Leather Doctor® Suede Degreaser 4.4
- Controlled Gel Degreaser for Suede & Nubuck
Suede Degreaser 4.4 is a pH 4.4 controlled gel degreaser designed specifically for absorbent suede, nubuck, and other napped leather. Its gel consistency helps control application and minimize excessive penetration while mobilizing embedded body oils, grease, sebum, and oily contamination from the leather surface and near-surface fiber structure.
Unlike a conventional liquid cleaner, the gel is designed to remain more controlled during application. After the contamination has been mobilized, Suede Rinse 4.4 is required to remove the grease-laden gel and complete the degreasing process.
The completed degreasing phase leaves the suede prepared for the next stage of restoration:
Suede Hydrator 3.3 + Suede Fatliquor 5.0 for rejuvenation, with
Suede Conditioner 3.4 available as an optional final surface-refining step.
Why Suede Degreaser 4.4?
The controlled gel format helps limit excessive penetration during degreasing while keeping the degreasing action concentrated where oily contamination is being mobilized.
The controlled gel format provides a more deliberate approach:
- pH 4.4 — formulated within the Leather-Safe™ zone.
- Controlled gel application — helps minimize unnecessary deep penetration.
- Mobilizes oily contamination — targets body oils, grease, sebum, and related oily soils.
- Designed for absorbent napped leather — suitable for suede, nubuck, and similar absorbent surfaces.
- Requires Suede Rinse 4.4 — the rinse removes the gel and mobilized contamination to complete the degreasing phase.
- Prepares for rejuvenation — once degreasing is complete, the leather can proceed to Hydrator 3.3 and Fatliquor 5.0.
The Suede Degreasing Duo
- Suede Degreaser 4.4 → Suede Rinse 4.4
These products work as a complete degreasing system.
- Suede Degreaser 4.4 mobilizes the oily contamination in a controlled gel. Suede Rinse 4.4 then removes the gel together with the mobilized contamination.
The gel controls penetration. The rinse removes the gel and completes the degreasing process.
- Suede Rinse 4.4 should not be considered an optional rinse or a separate cleaning product. It is the required second step of the Suede Degreasing Duo.
After Degreasing:
- Rejuvenation
Once the Suede Degreasing Duo has been completed and the leather has naturally dried, proceed to the rejuvenation phase as needed:
- Suede Hydrator 3.3
- Rehydrates and relaxes the leather fiber structure.
- Suede Fatliquor 5.0
- Replenishes the leather's internal lubrication to restore softness, suppleness, and flexibility.
- Suede Conditioner 3.4 — Optional
- Provides an additional surface-conditioning and refining step when desired.
Restoration Sequence
- Degrease → Rinse → Rejuvenate → Refine
1. Suede Degreaser 4.4
Controlled gel degreasing.
2. Suede Rinse 4.4
Remove the gel and mobilized contamination. Complete the degreasing phase.
3. Suede Hydrator 3.3 + Suede Fatliquor 5.0
Rejuvenate the leather.
4. Suede Conditioner 3.4 — Optional
Refine and condition the suede surface.
Important
- Always test first in an inconspicuous area.
Do not treat Suede Degreaser 4.4 as a conventional spot cleaner. Degreasing can alter the appearance of absorbent leather as oils, dyes, tannins, and other mobile substances are redistributed. For visible contamination, work systematically and consider the complete panel or appropriate leather section rather than creating an isolated wet spot.
- Suede Degreaser 4.4 must be followed by Suede Rinse 4.4 to remove the gel system and complete the degreasing process.
October 6, 2026 - Roger Koh