Leather cleaner

1 Term "leather cleaner"
2 Harmful cleaning attempts
3 Saddle Soap
4 How to clean pigmented leather
5 How to clean aniline leather
6 How to clean nubuck and suede
7 How to clean pull up leather - greased leather - waxed leather - oiled leather
8 How to clean imitation leather and Alcantara
9 How to clean car leather
10 How to clean furniture leather
11 How to clean leather clothing
12 How to clean leather bags, leather cases and leather belts
13 How to clean leather bags, leather cases and leather belts
14 Where to buy leather cleaner and leather care
15 Additional information

Term "leather cleaner"

There is no such thing as a ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to leather cleaners. It is impossible to have one type of cleaner that removes all dirt in all types of leather. It is proven that a suitable "cleaning method" complemented by appropriate products and accessories, designed specifically for the type of leather and level of soiling gives the best result. For instance, surface coloured leathers, can be cleaned more effectively by using a suitable, water based foam leather cleaner and a brush. Suppliers of tanneries offer special anti-soiling additives (anti-soiling) for pigmented leather. These are to protect the leather better against stains and soiling.

Incorrect cleaning methods especially on aniline leather (Porous leather|porous]]) or suede and nubuck can leave stains that may not be removed easily. Leather garments and clothing can be washed either by hand or in the washing machine using suitable leather detergents.

The market offers the most diverse leather cleaners, and the decision for the right one is not easy.

Companies like www.colourlock.com specialise in advising and assistance with choosing the correct products most suitable for the type of soiling or staining on leathers. Here you can ask all the questions around this topic. From ink or Biro marks to dye transfer stains to wax, oil or resin spots - they have a solution for most leather problems.

Can Universal cleaners harm the leather? Some owners of leather items use hand soaps, plastic cleaners or even brake cleaners to clean leather. Gentler and pH-neutral products are the best for leather. Strong alkaline cleaners or highly degreasing or solvent based products attack the surface and damage the leather. Anyone who has quality leather and intends to have it for the long term should invest in a leather cleaner belonging to one of the specialized or better known brands.

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On pigmented leathers, dirt accumulats in the grain structure.

Harmful cleaning attempts

Solvent based products or strong rubbing damages the surface colouration.

When cleaning a larger object, test the product and its effects on a hidden area. If possible, recreate the damage in a hidden area and try cleaning there first. All leathers are different and testing the product and being prudent can ensure that no further significant damage is caused. Jumping right in often causes stains that are not removable.

Harmful cleaning attempts increase the problems. Depending on the wrong method, the spots get light or dark edges.

Saddle Soap

Saddle Soap has been the go-to product for cleaning leather for decades. However, saddle soap is an alkaline soap, which was used for cleaning saddles, belts and similar items. Nowadays saddle soap is rarely used and is not really ideal for the cleaning of leathers. The way leather is produced has changed drastically. Leather is in an acidic state when produced in the tannery and most modern leather cleaners consider that and are not tooalkaline.

Saddle soap is commercially available in liquid and solid form.