Product Overview
Nubuck Degreaser Kit N5.dr by Leather Doctor degrease, neutralize, pH balance, clean, rinse, hydrate, soften, and condition oil, grease, and sweat stains.
Nubuck is a result of buffing or sanding an aniline grain or a smooth leather side to produce a fine velvety texture, also known as velvet suede. Nubuck fine velvety nap is brushed with a nylon brush or a leather eraser to produce a finger-writing effect. Nubuck is naturally hydrophilic, water-loving, and oleophilic, oil-loving protein fiber material that easily absorbs body contact oil, grease, and sweat. Nubuck saturated with body sweat, attracts the atmospheric bacteria, and when ferments turn alkaline in severe cases an ammonia odor permeates. Nubuck is an amphoteric material, and the ionic positive (+ve) charges weaken in the presence of alkaline and shift ionic negative (-ve) resulting in denaturing. Nubuck protein fiber at the fermenting stage breaks the hydrogen bond with the tanning agent and turns tacky, similar to the dyestuff that begins to bleed.
Instruction:
Kit N5.dr concentrates require 1.290g or 1.1 quarts distilled water to be mixed and added to 1.5 inches below the top of the 8oz bottles before use.
Nubuck's holistic degreasing system involves a dovetailing sequence of product systems as follows:
Nubuck Degreaser 2.2 by Leather Doctor® is a pH 2.2 water-based degreaser for removing body oil, grease, and sweat stains from sensitive Nubuck leather.
Designed to clean without drying the leather like solvent-based products—commonly found on headrests, armrests, seat cushions, collars, cuffs, and handles.
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).
Nubuck Rinse 3.0 by Leather Doctor® is a Leather-Safe™ solution formulated at pH 3.0 to safely remove residual soiling from nubuck leather while restoring its pH balance.
Its ionic positive (+ve) charge strengthens the bonding between the negatively (-ve) charged leather constituents—such as tanning agents, dyes, and fatliquor—reducing common issues like tackiness, dye bleeding, and stiffness caused by pH imbalance.
This Acidic pH 3.0 Rinse & Balancer for Nubuck Leather enhances the overall integrity of nubuck leather by lifting and removing suspended soiling through towel extraction, helping maintain its softness, color stability, and natural nap.
Nubuck Acidifier 2.0 by Leather Doctor® is a Leather-Safe™ solution specially formulated to restore nubuck leather affected by alkaline cleaners or household spills.
This pH 2.0 acidifier helps correct issues like tackiness, dye bleeding, and stiffness by rebalancing the leather’s pH and reinforcing its internal structure.
By strengthening the ionic bond between negatively charged tanning agents, dyestuffs, and fatliquors with the positively charged nubuck protein fibers, this treatment brings leather back to a healthy, squeaky-clean condition.
Key Benefits:
✔ Neutralizes alkaline residue and toxicity
✔ Restores leather’s original tactile feel and flexibility
✔ Prepares surface for hydrating and fatliquoring
✔ Helps prevent further dye migration or structural damage
Nubuck Hydrator 3.3 by Leather Doctor® is a specialty pH 3.3 hydrating conditioner formulated for nubuck and other absorbent leather types.
Its primary function is to relax and restore leather structure by reducing stiffness, softening creases, and minimizing wrinkles. This treatment promotes colloidal water movement within the leather fiber structure, helping to reactivate dormant dyes and bring them to the surface, resulting in a richer, more even coloration. Used as a preparatory step before fatliquoring, it sets the stage for deeper conditioning and long-lasting suppleness. For best results, follow up with Fatliquor 5.0.
Nubuck Fatliquor 5.0 by Leather Doctor is a pH 5.0, negatively charged (-ve) fat and oil microemulsion designed to restore and rejuvenate nubuck leather.
It combats dryness, stiffness, and weakness by replenishing the leather’s original fat and oil content—enhancing softness, strength, and flexibility. The fat component plumps and strengthens the protein fibers, while the oil relaxes coarse breaks, creases, and wrinkles. This combination restores drape, suppleness, and prolongs the life of the leather by delaying premature aging and preventing dry rot.
Nubuck Conditioner S is a smooth-feel, nonstick, rub-resistant, and non-film-forming conditioner designed to protect nubuck leather from the harmful effects of sticky soiling.
Its breathable barrier enhances resistance to both wet and dry rubbing, helping reduce stretch, scuffing, and abrasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Dry Preparation:
1. Dry Soil Removing:
- Use a nylon Brush 2 for general dry soil cleaning before Degreasing.
2. Erasing:
- Rub with Eraser 4 to lift sticky grime and deteriorating naps.
3. Vacuuming:
- After erasing, vacuum thoroughly to remove all dry particles.
2. Degreasing with Degreaser 2.2
1. Application:
- Shake well until the product forms a complete gel.
2. Saturation:
3. Extraction:
- Extract with Towel 5 or a dry, highly absorbent towel—repeat until the towel shows clean.
4. Reapplication:
- For stubborn or deep stains, reapply and let dwell 5–60 minutes, making sure it doesn’t dry. Then extract again.
3. Cleaning with Nubuck 4.5
1. Dilution:
- Mix 1 part Nubuck 4.5 concentrate with 64 parts distilled water before use.
2. Inspection:
- Always test on a hidden area to ensure compatibility with the material.
3. Application:
- Shake the bottle well before spraying the solution onto the surface.
4. Agitation:
5. Dwelling:
- Let the cleaner sit for 3 to 30 minutes to suspend dirt (don’t let it dry).
6. Extraction:
- Gently blot with a clean, Towel 5 or a dry, absorbent towel to lift dirt and moisture.
7. Rinse:
- Continue with Rinse 3.0.
4. Rinse with Rinse 3.0
1. Dilution:
- Mix 1 part Rinse 3.0 concentrate with 40 parts distilled water before use.
2. Application:
- Shake well. Spray evenly over the surface and gently agitate with Brush 2.
3. Soil Extraction:
- Immediately extract suspended soiling with Towel 5 or a clean, dry, highly absorbent terry cotton towel using a blot-and-wipe motion.
5. pH Balance with Acidifier 2.0
1. Dilution:
- Mix 1 part Acidifier 2.0 with 25 parts distilled water.
2. Application:
- Distribute evenly over the surface using Brush 2 or sponge.
3. Extraction:
- Gently brush and blot with a clean towel until a healthy, squeaky feel.
4. Repeat if Needed:
- Inspect for improvement and repeat as necessary.
5. If needed,
- Follow with Hydrator 3.3 to remove any deep remaining residue.
5. Deep Rinse with Hydrator 3.3
1. Dilution:
- Mix 1 part Nubuck Hydrator 3.3 concentrate with 25 parts distilled water before use.
2. Application:
- Apply the diluted solution evenly across the leather.
- Work it in using a soft nylon Brush 2 to ensure even penetration and a subtle darkening effect.
3. Dwell Time:
- Let the product dwell on the surface to allow full hydration and fiber relaxation.
- Reapply lightly if drying too quickly—maintain a damp (not wet) surface.
4. Manipulation:
- While the leather is still damp and relaxed, gently stretch or massage out any unwanted creases or wrinkles until the desired appearance is achieved.
5. Follow-Up Conditioning:
- Once the leather has absorbed the hydrator and is softened, continue treatment with Fatliquor 5.0 to restore natural oils, enhance flexibility, and lock in softness.
5. Soften & Strength with Fatliquor 5.0
1. Dilution:
- Mix concentrate with distilled water at a 1:5 ratio (1 part Fatliquor 5.0 to 5 parts warm water).
2. Application:
- Apply generously and redistribute using an appropriate nubuck Brush 2 or pad until the leather is fully saturated.
3. Reapplication:
- Reapply as needed whenever water evaporates, leaving behind only the fat and oil.
4. Drying:
- Allow the leather to dry naturally. This helps develop a softer hand feel.
5. Finishing Touch:
- Once dry, enhance suppleness by staking, massaging, or flexing the leather.
- A light rewetting with Hydrator 3.3 may be used during this process to ease flexibility and conditioning.
6. Condition with Conditioner S
1. Dilution:
- Mix the concentrate with distilled water at a 1:19 ratio (1 part concentrate to 19 parts distilled water).
2. Application:
- Shake the diluted solution well.
- Apply using a fine mist spray.
- Immediately spread evenly with a lint-free towel or sponge to avoid over-saturation.
3. Finishing Touch:
- Restore the Nap:
- Once dry, gently brush the nubuck to restore its signature ‘finger writing effect’.
People Also Ask:
- How to Identify Nubuck Stains?
- How to Use Nubuck Leather Problem Matrix?
1. How to Identify Nubuck Stains?
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.
1. Appearance
- 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.
2. Odor
- 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)
3. Color
- 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.
4. Feel-of-Hand
- 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.
5. Location
- 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.
6. Buildup or Absorbed?
- 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.
7. Additional Considerations:
- 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 nubuck to its original beauty.
Nubuck Leather Problem Solving Matrix
2. How to Use Nubuck Leather Problem Matrix?
- Problems associated with Nubuck are grouped as Soil, Stain, Odor, Finish, and Structure in the left column,
- And the products recommended are listed on the first row.
- The numbers represent the sequence of steps to solve a problem holistically.
- For example,
- An unknown compound problem may include soil, stain, and odor, and they can be combined in a line sequence to reduce duplicating that ends with:
- Hydrator 3.3,
- Fatliquor 5.0, and
- Conditioner S.
3. Technical Help and Support?
Your opinions and insights are precious and will help us solve your leather problem more efficiently.
Updated: January 3, 2025 | April 9, 2025 by Roger Koh.