Protect your investment.


Like any premium product, proper care is essential to maintain the condition, appearance, and functionality of your RECARO seats. Whether you’ve invested in seats for your 4WD, daily driver, or track car, following the right care practices will ensure they stay looking and feeling like new for years to come.

To keep your vinyl seats looking fresh and lasting longer

Vinyl Seat
  • Clean regularly with a soft damp cloth to remove dust and grime
  • Use a vinyl-safe cleaner like Bowden’s Own Vinyl Care for deeper cleans and protection
  • Avoid harsh chemicals, silicone sprays, or abrasive brushes
  • Apply protectant monthly to prevent fading, drying, and cracking
  • Wipe spills immediately to avoid staining or surface damage

    Tip: Always apply cleaning products to a cloth first not directly on the seat.

Keep your leather seats comfortable and looking new with simple, regular care

Leather Seat
  • Vacuum first using a soft brush to lift dust from seams and perforations.

  • Wipe down with a slightly damp microfibre cloth to remove surface grime.

  • Clean gently: use a pH-neutral, water-based leather cleaner. Apply to the cloth (not the seat), work in small sections, then wipe dry.

  • Protect/condition: apply a light coat of a water-based protectant/conditioner every 2–3 months (e.g. Bowden’s Own Leather Love/Leather Guard). Buff lightly after drying.

  • UV care: park in shade/use sunshades to minimise fading and drying.

  • Spills: blot immediately don’t rub to avoid spreading or pushing liquid into stitching.

  • Avoid: solvents, household degreasers, silicone or oil-heavy products, waxes, steam cleaners, and abrasive pads.

  • Perforated leather: don’t saturatewell-wrung cloth only.

  • Test first: always spot-test products in an inconspicuous area.

  • Work cool: apply products in the shade on cool surfaces.


    If leather is cracked, colour-worn, or stained, consult a professional trimmer/detailer for repair.

Keep your fabric and suede-style materials fresh, clean, and protected with proper care

Fabric, Suede & Alcantara Seat

CLEAN – Fabra Cadabra
Fabra Cadabra by Bowden's Own is a fabric-safe cleaner designed for delicate materials like cloth, suede, microsuede, and Alcantara.

Vacuum the surface first using a soft brush head to remove loose dirt and debris.

Lightly spray Fabra Cadabra onto a clean microfibre cloth (not directly onto the seat).

Gently blot or wipe the area avoid scrubbing.

For deeper cleaning, lightly mist the surface and use a soft interior brush.

Blot dry with a clean towel and allow to air dry.

Once dry, brush suede/Alcantara fibres to restore texture.

Suitable for: Fabric, Alcantara, suede, microsuede, cloth.

Keep your fabric and suede-style materials fresh, clean, and protected with proper care

Fabric, Suede & Alcantara Seat

PROTECT – Fabratection
Fabratection by Bowden's Own is a stain and UV barrier spray formulated for safe use on all automotive fabrics.

Apply only after seats are completely clean and dry.

Spray Fabratection evenly over the fabric in light coats.

Allow to cure for 4–6 hours (ideally overnight) before use.

Do not oversaturate — multiple light coats are more effective than a heavy application.

Reapply every few months or after deep cleaning.

Benefits:

Guards against water, oil, food, and grime stains

Provides UV protection to reduce fading

Safe for sensitive materials when applied correctly

​Usage & Handling Tips

To extend the life of your RECARO seat foam and trim materials, always follow these guidelines:

01. Avoid Sitting on Side Bolsters

Always enter and exit your vehicle without placing weight on the side bolsters. They're designed for lateral support during driving not for stepping or leaning on

02. Don’t Kneel or Stand on Seats

Never kneel, stand, or place sharp or heavy objects on the seat surface. This can cause permanent foam compression or fabric damage.

03. Minimise Sunscreen & Sweat Contact

Avoid contact with sunscreen, insect repellent, and excessive sweat. These substances can discolour or degrade leather, vinyl, and fabric over time.

04. Clean Seats Regularly

Use a pH-neutral cleaner suitable for your seat trim (fabric, leather, Alcantara, etc.). Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasives, or household cleaners.

05. Protect Against UV Damage

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade and dry out seat materials. Use sunshades or park in shaded areas when possible.

06. Use the Right Products

Only use cleaners and protectants designed for automotive seating (e.g. Bowden’s Own, Fabratection). Always spot test first.

07. Brush Alcantara & Suede Gently

Maintain texture by brushing lightly after cleaning. Never scrub or soak Alcantara or suede.

08. Allow Seats to Breathe

Avoid sealing seats in plastic or vinyl covers long-term. If not using your vehicle for extended periods, air out the interior to prevent moisture buildup.

09. Install Seat Covers for Extra Durability

For added protection in harsh environments, we recommend Black Duck Seat Covers, perfect for daily, off-road, or fleet use.

10. Treat Your Seats Like a Component, Not Just Furniture

RECARO seats are a precision-built component of your driving setup. Respect their form and function the same way you would your wheels, brakes, or suspension.