Do White Tesla Seats Stain? Keeping White Seats Clean

According to a recent survey by Kelley Blue Book, Tesla’s Model S, Model X, and Model 3/Y have ranked among the top 10 vehicles with the highest customer satisfaction ratings for interior design. With their sleek and modern white interiors, it’s no surprise that Tesla’s white seats are a popular choice among car buyers. There’s one issue with white seats, though, and that’s the fact that they’re prone to staining – but do Tesla white seats stain like other white interiors? 

Tesla white seats don’t stain. They can hold up against spills and stains, and even tough substances like red wine won’t get hold if spilled. However, while the white seats are stain-resistant, they aren’t completely stain-proof and can mark and stain due to wear and tear and poor maintenance. 

If you want to learn more in detail about the stylish white seats and interiors that Tesla provides, read on! We’ll examine what Tesla uses for white chairs and how you can maintain and repair your Tesla white seats. We’ll even have a look at whether Tesla’s white seats are worth the investment. 

Does Tesla White Interior Get Dirty?

Now that we know Tesla white seats are stain-resistant, you may be wondering whether the white interior can get dirty at all and what you need to do to get it clean again. 

Tesla’s white interior can get dirty. However, the stain-resistant nature of the white seats and interiors allows for them to be cleaned easily. Tesla’s white interiors do not trap dirt. As a result, the interior can seem like it never gets dirty. 

Tesla recommends using warm soapy water to clean the white upholstery. This will remove all dust and dirt and prevent most stains from occurring.

However, there is one thing that’s notorious for staining Tesla’s white interior: denim. If you wear jeans while driving, your Tesla Seats will start to degrade and discolor over time. It will typically take a few months before you begin to notice discoloration. One thing to note is that denim, particularly indigo-dyed denim, can leave a mark on white Tesla seats. If you are frequently wearing blue jeans while driving, it’s best to use seat covers or avoid sitting in the driver’s seat while wearing them.

What Are Tesla White Seats Made Of? 

There are four models of Tesla that come with the option for customers to upgrade to the white interior for an added fee. The white interior dramatically adds to the aesthetics of the car. 

To appeal to vegan consumers, Tesla has decided to part ways with leather in recent years. Now, all new Tesla models with white interiors are leather-free.

Would you like to find out which Tesla Interior is Better (White or Black)? Check out this helpful guide that I wrote.

Tesla-Black-and-White-Seats

Tesla white seats are made from vegan leather or synthetic leather. This fabric functions, feels, and looks just like leather but uses no animal products. Instead, this leather is derived from a plastic blend, making it vegan-friendly. 

While new Tesla models use vegan leather, the company hasn’t confirmed that the cars are entirely vegan as some animal products may be used somewhere in the car. However, Tesla has confirmed that there are no animal products used in their white seats. 

While animal products may be used in some Tesla models, the Tesla Model 3 is an entirely vegan vehicle. This means that no animals were harmed, and no animal products were required to produce the car. This decision has made the company popular amongst vegan consumers. 

tesla-seats
Tesla white seats are stain-resistant and easy to keep clean. However, blue jeans can leave a mark. Nevertheless, as white seats go, Tesla has provided an innovative and easy-to-maintain option for customers who wish to upgrade to stylish white seats for their new Tesla.
Photo by Lazaro Rodriguez on Unsplash

Advantages of Having White Tesla Seats 

Tesla white seats cost at least $1000 to upgrade to them, depending on which car model you’re buying. This can be a significant investment in just the interior of a car. So what are the advantages of upgrading to the white seats in your new Tesla? 

Here are some key advantages of having white Tesla seats: 

  • Brightens the interior of the car
  • Easy to keep clean
  • Stain-resistant 
  • Seats stay cool
  • Vegan-friendly 

Let’s look at each of the benefits of owning a Tesla with white seats in more detail. 

Brightens the Interior 

White seats will significantly improve the lighting in your new Tesla. White is great at reflecting light, so your new car will seem bright and full of light with white seating.

This can enhance the aesthetics and atmosphere of the vehicle and provide you with a conversation starter. 

Easy To Keep Clean

One of the best ways to maintain the as-new appearance of your white Tesla seats is through regular cleaning. Tesla recommends using warm water and a non-detergent soap to clean the white upholstery. To clean, use a soft cloth and apply the solution in a circular motion. Avoid using harsh chemicals and instead opt for a mild soap. For stubborn stains, you can also use a magic eraser.

It may seem counterintuitive, but Tesla white seats are actually easier to keep clean than standard models.

Dirt and marks are more evident on white seats, so you’re more likely to clean them quicker and prevent permanent stains. All you need to clean your Tesla white seats is soapy water. As a result, your white seats are extremely easy to maintain. 

Stain Resistant 

Tesla white seats are stain-resistant and don’t hold on to dirt or spill. However, as noted above, Tesla’s white seats can be stained by jeans over time.

Regardless of this factor, the general stain-resistant nature of Tesla white seats makes them an extremely attractive option for people looking to make their car more aesthetic. 

Seats Stay Cool

During hot summer months, dark colors like black will absorb a lot of heat. This can make black car seats very impractical in warm climates as they’ll be scalding hot when you enter the car.

However, you can avoid this with white seating because white stays cool, even in the hot summer sun. 

Of course, Tesla also has sophisticated climate control systems that can ensure that your electric vehicle is cool when you enter it, even if you don’t have white seats. White seats prevent the energy usage required to achieve this, though.

Vegan Friendly

Tesla white seats are made using vegan leather. Unlike traditional leather, vegan or synthetic leather doesn’t contain animal products.

This not only makes the car more vegan-friendly, but it’s also a good option for environmentally friendly consumers who don’t agree with commercial animal farming.

The Tesla Seat Fabric that Stains Easiest

In 2017 Tesla announced that all seating fabric would be made using vegan materials. As a result, all Tesla models will use one of two options for their seats; vegan leather or cloth. So, which of these two fabrics stains more easily? 

Tesla cloth seats stain more easily as the material will absorb dirt, spills, and anything else which falls on them. Cloth seats come as standard with Tesla Model 3 – however, they’re cheap and easy to repair or replace, especially when compared to vegan leather seats. 

Any Tesla Model which comes with leather seats will be made from vegan leather. This material is spill and stain-resistant but not stain-proof. As a result, you may need to do some cleaning or maintenance to keep your synthetic leather clean. 

Tesla synthetic leather seats come in a variety of colors, not just white. You can choose from various colors and designs depending on which model of Tesla you’re purchasing and how much you’re willing to spend on seating. 

How To Remove Stains From a Tesla White Seat

While Tesla white seats are stain-resistant, they can still be marked or stained over time. Luckily there are some ways of removing stubborn stains from your Tesla white seats. Depending on the cause of the stain, different methods may be required to remove the stain. 

To remove stains from Tesla white seats, clean them with a damp cloth with detergent-free soap immediately after the spill. This will remove nearly all stains immediately. However, denim can seep into the stain-resistant coating. When this happens, more abrasive cleaning methods are needed. 

You can also use the following materials to remove stubborn stains from Tesla white seats:

  • 90% IPA
  • Diluted degreaser 
  • Magic eraser

If you can’t get the stains out of your Tesla white seats, you can contact the company and order a seat replacement. However, keep in mind that this may set you back a considerable amount of money.

You can also bring your stained white seats to an upholstery or leather repair shop for a more affordable replacement. However, your new seats may not look as vibrant as those offered by Tesla, and there’s no guarantee your local upholstery store will offer a vegan alternative. 

Taking Care of White Tesla Seats 

For those looking to maintain the beauty of their white Tesla seats, be sure to check out the cleaning section of the owner’s manual or the official Tesla YouTube channel for more tips and tricks. And, for those with young children or pets, seat covers may be a good option to protect your seats and maintain the feel of the seats. With proper care, your white Tesla seats can maintain their like-new condition and add to the sleek and stylish look of your car.

Note that seat covers may trap dust and moisture, actually increasing staining on your seats over time. Make sure to remove and clean your seat covers regularly to prevent this from happening.

As Tesla uses vegan leather for their white seats, traditional leather treatments can’t be absorbed. As a result, your typical leather care products will be largely ineffective when it comes to protecting your shiny white seats. 

To care for your Tesla white seats, you’ll need to add a leather color protector made explicitly for synthetic leather. This will form a protective layer over your white seats, preventing staining. Good quality leather protectors can even avoid denim stains on your white seats. 

A good quality synthetic leather protector can prevent denim stains on your seats. This is a massive bonus as denim is the most likely source of discoloration in Tesla white seats. 

If you want to buy some excellent synthetic leather protectors, check out Colorlock Faux Leather Protector on Amazon.com. This is an affordable and high-quality product that will protect your white seats for a long time. You can purchase a small or 1-liter (33.81 oz) bottle, so you’ll be able to update your seat protection at any time if necessary. 

GYEON Quartz Q² LeatherCoat - Easy to Use Leather Protection - Spray On/Wipe Off - Natural Satin Finish - Highly Repellent - Prevents Fading - UV Protection
To further protect your white Tesla seats, consider using ceramic coatings or Gyeon Leather Shield. These protective coatings can help repel spills and stains and make cleaning even easier.

Tips on How to Maintain White Tesla Seats

To maintain and care for your Tesla’s white seats, here are some general tips:

Clean Spills Promptly

If any spills occur, especially those that can potentially cause stains, such as coffee or colored liquids, it’s important to blot them gently with a clean cloth or paper towel as soon as possible. Avoid rubbing the spill, as it may spread the stain further into the material.

Use Appropriate Ceaning Products

For regular cleaning, it is recommended to use mild soap or a leather cleaner specifically formulated for synthetic materials. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test any cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility and avoid potential damage.

Gentle Cleaning Techniques

When cleaning, use a soft cloth or sponge and gently wipe the affected areas. Avoid scrubbing aggressively, as it may damage the surface of the seats.

Preventive measures

To minimize the risk of staining, consider using seat covers or towels, especially if you anticipate situations that could potentially lead to spills or stains. Regularly inspect and clean the covers to prevent any trapped debris or dirt from causing damage to the seats.

More Cleaning Tips:

  • Use a damp cloth or microfiber cloth and warm water with a small amount of non-detergent soap to wipe down your seats.
  • Use a circular motion to work the cleaner into the seats and ensure you’re getting all the dirt and grime.
  • Make sure to pay extra attention to areas that get a lot of wear and tear, such as the driver’s seat.
  • Be sure to wipe down the rear seats and rear window as well.

Stubborn Stains:

  • For stubborn stains, try using a magic eraser or a mixture of warm water and mild soap.
  • For red wine stains, you can use a mixture of warm water and isopropyl alcohol.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals as they can leave chemical residues and damage the white vegan leather.

Denim Dye Transfer:

  • Blue jeans can be notorious for leaving marks on white leather seats, so try to avoid wearing them in your car.
  • If you do get dye transfer, treat it as soon as possible with a damp cloth and mild soap.
  • If you’re unable to remove the stain, you can try using a ceramic coating like Gyeon Leather Shield to protect your seats and make them more resistant to stains.

Regular Maintenance:

  • Regular cleaning and maintenance is the key to keeping your white Tesla seats looking like new.
  • Keep your car out of direct sunlight as much as possible, as UV rays can cause discoloration over time.
  • Avoid using seat covers as they can trap dirt and moisture, causing stains and odors.
  • Check out the cleaning section of the owner’s manual for more information on how to properly care for your white vegan leather seats.

The Question Remains: Is Tesla White Interior Worth It?

If you’re considering purchasing a new Tesla and can’t decide between white or black seats, it’s worth noting that while white seats may require more maintenance, they do offer a number of benefits. The white seats can brighten up the interior of the car and create a snow-white interior, they are easy to keep clean and stain-resistant. Additionally, they are vegan-friendly and made from synthetic leather, which is a leather-free alternative.

Tesla’s white interior is worth it and an excellent way of adding light to your interior. White seats also quickly show dirt, crumbs, and stains, allowing you to stay on top of cleaning. The stain-resistant surface also prevents most stains.

Some owners have reported that the white interior makes the inside of the car feel bigger, which gives it a luxurious air.

However, the white interior does come at a high price.

Tesla’s white interiors can set you back anywhere from $1000 to $3000. This makes the upgrade far too expensive for many customers – however, customers who can justify the purchase are usually happy with the results. 

Here’s a rough idea of how white interiors for your Tesla will set you back. Keep in mind that there are a number of other factors that can influence this price, so it’s not an exact price list. However, it does give you an idea of what to expect. 

Tesla Model Rough cost of upgrading to white interiors (USD)
Tesla Model 3$1000
Tesla Model X$2000
Tesla Model S$2500
Tesla Model Y$1000

Tesla offers black seating and interiors as a standard on most of their models. As a result, black interiors can make sense financially for most people, although those who have the spare money feel that they get a good bang for their buck after investing in white interiors. 

The main complaint that Tesla owners with white interiors have is the stains left on seats by denim. These can leave hard-to-tackle stains if not treated properly.

However, many customers have been able to remove stubborn stains with nothing more than some warm soapy water and a cloth. 

Do Tesla Black Seats Stain? 

Now that I’ve established the stain-resistant nature of Tesla white seats, it’s time to explore other color options available. The only other seat color option is black. If you want another color, you’ll have to invest in seat covers.

Tesla’s black seats are made using the same stain-resistant materials as Tesla’s white seats. As a result, the Tesla black seats don’t stain easily. However, some Tesla black seating is made using cloth which can stain easier than the stain-resistant synthetic leather seats. 

While black Tesla seats are effective at fighting off stains, they can be marked over a long period of time. However, black seats can hide a variety of stains depending on the color. As a result, stains may not be very noticeable. On top of this, you can easily clean black seats with just a cloth, warm water, and some mild soap. 

Black seats also heat up faster, which might be significant if you live in a warm climate.

Can I use baby wipes to clean my white Tesla seats?

Avoid using baby wipes, use damp cloth or microfiber cloth with warm water and mild soap for regular cleaning.

Will the white seats in my Tesla Model 3 get hot in the sun?

No worries, white seats in Tesla Model 3 are designed to stay cool, even in direct sunlight. Enjoy your drive without discomfort.

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Erwin Meyer
Erwin Meyer

A renowned Tesla enthusiast, and successful entrepreneur, enlightens global audiences through his compelling EV narratives. Discover more about his electric journey on his About Me page. Venture to read Erwin's incredible story that's reshaping the future of motoring. Want to spark a conversation with Erwin? Visit his Contact page, and let’s electrify the world together.