Leather Degreaser 2.2

Leather Degreaser 2.2 by Leather Doctor is a professional-grade degreaser designed to remove body oil, grease, and sweat from leather surfaces, including headrests, armrests, collars, cuffs, handles, and steering wheels.

Formulated with a pH of 2.2, this water-based, leather-safe degreaser penetrates deep to lift embedded oils and grease while preventing dye bleeding. Unlike solvent-based products, it cleans effectively without drying out or damaging the leather.

Degreaser 2.2 is suitable for all leather types, including Nubuck and suede, making it an essential solution for maintaining and restoring leather’s natural beauty and longevity.

Instruction: 

1. Shake well until the formula thickens into a gel.
2. Apply with a suitable brush or eraser, working the product into the leather.
3. Wipe off suspended soiling with a clean, dry terry cotton towel.
4. Allow it to dwell for 3 to 30 minutes before applying, cleaning and wiping again.
5. Use Rinse 3.0 for surface grease and Acidifier 2.0 for penetrated body oil, grease and sweat.
6. Extract with a clean towel until no more residue appears.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to Remove Dry Soiling?

• Before applying Degreaser 2.2, remove dry soiling using appropriate tools:

• Brushes:
• Horsehair, nylon, or brass brushes for detailing.

• Erasers:

• Leather Eraser 4 for smooth leather and nubuck.
• Suede Eraser 5 for suede and delicate surfaces.
• Vacuum after erasing nubuck or suede to remove loosened particles.

2. How Does Degreaser 2.2 Work?

• Works best when used with Rinse 3.0 (for surface soiling) or Acidifier 2.0 (for deeper penetration).
• Hydrator 3.3 can be used afterward to further release and extract suspended soiling.
• For deep penetration, use a reverse-transfer technique with Towel 5 to wick out contamination

3. How to Control Leather Tackiness?

• Tackiness from alkaline exposure is neutralized with Acidifier 2.0.
• Repeat application and towel extraction until the surface has a healthy, squeaky feel.

4. How to Deep Clean Penetrated Soiling?

1. Apply Hydrator 3.3 to further break down embedded soiling.
2. Towel extract repeatedly until the leather is clean.
3. If necessary, use a spatula or spoon to press the towel onto the surface for deeper extraction.

5. How to Remove Soiling with the Reverse-Transfer Technique?

1. Saturate the leather with Hydrator 3.3.
2. Lay a wettable towel (Towel 5) over the area and press it down free of air bubbles with a horsehair brush.
3. Let it dry naturally, then peel off the towel to remove soiling.

6. How to Restore Leather Suppleness?

1. Once cleaning is complete, apply Hydrator 3.3 to relax the leather fibers.
2. Follow with Fatliquor 5.0 to replenish essential fats and oils to maintain flexibility.

7. What is the Ideal Fatliquor Content for Leather?

• Healthy leather should have up to 14% fat and oil content (measured with a leather moisture meter).
• If moisture content falls below 7%, leather may become prone to cracking, especially in vegetable-tanned varieties like Vachetta.

8. What Makes Leather Prone to Oil and Sweat Absorption?

• Leather is naturally hydrophilic and oleophilic, meaning it absorbs moisture and oils easily.
• Sweat contamination can cause stickiness, darkening, white blotches, and even dye bleeding.

9. Why is Leather-Safe Degreasing Important?

• Degreasing at a low pH (2.2) prevents leather from denaturing to rawhide.
• Maintains the ionic balance, ensuring leather fibers remain positively charged for optimal bonding with tannins, dyes, and fatliquors.
• Unlike solvent-based degreasers, this process keeps the leather soft and prevents excessive drying.

By following these steps and using Degreaser 2.2 in combination with Leather Doctor’s leather-safe products, you can effectively restore and maintain the cleanliness, suppleness, and durability of your leather items.

Updated: March 19, 2025 by Roger Koh