Product Overview
Vachetta Leather Protein Stain Remover Kit V5.ps by Leather Doctor® is specially formulated to remove protein-based stains that tend to coagulate and bind within the absorbent structure of unfinished leathers like Vachetta.
This holistic Leather-Safe™ system targets organic stains with precision, while protecting the pH-sensitive nature of vachetta.
A high-pH (9.9) specialty cleaner designed to deflocculate coagulated protein matter. Effective on:
- Body discharge
- Milk, cream, ice cream
- Egg, meat juices
- Vomit, perspiration, urine
⚠️ Note: For bloodstains, use the Kit V5.bs (to remove the additional iron element with Leather Tarnish Stain Remover 1.3) instead.
Any stain derived from living organisms—whether human or animal—is best treated with Protein 9.9 as part of the decontamination phase.
An essential low-pH (2.0) pH stabilizer and rinse agent used immediately after Protein 9.9 to:
- Neutralize alkaline residues
- Restore Vachetta’s pH integrity (targeting 3.0 – 5.0)
- Control browning from pH imbalance
The squeaky-feel test (with a wet finger) confirms healthy acidity is restored.
A hydrating agent that:
- Relax stiff or shrunken leather fibers
- Reduces surface tension for even absorption
- Prepares the leather to receive Fatliquor 5.0
A fat-and-oil replenisher with pH 5.0 that:
- Rejuvenates leather structure from within
- Restores softness, suppleness, and tensile strength once dry
A redox (oxidation-reduction) chemical treatment that:
- Lightens browning or yellowing discoloration
- Evens out surface blotchiness
- Is best applied to entire panels for a consistent appearance
A final finish that:
- Provides a buttery-feel, rub-resistant surface
- Shields against sticky soiling and friction wear
- Extends the clean, natural appearance of vachetta
Vachetta leather is extremely pH-sensitive, behaving much like litmus paper. Exposure to alkaline substances (above pH 7) can cause:
- Darkening
- Stiffening
- Premature Aging
This system balances high-pH Protein 9.9 (to break down coagulated stains) with Acidifier 2.0, restoring the leather’s slightly acidic native pH. The pH suffix in each product name reflects its exact formulation—a cornerstone of Leather Doctor’s holistic restoration science.
- High-end Vachetta bags (e.g., Louis Vuitton, Coach, Gucci)
- Vachetta-trimmed furnishings or luggage
- Other sensitive vegetable-tanned or unfinished leathers affected by protein stains
Protein 9.9 by Leather Doctor® is a specialized pH 9.9 solution designed to effectively remove protein-based stains such as body discharges, creams, egg, gravy, ice cream, milk, vomit, and other organic contaminants.
- Blood stains are particularly stubborn because they’re protein-based and have a tendency to coagulate with the leather’s protein fibers, making removal more difficult—even with a specialty cleaner like Protein 9.9.
- Additionally, blood contains iron, which darkens as it ages, causing stains to shift in color from tan to black, often with a visible outer ring.
Acidifier 2.0 by Leather Doctor is a pH 2.0 acidic rinse designed to control, neutralize, and restore leather’s natural pH balance.
It prevents leather from denaturing, which can lead to browning, streaking, tackiness, and structural weakness due to alkaline overexposure.
Hydrator 3.3 by Leather Doctor is a pH 3.3 hydrating conditioner designed to relax, soften, and restore leather’s natural integrity while preparing it for fatliquoring.
Hydrator 3.3 penetrates deep into the leather, reducing surface tension and allowing for colloidal water movement to reactivate dyes 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.
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.
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.
What is Vachetta Leather?
- Vachetta is a vegetable-tanned leather, also known as saddlery, bridle, equestrian, craft, or tooling leather.
- It is commonly used in bags, boots, wallets, and furniture.
- Popularized by brands like Louis Vuitton, Vachetta leather is known for its natural, untreated appearance that develops a patina over time.
Why Does Vachetta Brown Over Time?
- When new, Vachetta leather has a pale biscuit color.
- However, exposure to sunlight and UV light causes the natural vegetable tannins to oxidize.
- Resulting in a suntanned effect, similar to how human skin tans under the sun.
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 finish
Perfect for use with Leather Doctor’s leather-safe cleaners to maintain leather’s pristine condition.
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 suede
Perfect for professional and DIY leather care applications, delivering a consistent and flawless finish.
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 applications
Perfect ensuring a smooth and effective leather care process.
Vachetta Leather Protein Stain Removal Protocol – Holistic System Guide by Leather Doctor® .
Vachetta is delicate, highly absorbent, and prone to darkening, so extra care is taken to minimize over-wetting with Protein 9.9 and pH imbalances.
Important: Always test in an inconspicuous area first. Work in controlled sections to avoid uneven results.
1. Break Surface Residues
- Gently break crusted or dry protein residues using a bamboo skewer or toothpick.
- Brush away loosened debris using Brush 1, with minimal pressure to avoid abrading the delicate grain.
2. Precision Stain Agitation
- Fray the tip of a bamboo skewer or toothpick to create a soft brush.
- Lightly dip the frayed tip into Protein 9.9.
- Gently agitate within the boundary of the stain only, working precisely to avoid spreading moisture.
3. Controlled Extraction
- Use a dry cotton bud to blot and extract the suspended stain as it lifts. Replace buds frequently.
- Avoid overworking the leather—blot, don’t rub, and don't spread.
4. Repeat with Dwell Time
- Reapply Protein 9.9 if needed. Let dwell for 3 to 30 minutes, depending on stain depth.
- Repeat extraction with cotton buds, followed by blotting with an absorbent towel.
- Continue until the stain no longer transfers.
5. Embedded/Coagulated Stains
- Use the pointed end of a bamboo skewer for deeper embedded protein matter.
- Work slowly and clinically, always blotting between movements to avoid pushing the stain deeper.
Goal: Neutralize alkaline residues and prevent browning/darkening caused by pH imbalance.
1. Apply Acidifier-2.0
- Lightly moisten a cotton bud with Acidifier 2.0.
- Dab gently over the treated area to rinse and pH-balance.
- Work outward to feather the blend zone, minimizing edge marks.
2. Blot to Extract
- Use a clean, dry, white towel to blot immediately after application.
- Observe the towel—if soil or yellowing appears, repeat application.
3. Repeat as Needed
- Continue dabbing with Acidifier 2.0 and towel extraction until the towel shows clean and the leather feels slightly tacky—not slimy or slick.
4. Proceed While Damp
- Immediately follow with the Hydrating System while the leather is still damp to prevent premature drying and potential cracking or rings.
Purpose: Relax stiff fibers, reduce surface tension, and wick out deeply suspended contamination.
1. Apply Hydrator 3.3
- Saturate the leather evenly using a foam brush or soft brush.
- Focus on dry, stiff, or contaminated areas to loosen compacted fibers.
2. Wicking Out Contaminants
- Let Hydrator 3.3 dwell for up to 30 minutes, then blot with a dry absorbent towel (Towel 5).
- Repeat application and blotting until the towel shows clean.
3. Proceed While Damp
- Move on to Fat-liquoring while the leather remains damp and absorbent—do not allow it to dry before the next step.
Purpose: Reintroduce essential fats and oils to restore softness, flexibility, and resilience.
1. Apply Fatliquor-5.0
- Use a foam brush to apply the emulsion evenly until the leather is fully saturated.
- Allow each application to naturally absorb. As water evaporates, reapply to ensure full absorption.
2. Repeat to Saturation
- Typically, 2 to 3 rounds are needed depending on dryness and thickness of the leather.
- The leather should feel supple but not greasy.
3. Natural Drying
- Let the leather air-dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid forced heat.
Purpose: Remove any sticky, excess surface residue from fatliquoring.
1. Apply Hydrator 3.3
- Mist lightly or apply with a foam brush to affected areas.
2. Brush & Observe
- Gently agitate with Brush 1 until any milky or cloudy appearance turns crystal clear.
3.Towel Extract
- Blot away surface moisture and residue using Towel 5.
- Allow to dry fully before evaluating the finish.
Purpose: Correct darkening, yellowing, or browning often caused by oxidation or previous contamination.
1. Apply Vachetta-2.8
- Apply evenly across the entire panel—not just spot areas—to avoid uneven tones.
- Use a foam Brush 2, Towel 5, cotton pad, or soft cloth.
2. Let Dry Naturally
- Allow slow air-drying. This activates the redox reaction and gradually lightens discoloration.
3. Repeat if Needed
- Multiple applications may be necessary for full restoration. Continue until desired lightness is achieved.
Purpose: Provide a breathable, non-stick finish that resists stains, prevents friction wear, and enhances hand feel.
1. Apply Protector B
- Apply evenly over the leather surface.
- Spread gently with a white paper towel for even coverage.
2. Dry & Ready
- Let air-dry completely. No buffing needed—leather is ready for use once dry.
Updated: May 13, 2025 by Roger Koh