2000 Saab 9-5 Owner's Manual - Page 208

208 Car care and technical information Cleaning and caring for leather upholstery The principal reason for treating leather upholstery is to maintain its elegant appearance and to provide it with a protective film. Discoloration caused by dust and wear mainly affects the lighter shades, although this is not detrimental to the leather - indeed, the patina resulting from use is often considered desirable in leather. But if the leather is allowed to become too grubby, it can start to look shabby. It is a good idea to clean and recondition the leather twice a year - in conjunction with a general spring-cleaning of the car - after the winter and in the autumn, for instance. In hot, dry climates, the leather will need to be treated more frequently. Moisten a soft cloth in a mild soap solution. Carefully apply this damp (not wet) cloth to the leather, working in light, circular movements until the leather is clean. Repeat the procedure using clean water and then leave the leather to dry thoroughly. Finally, treat the leather with a leather conditioner. Apply the leather conditioner using a soft cloth and the same circular movements as described above. After it has dried, polish the leather with a soft, dry cloth. Follow the directions given above. Do not use hot water, unknown abrasive polishes, solvents, sprays or soaps that might scratch the leather. Upholstery and trim To remove fluff or hairs from the seat upholstery or headlining, use a moist, lint-free cloth or a special lint remover (brush or roller). Remove any dirty marks using a cloth moistened with lukewarm soapy water. When using a stain remover, always work from the outside towards the center to avoid leaving a ring. If a soiled ring or spot should remain, it can usually be removed using lukewarm soapy water or water alone. Wet patches left by spilt soft drinks or thin oil must be wiped off immediately using an absorbent material, such as kitchen paper, and treated with stain remover. Alcohol is recommended for removing grease or oil stains, and a semi-stiff brush may also be used. Textile carpeting Vacuum clean the carpeting regularly. Carpets can also be cleaned using a brush, or carpet shampoo applied with a sponge. Do not use vacuum cleaners outdoors unless they are properly grounded.