Leather Degreaser 2.2 by Leather Doctor® is a professional, water-based solution that removes body oils, sweat, and grease from leather surfaces. Like shampooing hair, degreasing requires rinsing to carry away suspended soils—leaving leather clean without stripping its essential oils.
- Unlike solvent-based degreasers that dissolve the tannery-applied fatliquor (the essential blend of oils and fats), causing leather to become stiff, dry, and brittle, Degreaser 2.2 works with tannery science.
- Its low pH 2.2 formula maintains the ionic attraction between leather fibers, tanning agents, dyes, and fatliquor.
- This ensures the leather remains supple, strong, and ready to accept hydration and replenishment, restoring its original softness and durability.
Comparison: Water-Based Degreaser vs. Solvent-Based Degreaser
| Feature | Leather Doctor® Degreaser 2.2 (Water-Based, pH 2.2) | Solvent-Based Degreasers |
|---|---|---|
| Leather Safety | Leather-safe, maintains ionic pH balance | Strips essential oils, destabilizes pH |
| Effect on Fatliquor | Preserves & prepares for replenishment | Dissolves & removes original fatliquor |
| Softness & Strength | Restores suppleness and tensile strength after hydration & fatliquoring | Leaves leather stiff, dry & weak |
| Compatibility | Safe for all leather types, including Nubuck & Suede | Risky on absorbent & delicate leathers |
| Tannery Alignment | Follows tannery science: clean → hydrate → fatliquor | Works against tannery principles |
Key Benefits:
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Water-based formula rinses clean like shampoo for leather
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pH 2.2 preserves ionic balance and prevents denaturing into rawhide
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Removes sweat, grease, and oils without stripping natural fatliquor
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Prepares leather for hydration and fatliquoring to restore suppleness
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Ideal for headrests, armrests, collars, cuffs, handbag handles & steering wheels
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Safe for all leathers, including Nubuck and Suede
How It Works:
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Shake until formula thickens into a gel.
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Apply with brush or eraser, let dwell 3–30 minutes.
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Wipe off suspended oils with terry towel.
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Rinse with Rinse 3.0 (surface oils) or Acidifier 2.0 (deep oils).
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Feather out with Soft 3.8 to even appearance.
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Use Hydrator 3.3 & reverse-transfer with Towel 5 for deep cleaning.
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Complete with Fatliquor 5.0 to restore softness & strength.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What Makes Leather Prone to Absorbing Body Oil, Grease, and Sweat?
- Why is Leather-Safe Degreasing Important?
- How to Remove Dry Soiling before Degreaser 2.2?
- How to Control Leather Tackiness after Degreaser 2.2 + Rinse 3.0?
- How to Deep Clean Penetrated Soiling After Degreaser 2.2?
- How to Remove Soiling after the Degreasing Process with the Reverse-Transfer Technique?
- How to Restore Leather Suppleness after the Degreasing Process?
Updated: March 19, 2025 | July 20, 2025 | August 11, 2025 | September 1, 2025 | September 10, 20215 by Roger Koh
1 Review Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Degreaser 2.2 - true to its usage
this degreaser can really remove grease and oil. love it!!!