Leather pH Cleaner 1.5

 Leather pH Cleaner 1.5 by Leather Doctor® is a pH 1.5 balanced specialty cleaner that controls leather from bleeding, water spots, and becoming sticky.

pH 1.5 is a low pH (1.5) ionic, negatively charged (-ve) water-based restorative cleaner specially designed to neutralize and balance side effects on leather and suede caused by alkaline overexposure—such as bleeding, discoloration, or stickiness.

Leather has a natural pH range of 3 to 5. When exposed to products with high pH (alkaline)—like saddle soap, baking soda, dish detergent, above pH 7, or harsh commercial cleaners—the leather structure becomes denatured, leading to long-term damage. pH 1.5 reintroduces acidity (extra H⁺ ions) to protonate the protein fibers, helping to restore the leather’s integrity and bring it back to its healthy, pH-balanced state.

   How Leather pH Cleaner 1.5 Works:

pH 1.5 functions by restoring the leather’s pH balance through its low pH value of 1.5. This acidic solution increases the ionic positive (+ve) attraction of the amphoteric leather protein fibers, allowing them to form hydrogen bonds with negatively charged (-ve) leather constituents.

This action helps to:

 Stabilize migrating tanning agents that would otherwise leach out and revert the leather to sticky rawhide.
 Anchor dyestuffs that may bleed or shift due to pH imbalance.
 Retain fatliquor content (fats and oils) that are essential for softness and suppleness—preventing stiffness when the leather dries.

 Leather pH Cleaner 1.5 Working System:

pH 1.5 is part of a holistic Leather-Safe™ restoration system designed to correct leather denaturing caused by alkaline exposure (e.g., sticky, slimy, or discoloration).

Here’s how the system works:

1. Step 1 – pH Balancing with pH 1.5:
   Restores leather’s ideal pH and recharges the protein fiber for proper ionic bonding.

2. Step 2 – Rinse with Acidifier 2.0:
   Further refines the pH balance, removes residues, and helps the leather return to a healthy, squeaky-clean feel.

3. Step 3 – Rehydrate with Hydrator 3.3:
   Redistributes tanning agents and dyestuffs throughout the leather structure, especially to faded or dried-out areas.

4. Step 4 – Recondition with Fatliquor 5.0:
   Replenishes the fat and oil content essential to keep leather soft and flexible after drying.

5. Optional – Supplement Diminished Leather Constituents:
   Depending on the damage, other specialty products may be used to replenish lost nutrients, restore finishes, or protect the surface.

 Leather pH Cleaner 1.5 – Instructions for Use

Preparation:

• Dilution: Mix pH 1.5 concentrate with distilled water at a 1:12 ratio before use.
  (Example: 10 mL concentrate + 120 mL distilled water)

 Step-by-Step Application System:

1. pH Balancing Clean with pH 1.5

   • Apply the diluted solution to the leather surface.

   • Gently agitate using Horsehair Brush 1.

   • Towel extract the suspended soiling. Repeat until the towel shows clean.

2. Rinse with Acidifier 2.0

   • Apply Acidifier 2.0 to the surface.

   • Brush lightly and towel extract again until the towel shows clean.

   • This step refines the pH balance and ensures a healthy, squeaky-clean finish.

3. Hydration with Hydrator 3.3

   • Apply Hydrator 3.3 generously to relax and separate any stick-together leather fibers.

   • Allow it to dwell—this helps redistribute displaced leather constituents such as tanning agents, dyestuff, and fatliquors back into the fiber structure.

   • Dwell time can range from a few hours to overnight, depending on leather condition.

4. Fatliquoring with Fatliquor 5.0

   • While the leather remains damp, apply Fatliquor 5.0 in several coats.

   • Allow each application to be absorbed before adding more.

   • Continue until the leather is fully hydrated and reaches up to 14% fat and oil content when dry.

5. Dry & Optional Refinishing

   • Allow the leather to dry naturally.

   • Proceed with any additional refinishing, protection, or scent-conditioning steps as needed.

 Updated: October 18, 2024 | April 18, 2025 by Roger Koh.