How to Detail 2008 tbSTI alcantara seats

[_apexg]

Hi all, just got my first car, a 2008 Liberty GT SpecB tbSTI, it's in pretty good nick but the alcantara inserts are a bit dirty and some have a few stains, does anyone know how I can clean them without wrecking them, I do mobile detailing myself but haven't dealt with this material before.

[bigBADbenny]

I use warm diluted wool wash and a reasonably soft nylon bristle hand brush.
Use the brush in small circular motions so the bristle ends stay in one place and drill into the pile and perforations to avoid abrading the material.

Use an extractor or dry towels to prevent fully wet soaking the Alcantara and in between cleaning applications.
If your water quality is not great, use distilled water.

Treat the entire panel of fabric equally to prevent hot spots.

The wool wash will eventually break up grease and oil, for stubborn stains, I’d try Sard hard soap, but be sure to test one area that’s out of sight, eg under the front seat cushion before proceeding to the entire panel but favouring the stains.

To finish, gently brush the alcantara in one direction, or two to get a checkerboard pattern.
If the stains persist try soaking them and repeat the process.

I use this technique on my alcantara steering wheel as well a seats.

[peter22]

Best option: a dedicated Alcantara cleaner (e.g. from Alcantara itself or brands like Sonax)
If you don’t have one:
→ Mix a small amount of mild APC or interior cleaner diluted (like 1:10 or weaker)