[Steve Chapman]

Hi all,

Got into cleaning a leather suite today, only the second one i've done so far, but seem to be getting many inquiries for, so thought I would go down this route.

Anyhow the whole thing went swimmingly and i was pretty chuffed with results, done by hand using Prochem cleaner and conditioner.

The lady was fairly pleased, but was somewhat grumpy and dismayed that i hadn't used a machine to do the cleaning :

When i told her that was not necessary and a better clean is obtained doing it by hand, she related how she had had a free clean form Land of Leather and the guy who turned up, used a machine to clean and was done in about 30 minutes

She admitted that the suite probably was not that dirty, as it had to be done within first six months to qualify.

My question is,  does such a machine exist, can you really clean effectively with it, or was this some gimmick to make the customer think they were getting a great deal?

Most leather cleaners i've spoke to say they do it by hand, although a machine to do it would be handy!

Regards
steve

[Shaun_Ashmore]

Von Schrader it's a foaming brush machine, looks impressive and so is the price, I usually clean a bit wipe with a clean towel and show them it, keep them focused on

a. the towel
b. the professional products

you could even bring in a turbo drier to blow air onto the suite and make some added sound effects.

Remember: Look into my eyes, not around the eyes not around the eyes, in the eyes! 

Shaun

[Ben Staerck]

Hi,

A customer of mine uses one, called a von shrader or something! I can't remember exactly.

You add your cleaner to it and it has a series of brushes that turn around to clean the leather. I've not actually seen it but have a brief understanding of how it works.

The only downside there may be to using a mahcine is that the bristles of the brush and cleaning action may scratch or damage the finish on the leather. Its probably just one of those things you need to be careful with when using.

[carpetguy]

There are two grades of brushes and the leather ones are no more likely to cause damage than overzealous rubbing with towelling

It would work just as well with Bens mild cleaner, which the machine turns to foam and delivers the foam directly to the working head

rob

[Shaun_Ashmore]

I did borrow one a few years ago, I found it to be a hinderance and gave it back.

Shaun

[Ian Gourlay]

Ive told this before.

I was told go into house with your equipment , take masks goggles etc.tell customer it is not safe for them to be in room.

Close door

Make noise with machine.

Clean as you have been taught by hand.

Make machine noice every now and then.

take of mask
invite customer to see finish result.

I think instructor was joking

[carpetguy]

I find it to be much quicker than cleaning by hand and it's great on atificial suedes etc, one of which I do on a 4monthly cycle, due to dogs.

rob

[carpetguy]

I think if you behaved as Ian'S INSTRUCTOR SUGGESTED you probably wouldn't get over the door

rob

Cant say as I never tried it.

Regards

Ian

[LTT Leathercare]

We have worked with the von Schrader machine and also trained their technical guy.  The machine produces lots of foam and although it works quite well the down side is that you cannot see what is going on on the surface, so if there were any problems by the time you have finished it may be too late to rectify.

We think it has its place for large contract work but leather cleaning is far more professional done by hand.

You can see the von Schrader machine at the cleaning show next week.

Regards
Judy

[carpetguy]

Thank you Judy and I realise, in my last twenty years of cleaning leather, I've been working as an amateur, however, I have a Leather Works on by doorstep ( Bridge of Weir ) and visited them before commencing with leather cleaning.

What was emphasised, at the time, was the fact that you are actually dealing with a synthetic surface, when cleaning, rather than the actual hide.

What I mentioned, was the fact and it's indisputable, that you are more likely to damage a leather suite, by using wrong products, being too aggressive, using brushes , or even cloths, which are too stiff, or course.

Hope to see you up here soon

rob 

[LTT Leathercare]

Hi

Yes you are right in most cases you are dealing with a finished surface which is what you are also trying to protect from damage.


Most damage is done by incorrect cleaning products and methods.

We will be arranging dates very soon for Scotland for our free seminars.

Regards
Judy

[carpetguy]

Yes, I know, analines are a different story

rob