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.