Product Overview
Suede Water Stain Remover Kit S3.ws by Leather Doctor® Effectively removes water spots, rings, and discoloration from suede using a safe, pH-balanced system with no side effects.
Suede is a pH-sensitive material, behaving much like litmus paper—its color and texture can change on contact with liquids. Even rainwater or tap water, which often contains alkaline minerals, can cause visible ring marks, discoloration, and stiffness once dry.
As an amphoteric protein fiber, suede responds dramatically to pH shifts. Alkalinity causes suede’s protein fibers to shift from an ionic positive (+ve) to ionic negative (-ve) state. In this negative state, the fiber repels the leather’s ionic negative (-ve) constituents—such as tanning agents, dyestuff, and fatliquor—breaking their hydrogen bonds. These displaced constituents migrate and concentrate at the ring edges, causing visible outlines and fiber stiffness.
The Holistic Restoration Process:
1 Surface Soiling Removal –
- Brushing with Brush-9 and exfoliating with Eraser-5 removes surface residue.
2 pH-Balanced Cleaning & Rinsing –
- Water 1.7 gently cleanses without disrupting the fiber’s pH integrity.
- Acidifier 2.0 acts as a rinse while restoring the ionic positive (+ve) charge to the suede fiber.
3 Hydration & Redistribution –
- Hydrator 3.3 penetrates deep to relax and separate stuck fibers, redistribute displaced leather constituents, and purge contaminants.
- Proper hydration and dwell time are key for optimum effect.
4 Re-Fatliquoring for Suppleness –
- Fatliquor 5.0 restores natural fats and oils, imparting softness and strength to the suede.
5 Finishing Touches –
- Conditioner S creates a non-stick surface with a silky, finger-writing effect that resists soiling and enhances the suede’s nap aesthetics.
pH Matters:
- Each product’s suffix (e.g., 1.7, 2.0, etc.) denotes its pH level, which is critical in this restoration method.
- Suede averages a natural pH of 4
- Water averages pH 7
- Between pH 4 and 7, the ionic difference is 1,000-fold, significantly impacting the suede’s chemistry.
- Above its pH, suede fibers become negatively charged, weakening their bond with the leather’s essential constituents and leading to denaturation—effectively turning suede toward dry rotting if left unchecked.
By restoring the suede to its natural ionic state and replenishing its vital components, Leather Doctor’s Suede Water Stain Remover Kit S3.ws offers a thorough and scientifically grounded solution to water damage—preserving both the feel and look of delicate suede.
Easy-to-Use Concentrate
- Kit S3.ws products come in concentrated form and must be diluted with 1.2 quarts (1058g) of distilled water before use.
Water 1.7 is specially formulated to remove rain and water stains by restoring suede’s natural pH balance (3-5).
Experience the Science of Suede care!
- This ensures suede regains its original look, texture, and softness.
✔ Removes Water Stains – Eliminates rain and water marks by rebalancing suede’s pH.
✔ Restores Texture & Appearance – Brings back suede’s original feel, preventing stiffness and dryness.
✔ Prevents Mold Growth – Maintains suede’s natural acidic protection against mold.
✔ Balances pH Scientifically – Suede is pH-sensitive and reacts like litmus paper; exposure to high-pH water causes stains and damage.
✔ Stops Suede Deterioration – Rainwater breaks down tanning agents, dyes, and natural oils, leading to tackiness, coarseness, and discoloration.
✔ Safe & Effective Formula – Scientifically designed to rebalance pH and protect suede without harsh chemicals.
✅ Precision Science-Based Professional Grade, pH 1.7, Water Damage Restoration for Luxurious Suede:
Perfect For:
✅ High-end suede handbags
✅ Designer suede footwear
✅ Suede jackets, garments, and accessories
✅ Suede furniture and upholstery
✅ Automotive suede interiors
Acidifier 2.0 is a pH 2.0 acidic rinse designed to control, neutralize, and restore suede’s natural pH balance.
It prevents suede from denaturing, which can lead to bleeding, streaking, rings, spots, tackiness, and structural weakness due to alkaline overexposure.
Hydrator 3.3 is a pH 3.3 hydrating conditioner designed to relax, soften, and restore suede’s natural integrity while preparing it for fatliquoring.
It facilitates colloidal water movement within the structure, reactivating the dormant dyestuff to resurface and reducing the surface tension for an even appearance.
Key Benefits:
✔ Restores Suede Softness & Flexibility – Relaxes stiff fibers and prevents dry rotting.
✔ Smooths Out Creases & Wrinkles – Prepares suede for optimal fat and oil replenishing.
✔ Reactivates Dormant Dyestuff – Helps resurface color for a more even appearance.
✔ Prepares for Fatliquoring – Enhances absorption of essential fats and oils.
✔ Residue-Free & Non-Sticky – Ensures a clean, breathable finish.
How It Works:
- Hydrator 3.3 penetrates deep into the suede, reducing surface tension and allowing for colloidal water movement to reactivate dyes and even out color inconsistencies.
- It plumps the suede structure, making it more receptive to fatliquoring with Fatliquor 5.0, which restores essential fats and oils for long-term suppleness and durability.
Hydrator 3.3 is an essential step in rejuvenating aged, dry, or stiff suede, ensuring lasting flexibility, color vibrancy, and overall suede health.
Fatliquor 5.0 is a pH 5.0 softening conditioner of fat, oil, and water to restore the suede's original softness, strength, and flexibility.
How It Works:
✔ Replenishes Essential Fats & Oils – Prevents suede from drying, stiffening, or tearing
✔ Enhances Suede’s Suppleness & Elasticity – Maintains a soft, luxurious feel
✔ Strengthens Suede Fibers – Improves tensile strength and durability
✔ Creates a Breathable Structure – Ensures suede remains pliable without feeling greasy
✔ Prevents Brittleness & Fiber Breakage – Essential for long-term suede preservation
Application Process:
- 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 suede retains its tensile strength, resists breakage, and maintains its natural softness, preventing premature aging and deterioration.
Conditioner S is a smooth-feel, non-stick, and rub-resistant formula that protects suede from the harmful effects of sticky soiling.
Key Features:
✔ Breathable, non-film-forming barrier for lasting protection
✔ Enhances resistance to wet and dry rubbing
✔ Helps prevent stretching, scuffing, and abrasion
✔ Maintains suede’s natural texture and softness
Instruction:
Step 1 - Water Stain Removing
- Water 1.7 concentrate is mixed with distilled water at a ratio of 1: 19 before use.
- Apply evenly, clean with Brush 9 for a deep darkening effect.
- Excess and suspended soiling is extracted with Towel 1 or equivalent for an even appearance.
- Continue with an acidifying rinse to neutralize the water pH damage.
Step 2 - Acidifying Rinse
- Acidifier 2.0 concentrate is mixed with distilled water 1: 25 before use.
- Apply evenly, rinse with Brush 9 for a deep darkening effect.
- Excess and suspended soiling is extracted with Towel 1 or equivalent for an even appearance.
- Continue with an hydrating.
Step 3 - Hydrating
- Hydrator 3.3 concentrates is mixed with distilled water 1: 25 before use.
- Apply evenly, rinse with Brush 9 for a deep darkening effect.
- Excess and suspended soiling is extracted with Towel 1 or equivalent for an even appearance.
- Massage, stretch to relax creases and wrinkles.
- Continue with Fatliquoring.
Step 4 - Fatliquoring
- Fatliquor 5.0 concentrate is mixed with warm distilled water 1: 5 before use.
- Apply and redistribute with Brush 9 or pads until structure is evenly saturated.
- Repeat each cycle water contents evaporate leaving behind only the fat and oil content.
- Allow natural drying for extra softness.
- The desired suppleness is further staked and massaged, accordingly with a little wet back with Hydrator 3.3 until dry.
Step 5 - Conditioning
- Conditioner S concentrate is mixed with distilled water 1: 19 before use.
- Shake well, fine mists spray, and spread with a lint-free towel or sponge.
- Suede is brushed for a 'finger writing effect' when dry.
By following these steps, water stains can be safely and effectively removed while maintaining the suede's durability and natural balance.
Updated: April 5, 2025 by Roger Koh