If you’re like me, then you love the beautiful and futuristic look that Tesla’s white vegan leather interiors provide. Not only do they help add that extra bit of pop, but the seats stay cooler in the summertime. I’ve opted for white seats in both my 2022 Model S and my 2023 Model Y.
Here’s what I’ve learned about keeping them clean, plus some tips and products you can buy for long-term protection.
Are Tesla’s White Seats Hard to Keep Clean?
Tesla’s white seats (and interiors, for that matter) do get dirty very easily. But in my experience, Tesla’s stain resistant claim mostly holds up over time and once they do get smudged, cleaning them off isn’t very hard.
I’ve carried all sorts of things in my Tesla vehicles, including plants, without having any issues with removing the mess afterward.
Last spring, I filled up both the rear cargo and backseat space with ferns. Some of the ferns rubbed off on the white seats, leaving green colored residue.
Before and after cleaning the seat.
Despite what it looks like, getting this residue off was quick and painless. The “hard” part of owning a Tesla with the white interior option, is that the dirt is much more noticeable than in the black interior. Of course, a pro of being able to see it might be that you are motivated to clean out the vehicle more often.
Blue Jeans Dye Transfer
The most difficult cleaning problem you’ll face with white seats is blue jean dye transfer. If you wear jeans often, slowly over time a small amount of blue dye will absorb into the seats and will appear very faintly.
Unless the dye is removed immediately (thoroughly cleaning the seats after use), the stain can become permanent. Though this occurs with black seats as well, it’s much more difficult to notice, if you see it at all.
Cleaning Tesla’s White Seats & Interior
According to the owner’s manual, all of Tesla’s interiors should be cleaned with warm water and a non-detergent soap. I find it easier and just as effective to use unscented baby wipes, which are gentle and free of chemicals that will eat away at the material (more on that later).
Unscented baby wipes like these are perfect for cleaning Tesla’s interiors, regardless of what color option you choose.
It may take a few wipes and some elbow grease, but any non-permanent marks or dirt will come off and your interior will be as good as new. If, for some reason you find that the baby wipes aren’t doing the trick, then try the soap and water method instead.
Cleaning the Screens
As a bonus tip, you should only wipe off the screens with a high-quality LCD screen cleaner. I use Calyptus screen cleaner and some microfiber clothes. I’m not sponsored by them; I just love the job that the product does, and it doesn’t leave a weird smell behind.
You’ll probably want to clean your screen often, unless you like staring at fingerprint smudges and dust.
Chemicals to Avoid
You should never use any type of products that contain harsh ingredients such as alcohol, bleach, or melamine-formaldehyde condensate (Magic Erasers). These can degrade the material over time and cause irreversible damage.
Long-Term White Seat Protection
If you don’t want to have to clean your Tesla’s seats as often or are afraid of some non-removable stains setting in, then you can apply an interior ceramic coating to them. These coatings are formulated differently than those that go on your paint, so make sure you buy a version that’s made for car interiors.
In the past, I’ve used GYEON Quartz LeatherShield with good results. Just keep in mind that this coating doesn’t last forever, and you’ll probably need to reapply it every couple of months or so.
What About Seat Covers?
Tesla recommends avoiding aftermarket seat covers because they can interfere with seat occupancy sensors. Use these at your own risk.
More Tips
Here are some additional tips to save money and to help keep your Tesla’s interior looking clean for as long as possible.
- Tesla’s seats can wrinkle and crack over time. Avoid sitting on them perpendicularly and be careful how you rest objects like heavy boxes for long periods of time.
- Buy baby wipes in bulk from Amazon to save some money.
- Clean your Tesla’s seats at least once a week and the whole interior at least once a month.
- Blue jean dye transfer can be a real issue, but the ceramic coating mentioned above can help reduce the chances of this.
- Even if you use ceramic coating, I highly recommend wiping the seats down well after each day if you wear your blue jeans in the car.
- This can be a serious issue that’s hard to fix once the stain appears.
Tesla White Interior & Seat Cleaning FAQ
Here are some commonly asked questions about Tesla’s white seats, white interior, and cleaning them.
Are Tesla’s White Seats Worth It?
Absolutely. The pure white color adds a feeling of spaciousness, modernism, and, most appropriately, a sense of driving the future. Practically speaking, they won’t absorb as much heat as the black interior either.
Is It OK to Use Clorox Wipes to Clean a Tesla’s Interior?
No, Tesla recommends avoiding products like Clorox wipes as a regular method of cleaning their interiors. While using them here or there probably won’t damage the material enough to notice, and I have done so myself previously, it’s not worth the risk.
What Are Tesla’s White Seats Made Of?
Most of the material Tesla uses in their vehicles is vinyl, which is short for polyvinyl chloride. It’s basically a synthetic plastic material created from petroleum.
Should I Opt for Tesla’s White Interior if I Have Pets?
There’s absolutely a way that you could make the white seats work if you have a furry friend. Namely, you’ll either have a very dirty interior or will be cleaning it more often. However, if you strongly prefer the look of the white interior vs the black, then go for it.
Sources
