Nubuck Cleaner and Conditioner Kit N3

Nubuck Cleaner and Conditioner Kit N3 by Leather Doctor is a nubuck-safe system to prep, clean, rinse, hydrate, soften, and condition nubuck without the common side effects of traditional treatments.

This innovative system helps maintain nubuck’s pristine appearance by preserving its pH balance, enhancing its suppleness, and retaining its signature finger-writing effect, all while preventing premature aging. Exposure to sunlight, fireplaces, and heaters can cause nubuck to dry out, fade, and stiffen as essential fat liquor (the lifeblood of leather) evaporates. This leads to fiber shrinkage, stiffness, and an increased risk of cracks, tears, or rips during use. To combat this, periodic hydration and fatliquoring with Hydrator 3.3 and Fatliquor 5.0 help restore flexibility and prevent aging-related stiffness and cracking. Conditioner S provides a rub-resistant, smooth finish that reduces surface wear and helps repel sticky soiling, while S Plus adds a luxurious leather scent. For regular upkeep, Nubuck 4.5 followed by Rinse 3.0 effectively removes body contact oils from high-use areas like headrests and armrests. For restorative cleaning and general stain removal when required, Prep 4.4 is recommended before cleaning and rinsing. When dealing with accumulated soiling, stubborn stains, odors, fading, or aging, the Nubuck Leather Problem-Solving Matrix offers a step-by-step approach to restoration, covering five key categories: Soil, Stain, Odor, Structure and Finish. By following the proper sequence of products, you can keep your nubuck looking and feeling 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. 

Prepping, Cleaning and Rinsing system:

Leather Prep 4.4 

Prep 4.4 is a pH 4.4 solution designed for deep cleaning heavily soiled, pH-sensitive leather, nubuck, and suede. It effectively removes accumulated dirt, silicone shine, sticky residues, and greasy stains while ensuring safe and effective cleaning. 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.

Nubuck Cleaner 4.5

Nubuck 4.5 is a universal, mild, water-based cleaner specially formulated for nubuck, suede, and most natural and synthetic fabric linings (excluding rayon and silk). It's pH-balanced formula effectively cleans without causing rings, browning, or other common side effects, ensuring a safe and reliable cleaning experience for delicate materials.

Nubuck Rinse 3.0

Rinse 3.0 is a pH 3.0 solution designed to remove residual soiling while also acting as a pH balancer to protect nubuck from denaturing. It effectively lifts and removes suspended dirt through towel extraction, ensuring a thorough clean. Additionally, its ionic positive (+ve) charge enhances the bonding strength between the negatively (-ve) charged leather constituents—such as tanning agents, dyes, and fatliquor—helping to reduce common issues like tackiness and dye bleeding.

Hydrating and Fatliquoring system:

Nubuck Hydrator 3.3

Hydrator 3.3 is a pH 3.3 hydrating conditioner designed to relax and restore leather by reducing stiffness, creases, and wrinkles before fatliquoring. It promotes colloidal water movement, helping to reactivate excess dormant dyes and bring them to the surface for a more even appearance. For complete softening and suppleness, follow up with Fatliquor 5.0.

Nubuck Fatliquor 5.0

Fatliquor 5.0 is a pH 5.0 micro-emulsion of fat, oil, and water designed to restore nubuck’s original softness and strength. During application, the water-encased fat and oil molecules penetrate the fibers, bonding with the nubuck’s protein structure. As the excess water evaporates, it leaves behind a breathable structure that supports nubuck’s natural transpiration, maintaining its flexibility and durability.

Conditioning system:

Nubuck Conditioner S

Conditioner S is a smooth-feel, nonstick, rub-resistant, and non-film-forming conditioner designed to shield nubuck from sticky soiling while preserving its signature finger-writing effect. Its breathable barrier enhances resistance to both wet and dry rubbing, helping to minimize stretching, scuffing, and abrasion for long-lasting durability.

Tools:

Nubuck Brush 2 

Brush 2 is a nylon detailing brush designed for gentle yet effective cleaning and nap restoration on nubuck and fine suede. 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.

Nubuck Eraser 4 

Eraser 4 is designed for both dry and wet cleaning of nubuck, offering enhanced traction for effectively removing greasy and gummy soiling. It gently lifts dirt and residues without damaging the delicate nap, making it an essential tool for nubuck maintenance.

Foam Brush 2

Foam 2 is a 2-inch high-density polyfoam brush designed for durability, resisting tearing and shredding. Its superior material-carrying capacity ensures even distribution and controlled application for a smooth, consistent finish.

Towel 5 

Towel 5 is a high-performance paper towel designed to function like cloth. It is lint-free, highly absorbent, stretchable, washable, and durable, making it ideal for effective cleaning and drying without leaving residues.

Instruction:

1 Prepping

1. Prep 4.4 is applied thinly and works with a nylon Brush 2 and Eraser 4 on heavily soiled areas.
2. Suspended soiling is towel extracted before drying until it shows clean and continues general with cleaning.

2 Cleaning

1. 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.
2. It is applied and brushed with Brush 2.
3. Suspended soiling is extracted with a dry absorbent towel until it shows clean, and proceed to rinsing.

3 Rinsing

1. 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.
2. It is applied and brushed with Brush 2.
3. Suspended soiling is extracted with a dry absorbent towel until it shows clean, and proceed to hydrating.

4 Hydrating

1. 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.
2. It is applied and brushed with Brush 2 for a deep, even saturating appearance, massaged, and stretched free of creases and wrinkles. 
3. Wicked soiling is extracted with a dry, absorbent towel, and proceed to fatliquoring.

5 Fatliquoring

1. 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. 
2. It is applied and redistributed with Brush 2 or Foam 2 for even saturation and leaves to dry naturally.
3. It is repeated each cycle, letting the water contents evaporate leaving behind the fat and oil content until it absorbs no more.
4. Its fullness is allowed natural drying for extra softness.
5. Its desired suppleness is further staked, massaged, and flexed accordingly with a little wet back with Hydrator 3.3 until dry.

6 Conditioning

1. Conditioner S concentrate 1:19  is mixed with 217g distilled water or 1.5 inches from the top of the 8oz bottle before use. 
2. It is applied, spread with Brush 2, Foam 2 or Towel 5 and left to dry.
3. When dry, the nap is groomed with Brush 2 for a finger-writing-effect, ready to use. 

People Also Ask:

1 What is Nubuck Preventive Care?

2 What is Nubuck Routine Care?

3 What is Nubuck Periodic Care?

4:What is Nubuck Restorative Care?

5 How to Identify Nubuck Stains?

6 How to Use Nubuck Leather Problem Matrix?

7 Technical Help and Support?

1 What is Nubuck Preventive Care?

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.

2 What is Nubuck Routine Care?

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.

3 What is Nubuck Periodic Care?

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.

4 What is Nubuck Restorative Care?

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.

1. Agitation with Nubuck Brush 2

• Gently works the cleaner into heavily soiled areas.
• Avoids excessive brushing on weakened, high-wear areas.

1. Residue Removal with Nubuck 4.5

• Clears away suspended emulsified dirt and old conditioners.

1. pH Balancing with Rinse 3.0

• Restores a healthy pH and leaves a clean, squeaky feel.

1. 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.

6. How to Use the Nubuck Leather Problem-Solving Matrix?

This matrix categorizes common issues with aniline leather 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.

7: Technical Help and Support?

https://www.leathercleaningrestorationforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?58-Suede-and-Nubuck-Upholstery-Forum

Your opinions and insights are precious and will help us solve your leather problem more efficiently.

Updated: March 9, 2025, by Roger Koh.