Product Overview
Aniline Leather Cleaner & Conditioner Kit A3 by Leather Doctor spots, cleans, rinses, hydrates, softens, and conditions in preventive, routine, periodic, and restorative leather care.
Kit A3 Spots. Cleans. Rinse. Hydrates. Softens. Protects.
Bundled for preventive, routine, periodic, and restorative care, it enhances both the look and feel of your leather—preserving its unique character and comfortable suppleness, restoring it to its original showroom beauty.
What is Aniline Leather?
Aniline leather color is derived from a transparent dyestuff dyed through to the reverse suede side.
Most often the surface is further dye coated to even out appearance and sealed with a urethane clear gloss topcoat to bring the beauty of the grain show through.
Microcrazing develops sooner making the leather more comfortable in transpiration and increasing absorbency.
Common Issues & Their Causes:
Why Does Fading Occur?
Aniline dyes are more UV-sensitive than pigments.
Loss of internal fat and oil (fatliquor) reduces color richness.
Why Does Leather Feel Stiff in Sunlit Areas?
Heat and UV exposure evaporate fats and oils, causing dryness and stiffness.
How Does Stiffness Lead to Cracking?
Without enough fatliquor, fibers stick together, stiffen, and eventually crack when flexed.
How to Maintain Perpetual Softness?
Use Hydrator 3.3 periodically to relax compressed fibers.
Replenish with Fatliquor 5.0 to restore suppleness and internal lubrication.
This system strengthens leather structure and slows down aging.
A cycle of care matching the severity of the soiling maintains its highest level of appearance, softness, strength, and feel of touch at all times.
Kit A3 concentrates contents require 1070g (1.2 quarts) distilled water to be mixed and filled before use with these selected leather-safe products:
Kit A3 Product Summary Includes:
Leather Soft Prep Cleaner 4.4
Leather Soft Cleaner 3.8
Leather Rinse 3.0
Leather Hydrator 3.3
Leather Fatliquor 5.0
Leather Protector B
Brush 1
Foam 2
Towel 5
A holistic system includes a dovetailing process with these bundled products.
Leather Soft Prep Cleaner 4.4 by Leather Doctor is a specialized pH 4.4 solution designed for deep cleaning heavily soiled, pH-sensitive leather, nubuck, and suede.
This advanced formula effectively removes accumulated dirt, silicone shine, sticky residues, and greasy stains while ensuring a safe and effective cleaning process.
Deep Cleaning Solution for pH-Sensitive Leather, Nubuck, and Suede
Key Benefits:
Deep cleans heavily soiled leather, nubuck, and suede.
Removes accumulated dirt, grease, and sticky residues.
Eliminates silicone shine for a natural finish.
Safe for pH-sensitive materials.
Recommended Cleaning Process:
Application: Apply Prep 4.4 to the affected area and agitate gently using a brush or eraser.
Suspended Residue Removal: Follow up with cleaner Soft 3.8 to lift and remove any suspended residues.
pH Balance Restoration: Complete the process with Rinse 3.0 to restore the natural pH balance of the leather.
For Stubborn Greasy Stains with Dye Components:
When dealing with persistent stains such as ballpoint ink, blue jean dye, crayon, leather belt marks, plastic ink prints, newsprint, and stamp pad ink, follow up with Dye 7.9 for optimal stain removal.
Perfect for professional leather care and restoration.
Leather Soft Cleaner 3.8 by Leather Doctor® is a leather-safe, pH 3.8 mild cleaner formulated to effectively emulsify and lift general soiling without causing common side effects.
Soft 3.8 is among the mildest of cleaners with a lower cleaning power than Strong 4.3 and Super 4.9.
Why Choose Soft 3.8?
Soft 3.8 is the mildest among the Leather Doctor's range of cleaners which is safe for all leather, Nubuck, and Suede.
Always test clean with Soft 3.8 and evaluate the result to your satisfaction before progressively increasing the cleaning power to Strong 4.3 or Super 4.9.
Accumulated soiling may require the next level of Prep 4.4 preparatory cleaners.
Penetrated body oil, grease, and sweat requires Degreaser 2.2 and is rinsed with Acidifier 2.0.
Provides the “just right” strength—a balance between under-cleaning and over-cleaning.
Part of a holistic leather-safe system: always follow rinse with Rinse 3.0
Key Benefits:
Gently Cleans Without Harsh Effects – Maintains leather’s natural integrity.
Works Seamlessly with Prep 4.4 – Allows for after cleaning of sticky residue.
Prevents Rings & Browning – Ideal for pH-sensitive leathers.
Residue-Free with Rinse 3.0 – Restores leather’s pH balance for long-term care.
How It Works:
Soft 3.8 is designed to break down and suspend dirt for easy removal while keeping the leather's structure intact.
When followed by Rinse 3.0, it ensures a neutralized, residue-free finish, preventing unwanted side effects such as stiffness, discoloration, or over-drying.
This makes it especially beneficial for aniline and other delicate leather types.
Leather Rinse 3.0 by Leather Doctor is a pH 3.0 leather-safe rinse formulated to remove suspended soil and restore the pH balance of leather, ensuring its structural integrity and long-term durability.
Rinse 3.0 Key Features & Benefits:
Removes Suspended Soil – Lifts and extracts emulsified soiling for a clean, residue-free finish.
Neutralizes Alkaline Residue – Restores pH balance to prevent damage from alkaline overexposure.
Prevents Tackiness & Dye Bleeding – Stabilizes the leather structure, reducing unwanted texture changes.
Enhances Leather’s Ionic Charge – Recharges the leather with a positive (+ve) charge, improving its ability to bond with negatively (-ve) charged tanning agents, dyestuff, and fatliquor.
Preserves Suppleness & Durability – Helps maintain the leather’s softness, preventing stiffness and cracking.
This essential finishing rinse ensures leather remains clean, soft, and structurally sound after the cleaning process.
Recommended Usage:
Apply Rinse 3.0 – Gently work into leather using a towel to lift and extract soil
Blot Away Residue – Use a clean, absorbent cloth to remove excess moisture
Allow to Dry Naturally – Ensure proper drying to maintain leather integrity
Follow while still damp with Hydrator 3.3 & Fatliquor 5.0 (if needed) – For deep relaxation and softening
This essential finishing rinse ensures leather remains clean, soft, and structurally sound after the cleaning process.
Leather Hydrator 3.3 by Leather Doctor® is a pH 3.3 conditioner that softens stiff leather by relaxing fibers and prepping it for effective fatliquoring.
Hydrator 3.3 Key Benefits:
Restores Leather Softness & Flexibility – Relaxes stiff fibers and prevents brittleness.
Smooths Out Creases & Wrinkles – Prepares leather for optimal softening.
Reactivates Dormant Dyestuff – Helps resurface color for a more even appearance.
Facilitating Colloidal Water Movement - Redistributing and balancing leather constituents.
Prepares for Fatliquoring – Enhances absorption of essential fats and oils.
Residue-Free & Non-Sticky – Ensures a clean, breathable finish.
How Hydrator 3.3 Works:
Hydrator 3.3 penetrates deeply into the leather, reducing surface tension and facilitating colloidal movement to redistribute and balance the leather constituents, reactivate dyestuff, and even out color inconsistencies.
It plumps the leather structure, making it more receptive to fatliquoring with Fatliquor 5.0, which restores essential oils for long-term suppleness and durability.
Leather Fatliquor 5.0 by Leather Doctor is a pH 5.0 micro-emulsion of fat, oil, and water to restore the leather's original softness, strength, and flexibility.
Fatliquor 5.0 Key Benefits:
Replenishes Essential Fats & Oils - Prevents leather from drying, stiffening, or cracking
Enhances Leather’s Suppleness & Elasticity - Maintains a soft, luxurious feel
Strengthens Leather Fibers - Improves tensile strength and durability
Creates a Breathable Structure - Ensures leather remains pliable without feeling greasy
Prevents Brittleness & Fiber Breakage - Essential for long-term leather preservation
How Fatliquor 5.0 Works:
When applied, the water-encased fat and oil molecules penetrate deep into the leather fibers.
As the water gradually evaporates, the fat and oil molecules hydrogen bond with the fibers, creating a breathable, flexible structure that enhances leather’s resilience and longevity.
Proper fatliquoring ensures that leather retains its tensile strength, resists breakage, and maintains its natural softness, preventing premature aging and deterioration.
Instruction:
Prepping
- Prep 4.4 is applied thinly and works with a horsehair brush on heavily soiled areas.
- Suspended soiling is towel extracted before dries until it shows clean and continues general cleaning with Cleaner 3.8.
Cleaning
- Cleaner 3.8 concentrate 1: 64 is mixed with 224g distilled water or 1.5 inches from the top of the 8oz bottle before use.
- It is applied and brushed with a horsehair Brush 1.
- Suspended soiling is extracted with a dry absorbent towel until it shows clean and proceed to rinse with Rinse 3.0.
Rinsing
- Rinse 3.0 concentrate 1: 80 is mixed with 224g distilled water or 1.5 inches from the top of the 8oz bottle before use.
- It is applied, brushed, and suspended soiling is extracted with a dry absorbent towel and ready with hydrating.
Hydrating
- Hydrator 3.3 concentrate 1: 25 is mixed with 218g distilled water or 1.5 inches from the top of the 8oz bottle before use.
- It is applied and brushed with a deep even saturating appearance, massaged, and stretched to dimension, before proceeding with fatliquoring.
Fatliquoring
- Fatliquor 5.0 concentrate 1: 5 requires 189g of distilled water or mixing up to 1.5 inches below the 8oz bottle top before ready to use.
- It is applied and redistributed following the same success technique as Hydrator 3.3.
- Its application is repeated each cycle water contents evaporates.
- Its application ends when the leather absorbs no more and is left to natural drying.
- Its dried sticky residue is rinsed off with Hydrator 3.3.
- Fat-liquored leather is left to dry naturally for extra softness.
- It is further staked, massaged, or flexed accordingly with a little wet back with Hydrator 3.3 until dry for extra suppleness.
Conditioning
- Protector B concentrate 1: 19 is mixed with 217g distilled water or up to 1.5 inches below the 8oz bottle top before ready to use.
- Shake well, mist spray, and spread with a brush/pad and it is ready to use when dry.
- During routine application, use a lint-free white towel to pick up soiling at the same time.
People Also Ask:
- What is a Preventive Care System for Aniline Leather?
- What is a Routine Care System for Aniline Leather?
- What is a Periodic Care System for Aniline Leather?
- What is a Restorative Care System for Aniline Leather?
- How to Identify Leather Stains?
- How to Use Aniline Leather Problem Matrix?
- Technical Help and Support?
What is a Preventive Care System for Aniline Leather?
A preventive care system for aniline leather begins with the application of Protector B before the leather is put to use. This initial surface conditioner imparts a luxurious buttery feel that enhances the tactile appeal of the leather. It forms a non-stick barrier that shields the surface from sticky soiling, helping to maintain a high level of appearance. The rub-resistant properties reduce friction noise and minimize friction wear. Optionally, a leather scent version can be used to diffuse a classic leather aroma, enriching the sensuous experience and appeal for leather enthusiasts.
What is a Routine Care System for Aniline Leather?
A routine care system for aniline leather involves regular maintenance procedures such as dusting, spot cleaning, and addressing stains as they occur—particularly sweat stains, which can shift alkaline and cause tackiness. Routine care emphasizes pH balancing and neutralizing rinse treatments that help prevent deterioration. Regular non-stick, rub-resistant conditioning keeps the leather attractive, healthy, and protected against premature wear.
What is a Periodic Care System for Aniline Leather?
A periodic care system for aniline leather is recommended before soiling becomes problematic or causes damage. This system ensures the leather stays clean and healthy over time. Areas subject to frequent body contact—such as headrests, armrests, and handles—require more frequent periodic care due to exposure to body oil and sweat. By addressing these zones proactively, the leather’s beauty and integrity are preserved.
What is a Restorative Care System for Aniline Leather?
A restorative care system for aniline leather is designed for deep restoration or salvage when leather has suffered from accumulated soiling, aged conditioners, and ingrained contaminants. This process removes built-up grime, including soiling lodged in creases that may be mistaken for cracks, restoring the leather to its clean, healthy, and supple state.
How to Identify Leather Stains?
Stain identification is crucial for effective treatment and is based on six key factors:
Appearance, Odor, Color, Feel-of-Hand, Location, and Buildup or Absorption.
Appearance
- Observing how the stain looks can indicate whether it is a spill, rub-on, penetration, or surface deposit.
- Some stains may cause dye or finish damage, revealing changes in the leather’s color or texture.
Odor
- Smelling the stain can help identify its source.
- Common odors include:
- Moldy (fungal growth)
- Smoke (fire or cigarette exposure)
- Putrid (decaying organic matter)
- Ammonia (urine contamination)
Color
- Color provides a clue to the staining substance but can change over time due to oxidation.
- The leather’s natural color may also influence how the stain appears.
- Red stains: Could be from wine, blood, lipstick, nail polish, or beverages.
- Blood stains: Can oxidize and shift from red to tan, then to black.
Feel-of-Hand
- Touching the stain helps determine its type:
- Sticky: Likely from candy, beverages, or sugary substances.
- Brittle and stiff: Could be nail polish, paint, or shellac.
- Greasy smear: Often caused by lipstick, oils, or butter.
Location
- The stain’s location on the leather provides hints about its origin.
- Headrests & armrests: Usually stained by body oil, sweat, and grease.
- Seat cushions: Often show food or beverage spills.
Buildup or Absorbed
- Stains can be surface-level (built-up) or deeply absorbed into the leather.
- Built-up stains (common on pigmented leather) include paint, food residue, and ink.
- Absorbed stains (common on nubuck, aniline, and unfinished leather) include wine, tea, and coffee.
- Combination stains: Some stains contain both absorbed and surface elements, such as lipstick, ink, and mustard.
- Protein-based stains: Examples include blood, dairy, and egg-based spills.
- Oil-based stains: Often come from grease, butter, and lotions.
- Colloidal stains: May require specialized treatments.
Additional Considerations
- Sweat stains can chemically alter leather, causing tackiness (when dry) or sliminess (when wet).
- Dye stains may show up when wiping with a white towel—this indicates color crocking.
- Fatliquor leaching (spew) appears as a milky film and causes leather to become stiff and prone to cracking.
By carefully identifying stains, you can apply the appropriate Leather Doctor® solutions to restore leather to its original beauty.
Aniline Leather Problem Solving Matrix
How to Use Aniline Leather Problem Solving Matrix?
- This matrix categorizes common issues with aniline leather into five groups: Soil, Stain, Odor, Structure, and Finish (listed in the left column).
- Corresponding recommended products are displayed across the top row. Each number within the matrix indicates the steps required to address the problem holistically.
For example:
- If a leather issue involves an unknown compound that combines soil, stain, and odor, follow the sequence across the matrix, combining necessary steps from each category.
- The process should always conclude with
- Hydrator 3.3 to rehydrate and relax the leather.
- Fatliquor 5.0 to replenish lost fats and oils, restoring suppleness.
- Protector B conditioning the leather for ongoing durability.
Technical Help and Support?
Your opinions, insights and review are precious and will help us to improve our writing and solve your leather problem more efficiently.
Updated: March 29 2025 | July 2, 2025 by Roger Koh.