cleaning.

Ways to repair Alcantara

There are several ways to repair damaged Alcantara, depending on the type and extent of the damage:

Lint removal: For minor damage, such as lint or small discolorations, a lint razor or soft cloth can be used to gently treat the material and improve appearance.

Spot removal: For stains that cannot be removed by cleaning, a special Alcantara stain removal solution can be used. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and test the solution on an inconspicuous area to make sure it won't damage the material.
Repairing Cracks or Holes: In the case of major damage, such as tears or holes, it may be necessary to replace the damaged Alcantara piece with a new one. Consult a professional or vehicle upholsterer for best results. Only rarely do small DIY solutions for around €20 lead to an acceptable result.
Refreshing faded Alcantara: If the Alcantara loses color or fades over time, special Alcantara color revitalizing products can be used to revitalize the material. These products come in a variety of colors and can help restore Alcantara to its original appearance. (Colourlock Alcantara Freshener, Furniture Clinic Alcantara Dye, Liquid Leather Alcantara Dye, Leather Magic Alcantara Dye Kit, Leather World Technologies Alcantara Dye, Coconix Fabric and Carpet Dye)

Home remedies for maintaining / cleaning Alcantara?

Although the use of special Alcantara cleaners and care products is recommended, there are also some home remedies that can be used to clean Alcantara if necessary can be used if you do not have special products at hand. Here are some possibilities:

Neutral detergent: A mild soapy solution can be made by dissolving a few drops of neutral dish soap in warm water. Dip a soft microfiber cloth in the soap solution, wring well to remove excess liquid and gently clean the Alcantara in circular motions. Then wipe the treated material with a clean, damp cloth and dry with a dry microfiber cloth.
Distilled water: Use distilled water and a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe the Alcantara. This can help remove light dirt and dust. After cleaning, allow the material to dry completely.

vinegar solution: For stubborn stains, you can make a vinegar solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water. Apply the solution to the affected area with a soft microfiber cloth and rub gently. Pay attention to the Alcantara not to soak. Wipe the treated area with a damp cloth and then dry with a clean, dry cloth.

Please note that home remedies may not be as effective as dedicated Alcantara cleaning products and in some cases may damage the material. It is therefore recommended that you first carry out a test on an inconspicuous area before cleaning the entire Alcantara. If possible, always use special Alcantara care products to achieve the best possible result and to protect the material optimally.

What types of Alcantara are popular?

Various types of Alcantara are used in the automotive industry to meet the needs and requirements of manufacturers and customers. Some of the most commonly used types of Alcantara in the automotive industry are:

Alcantara standard: This is the basic and most commonly used Alcantara finish. It is characterized by its velvety feel, which is similar to suede. Alcantara Standard is often used for seat covers, steering wheels and door panels.
Alcantara perforated: This type of Alcantara has small holes or perforations worked into the material. This variant offers improved breathability and can be used in seats and steering wheels to increase comfort on longer journeys.

Vintage Alcantara: This variant of Alcantara has a slightly coarser surface and more pronounced texture reminiscent of weathered leather. It is often used in classic vehicles or vehicles with a retro design to create a nostalgic atmosphere.
Alcantara with contrast stitching: In this variant, contrasting seams are worked into the Alcantara. This design element is commonly used on seats, steering wheels and dashboards to provide a visually appealing appearance and an added personal touch.
Alcantara printed or embossed: In some cases, patterns or logos are printed or embossed on Alcantara to create an individual and unique look. These variants are mostly used for special vehicle models or limited editions.

Alcantara Carbon: This variant of Alcantara has a distinct texture similar to that of carbon fiber. It is often used for dashboards, center consoles and door panels to create a sporty and modern look.

The different types of Alcantara can be adapted and combined according to the needs and design requirements of the vehicle manufacturer. Regardless of type, all Alcantara finishes offer a luxurious feel and appealing look.

Conclusion – maintaining / cleaning Alcantara:

Regular and careful maintenance of Alcantara in the vehicle makes a significant contribution to maintaining the material's luxurious appearance and comfort. By using specially developed care products and following cleaning and care instructions, you can ensure that your Alcantara will remain attractive and functional for many years to come. Be sure to clean and condition Alcantara seats, steering wheels, and headliner regularly to prolong the life of the material.

When damage does occur, there are various repair options, from spot removal to full replacement of damaged Alcantara parts. Overall, Alcantara is an excellent material for use in vehicles that is both visually appealing and durable. With proper care and maintenance, your Alcantara vehicle interior will look and feel impeccable for years to come. Photo credit: BMW, ENVY FACTOR among others

The following note is essential: For safety reasons, tuningblog recommends all repair, inspection and maintenance work exclusively to be carried out in a specialist workshop! Although our information is summarized to the best of our knowledge and belief, we cannot assume any liability for the content. All information is therefore "without guarantee".

Of course, that wasn't the end of it!

In this tuningblog category there are guides and instructions for common defects/repairs on the vehicle and for installing accessories/tuning parts. Our articles explain in a simple way common defects and the corresponding repairs and they also explain how the first signs of a defect become noticeable. In most cases, we also have initial clues to the repair instructions in our repair instructions approximate costs listed.

The goal of ourAuto Repair Guide“ is to create a head start in knowledge for the next visit to the workshop with initial tips. This may save you from tedious troubleshooting and you may even be able to do small things yourself. The same applies, of course, to the installation of accessories/tuning parts. Here, too, we would like to help with the implementation with instructions and tips. There are many other posts on this as well. Below is an excerpt of the last and HERE there are all previous instructions.