Product Overview
Auto Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Kit AP3 by Leather Doctor preps, cleans, rinses, hydrates, softens, conditions, restores appearance, and prolongs lifespan.
How to Prep Leather from Extreme Soiling?
Neglected leather accumulates soiling in creases and wrinkles, which are often mistaken for micro-cracks. A prep cleaning system is required to lift embedded dirt and reveal the leather’s original appearance.
- White and Pastel seats easily absorb dye from clothing, such as new blue jeans. To remove such stains, an add-on product like Dye 7.9 is recommended.
- Unknown or forgotten stains can be positively identified using the "How to Identify Leather Stains" guide and treated with specialty products from the Auto Pigmented Leather Problem-Solving Matrix.
How to Keep Leather Perpetually Clean?
Routine maintenance is key to preserving your leather's cleanliness and condition.
- Regularly clean and rinse the steering wheel to reduce greasy, sticky buildup.
- Consistent maintenance prevents deep-set soiling, prolonging the leather’s longevity.
How to Surface Condition Leather from Friction Wear?
Leather surfaces, especially side bolsters and seat edges, suffer from friction wear over time. Applying Protector B provides:
✔ Rub-resistant protection for durability.
✔ A buttery-smooth feel for effortless sliding in and out of the seat.
✔ Reduced friction noises and less wear on high-contact areas.
Why Do Auto Leathers Dry Out & Lose Suppleness?
Auto leather is frequently exposed to sunlight and thermal heating, which accelerates the loss of natural fat and oil. This leads to stiffness, cracks, and weakened stitching rows.
- A quick way to check for dryness is by inspecting the stitching holes:
- ✅ Healthy leather:
- Perfectly round stitching holes.
- ❌ Dried-out leather:
- Elongated holes or splitting along the seams.
- Without proper hydration, stiff leather will eventually crack or tear under stress.
How to Soften Leather & Retain Suppleness?
To maintain softness and flexibility, auto leather requires periodic hydration and fatliquoring into absorbent micro-crazing, weak needle holes, or becoming absorbent.
1️⃣ Hydrator 3.3: Relaxes stiff fibers, allowing them to relax, separate and regain flexibilit
2️⃣ Fatliquor 5.0: Replenishes lost fat and oil, softens and strengthening the leather’s structure.
A hydration and fatliquoring system prevents premature aging, reducing stiffness, tears, and cracks for long-lasting, supple leather.
This Kit AP3 concentrates require 1173g (1.3 quarts) of distilled water for dilution before use. All products are also available individually.
Prepping, Cleaning, and Rinsing System:
Prep 7.7 is a pH 7.7 mild alkaline preparatory cleaner designed for non-absorbent leathers as part of a leather-safe cleaning and rinsing system that ensures proper pH balancing (3-5) to maintain leather integrity.
Key Features & Benefits:
✔ Deep Penetration & Lubrication – Effectively breaks down accumulative soiling without excessive agitation
✔ Safe for Non-Absorbent Leathers – Designed for coated leathers where deep absorption is not required
✔ pH-Balanced System – Works holistically with Cleaner 3.8 and Rinse 3.0 to restore leather’s pH balance
✔ Tackiness Rectification – Acidifier 2.0 effectively neutralizes previous alkaline overexposure, restoring a healthy, squeaky feel
Recommended Cleaning Process:
1️⃣ Apply Prep 7.7 – Allow dwell time for deep penetration and soil suspension
2️⃣ Follow with Cleaner 3.8 – Removes sticky residue and emulsified soiling
3️⃣ Neutralize with Rinse 3.0 – Restores pH balance for a healthy, residue-free finish
4️⃣ Use Acidifier 2.0 (if needed) – Corrects tackiness caused by alkaline overexposure
This non-aggressive yet powerful cleaner preps leather surfaces for optimal maintenance and refinishing.
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.
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:
Cleaner 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.
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
Key Features & Benefits:
✔ Removes Suspended Soil – Lifts and extracts emulsified soiling for a clean, residue-free finish
✔ Neutralizes Alkaline Residues – 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 crackin
Recommended Usage:
1️⃣ Apply Rinse 3.0 – Gently work into leather using a towel to lift and extract soil
2️⃣ Blot Away Residue – Use a clean, absorbent cloth to remove excess moisture
3️⃣ Allow to Dry Naturally – Ensure proper drying to maintain leather integrity
4️⃣ Follow with Hydrator 3.3 & Fatliquor 5.0 (if needed) – For deep conditioning and restoration
This essential finishing rinse ensures leather remains clean, soft, and structurally sound after the cleaning process.
Hydrating and Fatliquoring System:
Hydrator 3.3 by Leather Doctor is a pH 3.3 hydrating conditioner designed to relax, soften, and restore leather’s natural integrity while preparing it for fatliquoring.
Key Benefits:
✔ Restores Leather Softness & Flexibility – Relaxes stiff fibers and prevents brittleness
✔ Smooths Out Creases & Wrinkles – Prepares leather for optimal conditioning
✔ Reactivates Dormant Dyestuff – Helps resurface color for a more even appearance
✔ Prepares for Fatliquoring – Enhances absorption of essential oils and fats
✔ Residue-Free & Non-Sticky – Ensures a clean, breathable finish
How It Works:
Hydrator 3.3 penetrates deep into the leather, reducing surface tension and allowing for colloidal water movement to reactivate dyes and even out color inconsistencies. It plumps the leather structure, making it more receptive to fatliquoring with Fatliquor 5.0, which restores essential fats and oils for long-term suppleness and durability.
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.
How It Works:
✔ 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
Application Process:
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.
Ideal for Restoring & Maintaining:
Proper fatliquoring ensures that leather retains its tensile strength, resists breakage, and maintains its natural softness, preventing premature aging and deterioration.
Conditioning System:
✔ Enhances Durability – Creates a protective barrier against everyday friction
✔ Prevents Sticky Soiling – Keeps dirt and stains from embedding into the leather
✔ Resists Ink & Dye Transfer – Makes ballpoint ink and dye stains easier to remove
✔ Reduces Friction Noise – Creates a quieter, smoother touch
✔ Maintains Leather’s Breathability – Preserves natural softness and flexibility
- Protector B Plus offers all the benefits of Protector B with an added luxurious leather scent, making it an ideal choice for pastel-colored leathers, helping them stay cleaner and stain-free for longer.
- Regular use of Protector B ensures long-term protection, a smooth feel, and a refreshed leather appearance, making maintenance easier while extending the leather’s lifespan.
Tools:
Brush 1 by Leather Doctor is a detailing horsehair brush designed for gentle, scratch-free cleaning on all smooth leathers.
Features & Benefits:
✔ Soft Horsehair Bristles – Ensures safe cleaning without scratching or damaging leather surfaces
✔ Ergonomic Grooved Grip – Provides comfort and control for effortless detailing
✔ Sturdy & Durable Design – Built for long-term use in leather maintenance
✔ Ideal for Deep Pore Cleaning – Effectively loosens embedded dirt and grime without harming the finish
Specifications:
- Length: 7 inches
- Bristle Head: Three-row 1½-inch horsehair bristles
Recommended Use:
- Smooth Leather Upholstery & Car Interiors
- Luxury Handbags & Garments
- Fine Leather Accessories & Footwear
Perfect for use with Leather Doctor’s leather-safe cleaners to maintain leather’s pristine condition.
Foam 2 is a 2-inch high-density polyfoam brush designed for durable, precise, and smooth application of leather care products.
Features & Benefits:
✔ High-Density Polyfoam – Resists tearing and shredding for long-lasting use
✔ Even Product Distribution – Ensures smooth, streak-free application
✔ Controlled Absorption – Holds and releases product efficiently for optimal coverage
✔ Versatile Use – Ideal for applying dyes, finishes, and conditioners on leather and suede
Specifications:
- Width: 2 inches
- Material: High-density polyfoam
Perfect for professional and DIY leather care applications, delivering a consistent and flawless finish.
Towel 5 is a high-performance, lint-free paper towel designed to perform like cloth for efficient cleaning and drying without leaving residues
Features & Benefits:
✔ Lint-Free – Leaves no fibers or residues behind
✔ Highly Absorbent – Quickly absorbed suspended soiling
✔ Stretchable & Durable – Strong enough for repeated use without tearing
✔ Washable & Reusable – Can be rinsed and reused for multiple applications
Ideal For:
✅ Cleaning and drying leather surfaces
✅ Reverse Transfer applications
✅ Wiping away excess products like cleaners, conditioners, and protectors
✅ Achieving a streak-free and residue-free finish
Perfect ensuring a smooth and effective leather care process.
Instruction:
Step 1 - Prepping:
Prepping removes accumulated general soiling with Prep 7.7, Brush 1, Foam 2, and Towel 5.
- Prep 7.7 is spread with Foam 2 and detailing with Brush 1 over heavy soiling areas.
- Allow to dwell 3-30mins or before it dries before extraction with a Towel 5 until it is clean.
Step 2 - Cleaning:
Cleaning over is extended to the rest of the surface area with Cleaner 3.8, Brush 1, Foam 2, and Towel 5.
- Cleaner 3.8 con.1: 64 is mixed with 224g distilled water or 1.5 inches from top of the 8oz bottle before use.
- Cleaner 3.8 is spread with Foam 2 and detailing with Brush 1 over the entire surface.
- Allow to dwell 3-30mins or before it dries before extraction with a Towel 5 until it is clean.
Step 3 - Rinsing:
Rinsing follows after Cleaner 3.8 with Rinse 3.0, Brush 1, Foam 2, and Towel 5.
- Rinse 3.0 con. 1: 40 is mixed with 222g distilled water or 1.5 inches from top of the 8oz bottle before use.
- Rinse 3.0 is spread with Foam 2 and detailing with Brush 1 after Cleaner 3.8.
- Allow to dwell 3-30mins or before it dries before extraction with a Towel 5 until it is clean to a healthy squeaky feel.
Step 4 - Hydrating:
Hydrating follows after Rinse 3.0 with Hydrator 3.3, Brush 1, Foam 2, and Towel 5.
Hydrator 3.3 is applied to the micro-crazing, creases, scratches, abrasion, and stitching holes where they become darkened with Rinse 3.0.
- Hydrator 3.3 con. 1: 25 is mixed with 218g distilled water or 1.5 inches from the top of the 8oz bottle before use.
- Hydrator 3.3 is spread with Foam 2 and detailing with Brush 1 after Rinse 3.0.
- Allow 3-30 minutes to fully saturate absorbent areas and towel extract any wick soiling until it shows clean
- Leather is manipulated and stretched to dimension, ready for Fatliquor 5.0.
Step 5 - Fatliquoring:
Fatliquoring follows after Hydrator 3.3 with Fatliquor 5.0, Brush 1, Foam 2, and Towel 5.
- Fatliquor 5.0 con. 1: 5 need 189g of distilled water or mix up to 1.5 inches below 8oz bottle top before use.
- Fatliquor 5.0 is spread with Foam 2 and detailing with Brush 1 into absorbent areas.
- Repeat application between drying cycles until it absorbs no more.
- Stretching and manipulating overstretches wrinkles to smartness.
- The leather is left for slow natural drying for extra softness.
- Surface strays are wiped with Hydrator 3.3 to be free of sticky residue.
Step 6 - Conditioning:
Conditioning begins when leather is dry with Protector B, and Foam 2.
- Protector B con. 1:19 is mixed with 217g distilled water or 1.5 inches from top of the 8oz bottle before use.
- Protector B is spread with Foam 2.
- Leave to natural dry and ready for use.
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.
1 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.
2 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)
3 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.
4 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.
5 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.
6 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.
7 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.
How to Use this Auto Pigmented Leather Problem-Solving Matrix?
This matrix categorizes common issues with pigmented leather into five groups: Soil, Stain, Odor, Finish, and Structure (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 when the leather finishes become absorbent from micro-crazing, abrasion, scratches, and stitching holes.
- 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.
People Also Ask:
- What is Leather Preventive Care?
- What is Leather Routine Care?
- What is Leather Periodic Care?
- What is Leather Restorative Care?
1 What is Leather Preventive Care?
Leather Preventive Care is an essential part of maintaining leather's appearance and durability over time. The goal of preventive care is to shield leather from soiling, wear, and aging, while maintaining its luxurious feel and natural look. Leather preventive care starts and ends with Step 6 Conditioning:
2 What is Leather Routine Care?
Leather routine care is essential to maintaining the beauty and durability of leather over time. This process includes dust cleaning, spot treatment, pH balancing to neutralize sweat stains, and applying a protective conditioner to enhance resistance against soiling and wear. Leather routine care begins with Step 2 Cleaning, Step 3 Rinsing and ends with Step 6 Conditioning.
3 What is Leather Periodic Care?
Leather periodic care is recommended before soiling causes damage to the finishing. This keeps leather consistently clean and healthy at all times. Body contact areas would require more frequent attention than the unused areas. The leather headrest, handrest, and footrest get the most out of body oil and sweat contacts. Hydrating and Fatliquoring are recommended to surface absorbent areas. Leather periodic care begins with Step 2 Cleaning, Step 3 Cleaning, Step 4 Hydrating, Step 5 Fatliquoring and ends with Step 6 Conditioning.
4 What is Leather Restorative Care?
Leather restorative care is the ultimate restorative or salvage care system that removes accumulated soiling including aged conditioners. Accumulated soiling that fills creases is often mistaken for cracks. Prep 7.7 performs restorative cleaning. It works by chemical reaction to emulsify soiling through its penetrating, lubricating, and suspending power. Horsehair detailing Brush 1 is recommended to be worked into heavily soiled areas sufficiently to avoid excessive agitation that might damage already weakened finishes, especially on heavily used areas. Hydrating and Fatliquoring are recommended to surface absorbent areas. Leather restorative care begins with Step 1 Prepping, Step 2 Cleaning, Step 3 Cleaning, Step 4 Hydrating, Step 5 Fatliquoring and ends with Step 6 Conditioning.
Thank you for your input on improving this writing, any comments are welcome.
Updated: March 29, 2025 by Roger Koh