The upholstery in your RV is the heart of your home on wheels. It’s where you unwind after a long drive and where family gathers. But daily life, from coffee spills to the infamous “pleather peel,” can take a serious toll on that comfort and style.
It’s no wonder that industry quality surveys consistently find that furniture is a top factor in how much owners enjoy their rigs. When your interior looks and feels good, your entire experience is better.
This guide to RV upholstery care is your complete plan for keeping that experience great. We’ll cover everything from professional RV upholstery cleaning secrets and smart DIY fixes to the value-boosting impact of a custom restoration.
Before You Start — Know What You’re Working With
Before you can properly clean or repair your RV’s interior, you have to know exactly what you’re dealing with. Using the wrong product can turn a small problem into a permanent one. Most RV upholstery falls into one of three categories—durable woven fabrics, premium genuine leather or Ultraleather™, and the most common material of all, vinyl or faux leather.
The Mystery of “Pleather Peel” Explained
If you’ve seen peeling RV furniture, you’ve witnessed a specific type of material failure. Most of that furniture is made from “bonded leather,” where a thin polyurethane topcoat is glued to a backing of leather scraps.
Heat, humidity, and skin oils cause this top layer to break down and delaminate from the backing in a process called hydrolysis.
Why the Right Cleaner Matters
The chemistry of your cleaner is critical. Many household products are too harsh and will strip the essential plasticizers from vinyl and polyurethane, making them brittle and prone to cracking. A professional-grade, pH-neutral cleaner is designed to lift dirt and oils without causing this chemical damage.
To properly protect your investment, you need the right tool for the job. We have curated a selection of professional-grade, material-specific upholstery cleaners to ensure you get it right.
To properly protect your investment, you need the right tool for the job. Contact Leisure Coachworks for a professional inspection to find the perfect solution for your coach.
Quick DIY RV Upholstery Fixes and Repairs
For a tough stain on a fabric dinette, your first instinct might be to scrub. Resist it. Aggressive scrubbing can fray the fibers and permanently alter the texture of the fabric. Instead, use a quality upholstery cleaner, gently blot the stain from the outside in with a clean microfiber cloth, and give the chemical time to do its work.
Patching a Small Vinyl Tear
A small tear in a vinyl sofa or captain’s chair can often be fixed with a simple patch kit. The key to a clean and lasting repair is preparation. Thoroughly clean the area around the tear with an alcohol wipe to remove any dirt or oils so the adhesive can form a strong, durable bond.
Fixing a Split Seam the Right Way
When a seam pops on a high-stress area like a dinette cushion, a simple stitch won’t hold for long. To create a repair that lasts, you need to do it like a pro.
Using a curved upholstery needle and a heavy-duty bonded nylon thread, employ a “lock stitch,” where each stitch is looped back on itself so it won’t unravel.
Knowing When a Patch Isn’t Enough
These DIY tips are perfect for isolated problems. But what if you’re facing widespread peeling across an entire chair, or cushions that have completely lost their shape?
When the problem is more than skin-deep, it’s time to consider a professional solution from the craftsmen at Leisure Coachworks.
When It’s Time to Call a Professional
If you’re dealing with widespread flaking on your captain’s chairs or sofa, you’re witnessing a material that has failed. No patch or cover can permanently stop this “pleather peel” once it starts. The only true, long-term solution is a full recovering of the furniture with a superior, modern material.
It’s What’s Inside That Counts
Often, the problem with uncomfortable cushions isn’t the fabric on the outside, but the foam on the inside. Factory-installed foam is a low-density grade that quickly compresses, leaving you with sagging, unsupportive seats.
A professional reupholstery job is your opportunity to upgrade to high-density (HD) foam, which provides vastly superior comfort and holds its shape for many more years.
For a “Factory-Fresh” Finish
Sometimes, a repair needs to be more than just functional—it needs to be invisible. For major rips or sun-faded panels, a professional’s touch is required. Leisure CW’s master craftsmen restore comfort and quality from the inside out, delivering a finish that often exceeds the original factory standard.
The Value of a Full RV Interior Makeover
The upholstery is the single largest visual element in your coach. An older RV, whether it’s a Class A, C, or a travel trailer, can be instantly transformed from dated to dazzling with modern fabrics and styles. It’s the fastest way to make a 15-year-old coach feel brand new again, a topic we explore more in our blog about RV renovation trends.
Customize Your Comfort and Style
A professional reupholstery job is your chance to break free from factory limitations. This is your opportunity to upgrade to genuine Ultraleather™, the gold standard in the luxury marine and aviation industries for its durability.
You can also select from an endless array of high-performance fabrics with superior “double rub count” ratings, ensuring your new interior is as tough as it is beautiful.
A Smart Investment for Resale
While it’s a significant investment, a professionally reupholstered interior provides one of the highest returns of any RV upgrade. Appraisal experts agree that a dated, worn interior are one of the biggest hurdles to selling an older coach. A beautifully crafted interior doesn’t just increase your personal enjoyment—it dramatically boosts your RV’s resale value.
From the captain’s chairs to the dinette, the craftsmen at Leisure Coachworks can completely transform your interior and protect your investment.
Your Path From Worn-Out to Wonderful
For keeping your new upholstery in pristine condition or tackling those small, satisfying repairs yourself, the Leisure RV Parts store has the professional-grade supplies you need. From pH-neutral cleaners to high-quality vinyl repair kits, we have the expert-approved products to help you protect your investment.
When you’re ready for a perfect repair or a complete interior transformation that will turn heads at the campground, the master craftsmen at Leisure CW are here to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to discuss your project and restore the heart and soul of your RV.