Product Overview
Nubuck Cleaner 4.5 by Leather Doctor is a mild, water-based cleaner specially designed for nubuck, suede, and most natural and synthetic fabric linings (excluding rayon and silk).
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.
- Safe for Delicate Materials: Cleans without damaging or altering texture.
- pH-Balanced Formula: Prevents unwanted side effects like browning and residue buildup.
- Versatile: Suitable for nubuck, suede, and many fabric linings (excluding rayon & silk).
How to Use - Instruction:
- Mix: Dilute 1 part Nubuck Cleaner 4.5 concentrate with 64 parts distilled water before use.
- Inspect: Always test on a hidden area to ensure compatibility with the material.
- Dry Soil Removal: Brush off any dry dirt and debris before applying cleaner.
- Shake: Shake the bottle well before spraying the solution onto the surface.
- Agitate: Use a Nubuck Brush 2 and/or Nubuck Eraser 4 to gently work the cleaner into the surface, focusing on soiled areas.
- Dwell: Let the cleaner sit for 3 to 30 minutes to suspend dirt (don’t let it dry).
- Extract: Gently blot with a clean, dry, absorbent towel to lift dirt and moisture.
- Rinse: Spray Nubuck Rinse 3.0 to remove any remaining cleaner or residue.
- Final Blot: Blot again with a fresh towel to absorb excess moisture.
Why Choose Nubuck Cleaner 4.5?
- No Harsh Chemicals: Safe, non-abrasive formula.
- Works on Multiple Materials: Ideal for nubuck, suede, and most fabric linings (excluding rayon & silk).
- Professional Results at Home: Keep your luxury goods looking pristine with ease.
Perfect for:
- Handbags, Shoes, and Accessories
- Upholstery and Furniture
- Automotive Interiors
Additional Tips:
- For optimal results, use in combination with Nubuck Rinse 3.0 and a Nubuck Brush 2 and/or Nubuck Eraser 4 for superior care.
- Always perform a spot test in an inconspicuous area before full application.
People Also Ask:
- How Does Nubuck Cleaner 4.5 Works?
- What is the Nubuck 4.5 Cleaning System?
- How to Remove Stubborn Soiling?
- What are the Related Products Recommendations?
- How to Use the Nubuck Problem-Solving Matrix?
1. How Does Nubuck Cleaner 4.5 Work?
Nubuck Cleaner 4.5 is a water-based solution that emulsifies oily soils and suspends particulate matter for safe, effective cleaning. It penetrates deep into the nubuck fibers to loosen embedded dirt while lubricating the leather for easy removal. Formulated to work in harmony with nubuck’s natural components—like tanning agents, preservatives, dyes, and fatliquor—it cleans thoroughly without compromising the leather’s structure or integrity.
2. What is the Nubuck 4.5 Cleaning System?
The Nubuck 4.5 Cleaning System offers a holistic, step-by-step approach to cleaning nubuck leather. After applying Nubuck 4.5, it’s essential to follow with Nubuck Rinse 3.0. This rinse step removes any remaining cleaner residues, restores the ideal pH balance, and leaves behind a clean, healthy "squeak"—an audible sign of properly cleansed nubuck. It also prevents overexposure to cleaning agents, preserving the leather’s softness and strength.
3. How to Remove Stubborn Soiling?
For heavily soiled areas or deep-seated grime, Prep 4.4 is recommended as a pre-cleaning solution. It's specifically formulated to tackle stubborn stains before proceeding with the Nubuck Leather Problem Solving Guide's specialty products.
4. What Are the Related Product Recommendations?
To complete your nubuck care routine, consider these specialized treatments:
- Nubuck Acidifier 2.0 – Reduces tackiness and helps restore the pH balance.
- Nubuck Hydrator 3.3 – Rehydrates and relaxes stiff or shriveled leather.
- Nubuck Fatliquor 5.0 – Softens, strengthens, and replenishes fatliquor lost over time.
- Nubuck Conditioner S – Adds a non-stick, rub-resistant finish for long-lasting protection.
5. How to Use the Nubuck Problem-Solving Matrix?
The matrix categorizes common issues with Nubuck into five groups: Soil, Stain, Odor, Structure, and Finish (listed in the left column). Corresponding recommended products are displayed across the top row. Each number within the matrix indicates the steps required to address the problem holistically.
For example:
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. The process should always conclude with
- 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.
Updated: April 8, 2025 by Roger Koh