Keep Your Cabin Looking as Refined as the Day It Left the Factory
If you own a Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, or another high-end performance car, chances are your interior includes Alcantara—the luxurious suede-like material that delivers a blend of motorsport performance and upscale refinement. Lightweight, grippy, and elegant, Alcantara is a favorite in exotic interiors for everything from steering wheels and dashboards to seats and headliners.
But unlike leather or vinyl, Alcantara requires special care to preserve its soft texture and rich appearance.
We know how important the interior experience is. Here’s everything you need to know to properly clean and maintain your Alcantara surfaces.
What Is Alcantara?
Alcantara is a synthetic microfiber material made in Italy. It looks and feels like suede, but is more durable, lighter, and resistant to UV fading and moisture. That’s why it's widely used in luxury and exotic car interiors.
Think of Alcantara as the motorsport-approved luxury fabric—elegant enough for a Rolls-Royce, yet rugged enough for a track-focused Lamborghini.
What NOT to Do
Before we get into the cleaning process, here’s what you should never do:
- Don’t use leather cleaner or harsh chemicals
- Don’t scrub with stiff brushes
- Don’t soak it with water
- Don’t apply excessive heat or steam
- Don’t use microfiber towels that trap lint
These mistakes can mat down the fibers, leave stains, or permanently damage the texture.
Routine Maintenance (Weekly or As Needed)
Regular maintenance helps prevent build-up of dust, body oils, and surface grime. Here's how:
1. Vacuum Gently
Use a soft brush attachment and light suction to remove surface dust and debris. Always vacuum in multiple directions to lift the fibers evenly.
2. Brush the Surface
Use a dedicated Alcantara brush or soft-bristle suede brush to restore the material’s natural texture. Gently brush in one direction to fluff up any flattened areas.
Spot Cleaning (For Stains or Smudges)
If you notice a smudge or stain (from sweat, food, sunscreen, etc.), act fast:
1. Dampen a White Cloth with Distilled Water
Avoid tap water (which can leave mineral stains). Gently dab the stained area—never rub.
2. Use a Diluted Alcantara Cleaner
You can purchase a dedicated Alcantara cleaning solution or mix a small amount of gentle soap (like baby shampoo) with distilled water. Apply lightly to the cloth—not the surface—and blot the stain.
3. Dry and Brush
Once clean, blot excess moisture with a dry cloth and let it air dry. Afterward, brush gently to restore texture.
Always test any cleaner on a hidden area first.
Deep Cleaning (Every 3–6 Months)
For high-contact areas like steering wheels, bolsters, and gear selectors, consider a deeper clean using a professional-grade Alcantara cleaner and application pad.
If your vehicle sees track use or frequent driving, you may need to clean more often due to sweat and skin oils affecting the grip and appearance of Alcantara.
Protecting Your Alcantara Interior
- Avoid eating or drinking in the car
- Keep hand lotion or sunscreen away from Alcantara-covered areas
- Park in shaded areas or use a sunshade to reduce heat exposure
- Use gloves if you're doing performance driving (to reduce sweat buildup on steering wheels)