Product Overview
Hair-on Hide Hair Cleaner 5.5 by Leather Doctor® is a leather-safe, mild disinfectant cleaner for hair-on-hide, wool skin, sheepskin, shearling, and feather.
With a pH value of 5.5, it gently penetrates and lubricates the hair fibers, suspending soil through a chemical reaction that’s safe for both hair and hide and most fabrics—excluding rayon and silk. It also helps reduce common odors that occur during drying.
How to Use Hair-on Hide Hair Cleaner 5.5
Step 1️⃣ Mix the Concentrate with Distilled Water
- The product is shipped as a concentrate.
- Mix with distilled water following the instructions on the bottle to prepare the cleaning solution.
- Using distilled water prevents mineral deposits or residue from tap water.
Step 2️⃣ Inspect and Remove Dry Soiling
- Carefully inspect the item for stains, wear, or heavily soiled areas.
- Vacuum or brush off loose dirt, dust, or pet hair using a suede or hair-on-hide brush.
- This step prevents rubbing dry particles deeper into the hide during wet cleaning.
Step 3️⃣ Apply Cleaner
- Shake the solution well to activate ingredients.
- Lightly spray the cleaner onto the hair side from a short distance.
- Use a soft bristle brush at a slant angle to gently agitate the surface. This lifts embedded soils without damaging hair shafts.
Step 4️⃣ Extract Suspended Soiling
- Immediately blot the treated area with a clean, dry, absorbent terry towel.
- Gently press and lift to extract suspended soiling.
- Rotate the towel to a clean area frequently and continue blotting until it shows no further soil transfer.
Step 5️⃣ Rinse with Hair-on Hide Hair Rinse 4.0
- Spray Rinse 4.0 over the cleaned area.
- This step neutralizes and returns the pH to 5.5, which is ideal for hair and hide health.
- It also helps reduce frizz, static, and keeps the fibers silky and soft.
Step 6️⃣ Groom & Let Dry Naturally
- While still damp, gently groom the hair with a wide-tooth comb or brush.
- Let the hide air dry naturally in a well-ventilated, shaded area—away from direct heat or sunlight to prevent drying out or warping.
Step 7️⃣ Final Grooming After Drying
- Once completely dry (the hair will feel a little crisp), groom again with a slick or wide-tooth comb.
- This final grooming helps “bloom” the hair—reviving its natural softness and luster.
Related Products for Complete Hair-on-Hide Care
Hair-on Hide Hair Degreaser 5.6
- Use for removing excess oil and grease before cleaning.
- Helps prevent darkening or stiffness in high-contact spots.
- Essential for pH balancing after cleaning.
- Helps restore softness and protects the hair and hide structure from alkalinity damage.
Hair-on Hide Conditioner S (or Hair-on Hide Conditioner S Plus for leather scent)
- A final finishing spray that adds a non-stick, rub-resistant coating.
- Helps prevent future soiling and masks any remaining odors with a light, pleasant leather scent (Plus version).
Updated: April 19, 2025 by Roger Koh