Suede Cleaner 4.5 by Leather Doctor® is a water-based, pH-balanced (4.5) suede sanitizer and cleaner for all suede types for a safe and effective clean.
Suede Cleaner 4.5 is a suede-safe, water-based, mildly acidic cleaner specifically formulated for suede. It’s part of Leather Doctor’s Suede-Safe™ system, designed to clean while preserving the suede's delicate nap and amphoteric chemistry. A suede-safe cleaner with no risk of bleeds, rings, or browning that delivers without compromising delicate suede properties for:
Napa-Suede,
Split-Suede,
Shearling-Suede.
Sheepskin-Suede.
Hair-on-Hide-Suede.
No risk of side effects (bleeds, rings, or browning)
Safe for natural and synthetic fabric linings(except silk and rayon)
*Works in harmony with suede's natural oils, tannins, and dyes
What is Suede Cleaner 4.5?
- A pH 4.5 cleaner that safely removes surface general soiling without damaging the pH-sensitive suede.
- Comes ready-to-use or as a concentrate to be diluted with distilled water.
- Designed to respect suede's protein-fiber chemistry, especially its vulnerability to high pH.
Why Use Suede Cleaner 4.5?
1. Preserves Suede’s Chemistry (Amphoteric pH-sensitive)
- Suede is extremely sensitive to pH shifts, especially above pH 7, which can lead to stiffness, color loss, or even fiber denaturing.
- Suede Cleaner 4.5 works within the safe acidic zone (pH 3–5) to clean gently without side effects like texture change or shrinkage.
2. Removes Soiling Without Over-wetting
- Designed to be brushed in, allowing for controlled cleaning that doesn’t distort the nap.
- Removes:
- Atmospheric grime
- Embedded dirt
- Light body contact soiling
- Minor food and beverage spots (if fresh)
3. Prepares for Hydration & Fatliquoring
- As part of the Leather Doctor system, cleaning is just the first phase.
- Suede Cleaner 4.5 opens the pores for Hydrator 3.3, Fatliquor 5.0 to replenish structure and softness without sealing the surface.
4. Minimizes Texture Damage
- Suede has a delicate nap that can be ruined by harsh cleaners.
- This cleaner, when used with a Suede Brush, Towel 1, or Suede Eraser 5, gently lifts dirt while preserving texture integrity.
5. Compatible with Deodorizing and Degreasing Steps
- For tougher problems like body oils, grease and sweat (e.g., collar stains), it can be preceded by Degreaser 2.2 and followed by Rinse 3.0 or Acidifier 2.0, depending on the condition.
How Suede Cleaner 4.5 Works
- Suede 4.5 is specially formulated to:
- Emulsify general soiling and suspend dirt for easy removal
- Gently penetrate and lift contaminants without over-drying
- Preserve suede’s natural softness by maintaining essential oils and fats
For best results, follow up with Suede Rinse 3.0 to remove all residue and restore suede to a healthy, squeaky-clean finish.
When to Use Suede Cleaner 4.5?
Situation | Use Suede Cleaner 4.5 |
Everyday soiling |
✅ Lightly soiled furniture, jackets, shoes |
Spot cleaning |
✅ Fresh spills or light surface marks |
Before re-softening |
✅ Prepares surface for Hydrator 3.3 & Fatliquor 5.0 |
After Degreaser 2.2 |
✅ Cleans up residue before rinsing |
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Tannery Science Perspective:
Suede is made from the flesh split of the hide, meaning it’s more porous and weaker than top-grain leather. The amphoteric protein fiber structure requires acidic-range cleaning agents to retain its softness, nap, and structure. Suede Cleaner 4.5 fulfills this without breaking down the fiber bond.
Summary of Benefits:
Feature | Benefit |
pH 4.5 formula |
Safe for protein fibers and colorfastness |
Controlled moisture |
Prevents shrinkage, or nap collapse |
Restores appearance |
Brightens and refreshes faded or dusty suede |
Pairs with system |
Integrates with rinse, hydrate, fatliquor steps |
Recommended Brushes & Erasers
Pair Suede Cleaner 4.5 with the right tool for the best suede-safe results:
- Napa suede: Nylon Suede Brush 2
- Split suede: Brass Split Brush 3
- Hide suede: Steel Hide Brush 4
- Exfoliating: Suede Eraser 5
Instruction:
Dilute: Mix concentrate with distilled water (1:64 ratio)
- 8 oz bottle: Add 224g
- 32 oz bottle: Add 894g
Prepare: Identify suede type, inspect, test, and remove dry soil before application.
Apply: Shake well, spray evenly, and agitate with the appropriate brush or eraser.
- Slant the brush at an angle to prevent scratches.
Dwell: Let the solution work for 3 to 30 minutes (but do not let it dry completely).
Extract: Use a Towel 5 or terry cotton towel to lift soil.
Rinse: Spray-rinse with Suede Rinse 3.0, brush, and extract with a towel until fully clean.
Get the Ultimate Suede Care Experience!
For professional suede cleaning and care, Suede Cleaner 4.5 is the safest and most effective choice!
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Updated: April 1, 2025 | April 19, 2025 | April 27, 2025 | July 14, 2025 by Roger Koh