Semi-Aniline Leather Cleaner & Conditioner Kit SA3 by Leather Doctor® Preps• Cleans • Rinses • Hydrates • Softens • Conditions.
The Kit SA3 is an innovative leather-safe (pH 3–5) system scientifically developed to maintain semi-aniline leather to near-showroom condition—while preserving its appearance, supple structure, buttery-feel and long-term integrity.
What is Semi-Aniline Leather?
Semi-aniline leather is top-grain leather that combines the natural look of aniline with a light micro-pigment coating and protective topcoat to even out tone and improve resistance to sunlight and moisture.
The reverse suede side typically shows the same color range.
Why Semi-Aniline Leathers Age & Crack
Over time, semi-aniline leather shows signs of micro-crazing, particularly around stitching holes and flex points.
This is often due to the evaporation of fatliquors—the fat and oil that lubricate and plump leather fibers.
As these fatliquors dry out, the leather becomes stiff, creased, and prone to cracking when flexed.
This is caused by inter-fibrillary stickiness—when leather fibers collapse and stick together.
Tannery-Science Restoration System
Routine care using Leather Doctor’s holistic system includes:
Hydrating & Fatliquoring
Hydrator 3.3: Loosens stiff fibers, opens up inter-fibrillary spaces, and preps leather to absorb fatliquor.
Fatliquor 5.0: Reintroduces fat and oil, restoring softness, strength, and flexibility.
Regular fatliquoring delays leather aging and cracking.
Cleaning & Rinsing
Soft 3.8: Gently cleans body oils, sweat, and general soiling without damaging the finish.
Rinse 3.0: Neutralizes residues, balances pH, and stabilizes the leather structure.
Stain Removal (Optional)
Prep 7.7: Removes sticky and accumulating soiling.
Dye 7.9: Targets dye-based stains, especially from blue jeans.
Note: Product numbers refer to their pH values—matching the leather's natural chemistry.
Surface Conditioning
Protector B: Provides a buttery, rub-resistant barrier against friction and wear.
Reduces squeaks and maintains a buttery-soft hand feel.
Optional versions include a signature leather scent for added elegance.
Summary of Benefits:
✅ Deep cleans without damaging pH-sensitive leather structure
✅ Restores lost fatliquors to reduce stiffness, wrinkles, and cracking
✅ Shields against future wear with protective finishing
✅ Scientifically based on tannery-grade care principles
Kit SA3 concentrates contents require 1179g (1.3 quarts) distilled water to be mixed and filled before use with these selected leather-safe products:
Kit SA3 Product Summary Includes:
Leather Strong Prep Cleaner 7.7
Leather Soft Cleaner 3.8
Leather Rinse 3.0
Leather Hydrator 3.3
Leather Fatliquor 5.0
Leather Protector B
Brush 1
Foam 2
Towel 5
A holistic system includes a dovetailing process with these bundled products.
Leather Strong Prep Cleaner 7.7 by Leather Doctor is a pH 7.7 mild alkaline preparatory cleaner designed for non-absorbent leathers as part of a leather-safe cleaning and rinsing system that ensures proper pH balancing (3-5) to maintain leather integrity.
Prep 7.7 Key Features & Benefits:
Deep Penetration & Lubrication – Effectively breaks down accumulative soiling without excessive agitation
Safe for Non-Absorbent Leathers – Designed for coated leathers where deep absorption is not required
pH-Balanced System – Works holistically with Soft 3.8 and Rinse 3.0 to restore leather’s pH balance
Tackiness Rectification – Acidifier 2.0 effectively neutralizes previous alkaline overexposure, restoring a healthy, squeaky feel
Recommended Cleaning Process:
Apply Prep 7.7 – Allow dwell time for deep penetration and soil suspension
Follow with Soft 3.8 – Removes sticky residue and emulsified soiling
Neutralize with Rinse 3.0 – Restores pH balance for a healthy, residue-free finish
Use Acidifier 2.0 (if needed) – Corrects tackiness caused by alkaline overexposure
This non-aggressive yet powerful cleaner preps leather surfaces for optimal maintenance and refinishing.
For Stubborn Greasy Stains with Dye Components:
When dealing with persistent stains such as ballpoint ink, blue jean dye, crayon, leather belt marks, plastic ink prints, newsprint, and stamp pad ink, follow up with Dye 7.9 for optimal stain removal.
Perfect for professional leather care and restoration.
Leather Soft Cleaner 3.8 by Leather Doctor® is a leather-safe, pH 3.8 mild cleaner formulated to effectively emulsify and lift general soiling without causing common side effects.
Soft 3.8 is among the mildest of cleaners with a lower cleaning power than Strong 4.3 and Super 4.9.
Why Choose Soft 3.8?
Soft 3.8 is the mildest among the Leather Doctor's range of cleaners which is safe for all leather, Nubuck, and Suede.
Always test clean with Soft 3.8 and evaluate the result to your satisfaction before progressively increasing the cleaning power to Strong 4.3 or Super 4.9.
Accumulated soiling may require the next level of Prep 7.7 preparatory cleaners.
Penetrated body oil, grease, and sweat requires Degreaser 2.2 and is rinsed with Acidifier 2.0.
Provides the “just right” strength—a balance between under-cleaning and over-cleaning.
Part of a holistic leather-safe system: always follow rinse with Rinse 3.0
Soft 3.8 Key Benefits:
Gently Cleans Without Harsh Effects – Maintains leather’s natural integrity.
Works Seamlessly with Prep 7.7 – Allows for after cleaning of sticky residue.
Prevents Rings & Browning – Ideal for pH-sensitive leathers.
Residue-Free with Rinse 3.0 – Restores leather’s pH balance for long-term care.
How Soft 3.8 Works:
Soft 3.8 is designed to break down and suspend dirt for easy removal while keeping the leather's structure intact.
When followed by Rinse 3.0, it ensures a neutralized, residue-free finish, preventing unwanted side effects such as stiffness, discoloration, or over-drying.
This makes it especially beneficial for aniline and other delicate leather types.
Leather Rinse 3.0 by Leather Doctor is a pH 3.0 leather-safe rinse formulated to remove suspended soil and restore the pH balance of leather, ensuring its structural integrity and long-term durability.
Rinse 3.0 Key Features & Benefits:
Removes Suspended Soil – Lifts and extracts emulsified soiling for a clean, residue-free finish.
Neutralizes Alkaline Residue – Restores pH balance to prevent damage from alkaline overexposure.
Prevents Tackiness & Dye Bleeding – Stabilizes the leather structure, reducing unwanted texture changes.
Enhances Leather’s Ionic Charge – Recharges the leather with a positive (+ve) charge, improving its ability to bond with negatively (-ve) charged tanning agents, dyestuff, and fatliquor.
Preserves Suppleness & Durability – Helps maintain the leather’s softness, preventing stiffness and cracking.
This essential finishing rinse ensures leather remains clean, soft, and structurally sound after the cleaning process.
Recommended Usage:
Apply Rinse 3.0 – Gently work into leather using a towel to lift and extract soil
Blot Away Residue – Use a clean, absorbent cloth to remove excess moisture
Allow to Dry Naturally – Ensure proper drying to maintain leather integrity
Follow while still damp with Hydrator 3.3 & Fatliquor 5.0 (if needed) – For deep relaxation and softening
This essential finishing rinse ensures leather remains clean, soft, and structurally sound after the cleaning process.
Leather Hydrator 3.3 by Leather Doctor® is a pH 3.3 conditioner that softens stiff leather by relaxing fibers and prepping it for effective fatliquoring.
Hydrator 3.3 Key Benefits:
Restores Leather Softness & Flexibility – Relaxes stiff fibers and prevents brittleness.
Smooths Out Creases & Wrinkles – Prepares leather for optimal softening.
Reactivates Dormant Dyestuff – Helps resurface color for a more even appearance.
Facilitating Colloidal Water Movement - Redistributing and balancing leather constituents.
Prepares for Fatliquoring – Enhances absorption of essential fats and oils.
Residue-Free & Non-Sticky – Ensures a clean, breathable finish.
How Hydrator 3.3 Works:
Hydrator 3.3 penetrates deeply into the leather, reducing surface tension and facilitating colloidal movement to redistribute and balance the leather constituents, reactivate dyestuff, and even out color inconsistencies.
It plumps the leather structure, making it more receptive to fatliquoring with Fatliquor 5.0, which restores essential oils for long-term suppleness and durability.
Leather Fatliquor 5.0 by Leather Doctor is a pH 5.0 micro-emulsion of fat, oil, and water to restore the leather's original softness, strength, and flexibility.
Fatliquor 5.0 Key Benefits:
Replenishes Essential Fats & Oils - Prevents leather from drying, stiffening, or cracking
Enhances Leather’s Suppleness & Elasticity - Maintains a soft, luxurious feel
Strengthens Leather Fibers - Improves tensile strength and durability
Creates a Breathable Structure - Ensures leather remains pliable without feeling greasy
Prevents Brittleness & Fiber Breakage - Essential for long-term leather preservation
How Fatliquor 5.0 Works:
When applied, the water-encased fat and oil molecules penetrate deep into the leather fibers.
As the water gradually evaporates, the fat and oil molecules hydrogen bond with the fibers, creating a breathable, flexible structure that enhances leather’s resilience and longevity.
Proper fatliquoring ensures that leather retains its tensile strength, resists breakage, and maintains its natural softness, preventing premature aging and deterioration.
Leather Protector B by Leather Doctor® is a pH 3.2 non-stick, rub-resistant conditioner that enhances smooth leather’s durability while providing a soft, buttery feel.
Protector B Key Benefits:
Increases Wet & Dry Rub Resistance – Reduces stretch, scuffing, and wear.
Enhances Durability – Creates a protective barrier against everyday friction.
Prevents Sticky Soiling – Keeps dirt and stains from embedding into the leather.
Resists Ink & Dye Transfer – Makes ballpoint ink and dye stains easier to remove.
Reduces Friction Noise – Creates a quieter, smoother touch.
Impart a Non-Sticky Surface - Reduces surface tackiness.
Maintains Leather’s Breathability – Preserves natural softness and flexibility.
Protector B Plus:
Protector B Plus offers all the benefits of Protector B with an added luxurious leather scent, making it an ideal choice for pastel leathers, helping them stay cleaner and stain-free for longer.
Regular use of Protector B ensures long-term protection, a smooth feel, and a refreshed leather appearance, making maintenance easier while extending the leather’s lifespan.
Tools:
Leather Brush 1
Brush 1 by Leather Doctor is a detailing horsehair brush designed for gentle, scratch-free cleaning on all smooth leathers.
Features & Benefits:
✔ Soft Horsehair Bristles – Ensures safe cleaning without scratching or damaging leather surfaces
✔ Ergonomic Grooved Grip – Provides comfort and control for effortless detailing
✔ Sturdy & Durable Design – Built for long-term use in leather maintenance
✔ Ideal for Deep Pore Cleaning – Effectively loosens embedded dirt and grime without harming the finis
Perfect for use with Leather Doctor’s leather-safe cleaners to maintain leather’s pristine condition.
Foam Brush 2
Foam 2 is a 2-inch high-density polyfoam brush designed for durable, precise, and smooth application of leather care products.
Features & Benefits
✔ High-Density Polyfoam – Resists tearing and shredding for long-lasting use
✔ Even Product Distribution – Ensures smooth, streak-free application
✔ Controlled Absorption – Holds and releases product efficiently for optimal coverage
✔ Versatile Use – Ideal for applying dyes, finishes, and conditioners on leather and sued
Perfect for professional and DIY leather care applications, delivering a consistent and flawless finish.
Towel 5
Towel 5 by Leather Doctor is a high-performance, lint-free paper towel designed to perform like cloth for efficient cleaning and drying without leaving residues
Features & Benefits
✔ Lint-Free – Leaves no fibers or residues behind
✔ Highly Absorbent – Quickly absorbed suspended soiling
✔ Stretchable & Durable – Strong enough for repeated use without tearing
✔ Washable & Reusable – Can be rinsed and reused for multiple application
Perfect ensuring a smooth and effective leather care process.
Instruction:
By following these Instruction Care Guidelines, your semi-aniline leather will retain its beauty, softness, and strength, ensuring years of lasting quality.
Prepping
- Prep 7.7 is applied thinly and works with a horsehair brush on heavily soiled areas.
- Suspended soiling is towel extracted before dries until it shows clean and continues general cleaning with Soft 3.8.
Cleaning
- Soft 3.8 concentrate 1: 64 is mixed with 224g distilled water or 1.5 inches from the top of the 8oz bottle before use.
- It is applied and brushed with a horsehair Brush 1.
- Suspended soiling is extracted with a dry absorbent towel until it shows clean and proceed to rinse with Rinse 3.0.
Rinsing
- Rinse 3.0 concentrate 1: 80 is mixed with 224g distilled water or 1.5 inches from the top of the 8oz bottle before use.
- It is applied, brushed, and suspended soiling is extracted with a dry absorbent towel and ready with hydrating.
Hydrating
- 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.
- It is applied and brushed with a deep even saturating appearance, massaged, and stretched to dimension, before proceeding with fatliquoring.
Fatliquoring
- Fatliquor 5.0 concentrate 1: 5 requires 189g of distilled water or mixing up to 1.5 inches below the 8oz bottle top before ready to use.
- It is applied and redistributed following the same success technique as Hydrator 3.3.
- Its application is repeated each cycle water contents evaporates.
- Its application ends when the leather absorbs no more and is left to natural drying.
- Its dried sticky residue is rinsed off with Hydrator 3.3.
- Fat-liquored leather is left to dry naturally for extra softness.
- It is further staked, massaged, or flexed accordingly with a little wet back with Hydrator 3.3 until dry for extra suppleness.
Conditioning
- Protector B concentrate 1: 19 is mixed with 217g distilled water or up to 1.5 inches below the 8oz bottle top before ready to use.
- Shake well, mist spray, and spread with a brush/pad and it is ready to use when dry.
- During routine application, use a lint-free white towel to pick up soiling at the same time.
People Also Ask:
What is Leather Preventive Care?
Preventive Care starts with nonstick, rub-resistant protection before the leather is used. Protector B imparts a soft, natural, buttery feel that enhances the leather's luxurious touch. Protector B Plus adds a classic leather scent for a sensuous appeal. Preventive Care protects against sticky soiling, prolonging the new showroom's appearance. Rub-resistant properties reduce friction noise and wear.
Preventive Care System sufficient with only Step 6 Conditioning.
What is Leather Routine Care?
Routine Care includes dusting and addressing spots, especially pH-balancing sweat stains to prevent leather damage. A nonstick, rub-resistant protection after neutralizing rinse keeps leather attractive and healthy while preventing wear.
Routine Care System starts with Step 3 Rinsing and and ends with Step 6 Conditioning.
What is Leather Periodic Care?
Periodic Care is essential to prevent soiling from damaging the leather finish. It focus on body contact areas like headrests and armrests, which are more prone to oil, grease, and sweat buildup.
Periodic Care System starts with Step 2 Cleaning, Step 3 Rinsing, Step 4 Hydrating, Step 5 Fatliquoring and ends with Step 6 Conditioning.
What is Leather Restorative Care?
Restorative Care removes accumulated soiling and aged conditioners to restore appearance.
Restorative Care System starts with Step 1 Prepping, Step 2 Cleaning, Step 3 Rinsing, Step 4 Hydrating, Step 5 Fatliquoring and ends with Step 6 Conditioning.
How to Identify Leather 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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 leather to its original beauty.
How to Use Semi-Aniline 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.
- Protector B conditioning the leather for ongoing durability.
Your opinions, insights and review are precious and will help us to improve our writing and solve your leather problem more efficiently.
Updated: March 4, 2025, | July 8, 2025 by Roger Koh.
