Product Overview
This innovative Leather-Safe™ system helps preserve nubuck’s delicate structure and aesthetic, maintaining its pH balance, enhancing suppleness, and retaining the signature finger-writing effect—while preventing premature aging.
Environmental exposure—such as sunlight, fireplaces, or heaters—can dry out nubuck, causing fading, stiffness, and loss of essential fatliquor (the lifeblood of leather). Left untreated, this leads to fiber shrinkage, increased stiffness, and a higher risk of cracking, tearing, or ripping.
To counteract this, periodic treatment with Hydrator 3.3 and Fatliquor 5.0 restores essential moisture and flexibility, protecting against structural breakdown.
For added protection, Conditioner S delivers a rub-resistant, smooth finish that helps reduce surface wear and repel sticky soiling, while Conditioner S Plus infuses nubuck with a luxurious leather scent.
For regular maintenance, Nubuck Cleaner 4.5 followed by Rinse 3.0 effectively removes body oils and contact grime—especially from high-use areas like headrests and armrests.
When deeper cleaning is needed, Prep 4.4 serves as a powerful pre-cleaner to tackle accumulated soil, stubborn stains, and odor.
To simplify complex restorations, the Nubuck Leather Problem-Solving Matrix offers a comprehensive, step-by-step guide covering five key concerns: Soil, Stain, Odor, Structure, and Finish.
With proper use, this system keeps your Nubuck looking, feeling, and smelling as close to showroom condition as possible.
Kit N3 concentrates require 1072g or 1.1 quarts distilled water to be mixed and added 1.5 inches below the top of the 8oz bottles before use.
- Prep 4.4
- Nubuck 4.5
- Rinse 3.0
- Hydrator 3.3
- Fatliquor 5.0
- Conditioner S
- Brush 2
- Eraser 4
- Foam 2
- Towel 5
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
For best results, follow up with Nubuck 4.5 to remove suspended residues and Rinse 3.0 to restore pH balance. When dealing with stubborn greasy stains that contain dye components—such as ballpoint ink, blue jean dye, crayon, leather belt marks, plastic ink prints, newsprint, and stamp pad ink—use Dye 7.9 as a follow-up treatment for optimal stain removal.
With its pH-balanced formula (4.5), it effectively cleans delicate materials without causing common problems like ring marks, browning, or texture damage. Whether you’re cleaning high-end accessories, shoes, or upholstery, this cleaner is an ideal choice for maintaining your items’ integrity and appearance.
- Its ergonomic design features a sturdy grooved grip, making it a natural extension of the hand for easy and efficient use.
- Measuring 7 inches in length, it has a three-row, 1½-inch natural nylon cleaning head for precise and thorough agitation without damaging delicate fibers.
- It provides enhanced traction to effectively loosen and lift greasy, gummy, and embedded soiling without damaging the delicate nap.
- Ideal for maintaining the unique texture and appearance of nubuck, this eraser is an essential tool for safe and effective routine care.
- 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
- 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
- Prep 4.4 is applied thinly and works with a nylon Brush 2 and Eraser 4 on heavily soiled areas.
- Suspended soiling is towel extracted before drying until it shows clean and continues general with cleaning.
- Nubuck 4.5 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 Brush 2.
- Suspended soiling is extracted with a dry absorbent towel until it shows clean, and proceed to rinsing.
- Nubuck Rinse 3.0 concentrate 1: 40 is mixed with 222g distilled water or 1.5 inches from the top of the 8oz bottle before use.
- It is applied and brushed with Brush 2.
- Suspended soiling is extracted with a dry absorbent towel until it shows clean, and proceed to 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 Brush 2 for a deep, even saturating appearance, massaged, and stretched free of creases and wrinkles.
- Wicked soiling is extracted with a dry, absorbent towel, and proceed to fatliquoring.
- Fatliquor 5.0 concentrate 1: 5 is mixed with 189g distilled water or 1.5 inches from the top of the 8oz bottle before use.
- It is applied and redistributed with Brush 2 or Foam 2 for even saturation and leaves to dry naturally.
- It is repeated each cycle, letting the water contents evaporate leaving behind the fat and oil content until it absorbs no more.
- Its fullness is allowed natural drying for extra softness.
- Its desired suppleness is further staked, massaged, and flexed accordingly with a little wet back with Hydrator 3.3 until dry.
- Conditioner S concentrate 1:19 is mixed with 217g distilled water or 1.5 inches from the top of the 8oz bottle before use.
- It is applied, spread with Brush 2, Foam 2 or Towel 5 and left to dry.
- When dry, the nap is groomed with Brush 2 for a finger-writing-effect, ready to use.
- What is Nubuck Preventive Care?
- What is Nubuck Routine Care?
- What is Nubuck Periodic Care?
- What is Nubuck Restorative Care?
- How to Identify Nubuck Stains?
- How to Use Nubuck Leather Problem Matrix?
- Technical Help and Support?
Nubuck preventive care focuses on protecting the leather from sticky soiling and daily wear while maintaining its luxurious appearance and texture.
This involves applying a non-stick, rub-resistant, breathable conditioner before use to shield the surface and prolong its pristine look.
- Conditioner S enhances the nubuck with a soft, natural, and smooth feel, reducing friction and preventing premature wear.
- S Plus adds a classic leather scent, enriching the sensuous appeal of nubuck for leather enthusiasts.
Regular preventive care ensures that nubuck remains supple, clean, and inviting over time.
Nubuck routine care involves regular maintenance to keep it clean, soft, and in optimal condition.
This includes:
- General Dust Cleaning: Regularly removing dust and surface dirt to maintain a fresh appearance.
- Spot & Stain Treatment: Addressing stains promptly, especially sweat stains, which can cause an alkaline shift.
- Using Rinse 3.0 helps rebalance the pH and prevent tackiness.
- Non-Stick Conditioning: After neutralizing with Rinse 3.0,
- applying Conditioner S creates a rub-resistant, non-stick barrier that enhances nubuck’s appearance while protecting against premature wear.
Consistent routine care helps preserve nubuck’s softness, texture, and durability over time.
Nubuck periodic care involves deeper cleaning to remove accumulated soiling and maintain the nap’s integrity.
This process helps prevent damage and keeps nubuck looking fresh and well-maintained.
- Cleaning: Use Nubuck 4.5 to remove embedded dirt and prevent soiling from matting the nap.
- Rinse & pH Balance: Follow with Rinse 3.0 to remove residue, rebalance the pH, and maintain nubuck’s softness.
- Focus on High-Contact Areas: Body contact areas like headrests, handrests, and handles require more frequent care due to exposure to body oils and sweat.
- Conditioning: Applying Conditioner S helps keep the nap smooth, non-stick, and preserves its signature finger-writing effect.
Regular periodic care extends nubuck’s lifespan, keeping it soft, clean, and protected from premature wear.
Nubuck restorative care is a deep-cleaning process designed to remove accumulated soiling, including aged conditioners, restoring the leather’s original texture and appearance. Built-up dirt in creases is often mistaken for cracks, making thorough restoration essential.
Restorative Care Process:
1. Prep Cleaning with Prep 4.4
- Uses a chemical reaction to emulsify and lift stubborn soiling.
- Penetrates, lubricates, and suspends dirt for effective removal.
2. Agitation with Nubuck Brush 2
- Gently works the cleaner into heavily soiled areas.
- Avoids excessive brushing on weakened, high-wear areas.
3. Residue Removal with Nubuck 4.5
- Clears away suspended emulsified dirt and old conditioners.
4. pH Balancing with Rinse 3.0
- Restores a healthy pH and leaves a clean, squeaky feel.
5. Conditioning with Conditioner S
- Imparts a non-stick, smooth finish while preserving the nubuck’s characteristic writing effect.
- Restorative care revitalizes heavily used nubuck, preventing premature deterioration and ensuring long-term durability.
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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
This matrix categorizes common issues with Nubuck into five groups:
Corresponding recommended products are displayed across the top row.
Each number within the matrix indicates the steps required to address the problem holistically.
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.
- Hydrator 3.3 to rehydrate and relax the leather.
- Fatliquor 5.0 to replenish lost fats and oils, restoring suppleness.
- Conditioner S conditioning the leather for ongoing durability.
7. Technical Help and Support?
Updated: March 9, 2025, by Roger Koh.