If you are cleaning leather you should always use specific cleaners formulated for leather. Years ago things like 'Fairy Liquid' and 'Lux' were recommended as they were mild soaps, however these days salts and other chemicals have been added to these to make them more efficient in the jobs they are designed to do and they can now have a detremental affect on leather finishes.
Leather cleaners should always be used as a foam as this is the most efficient way of cleaning, (our products come in foaming bottles ready for use to make it easier), it also the most economical way to use the product.
Please find below an article recently published in our Newsletter on conditioners v. protectors which you may find of interest.
There is still a huge body of consumers out there (and a good percentage of cleaners/technicians/retailers) who are desperate to ‘feed’ and/or ‘condition’ their leather. Usually this would consist of spreading some sort of oil or grease containing product onto their leather (milk, Vaseline, baby oil, musk oil being some of the more bizarre we have come across).
What we ask is why?
When leather is manufactured a certain amount of oil and fat is introduced into the hide and, (with the exception of one or two complex situations) this is where it stays. It does not evaporate or migrate or leave the leather by any other means.
What does leave the leather is moisture (water), and it is this that needs replacing. Dry leather is more susceptible to a whole range of problems. The most obvious is cracking, both of finish and fibres. Next is raised absorbency levels which means body oils containing fats and acids will more readily soak into the leather (ever seen those dark areas on head rests and arm ends) eventually destroying finishes and the leather itself. Dry leather will be a sponge for spills, tea, coffee, red wine, ink, any product with colouring once soaked inside leather will leave a permanent stain, which depending on leather type may or may not be fixable—at a price.
Some hide foods and conditioners if properly formulated and used correctly with leather type taken into account will not damage the leather, others particularly if they contain waxes and silicones are likely to do more harm than good. The basis of a good type would be an emulsion of lanoline and water. The water re-hydrates and the lanoline helps the leather to hold the moisture for a little longer, but it does not address the issue of protecting the leather. But it is cheap to manufacture and therefore can be sold at a low price.
Leather Protectors on the other hand are a complex formulation and the ingredients are expensive, therefore the end product is more costly, often 2-3 times the price of a conditioner. BUT THEY DO WORK.. We always use the ‘Scotchgard’ analogy to explain how, without getting technical it is the easiest way. Its effectiveness can also be demonstrated. Leather Protector performs all the good functions of a ‘conditioner’ or ‘food’ product but will leave a virtually invisible, breathable, non greasy coating on the surface. This will be effective at helping to resist stains via spillages, dye transfer and day to day soiling, including body oils… It is not bullet proof and the leather still needs cleaning, but the dirt will be sitting in or on the protector and will clean off more effectively. During the cleaning process the protective element will also be reduced and need replacing.
How often is the next question and a tricky one to answer. Some leathers I recommend a light clean and protect once a month, others a good clean and protect 1-2 times per year. There are so many finishes on the market at present that it is not wise to generalize. Experience and knowledge is the best guide.
Bottom line– to treat furniture with a good quality Leather Protector will probably cost £2-£3 more per average suite than a ‘conditioner’ or ‘food’ product but the benefits far out way this cost and the effects can be demonstrated for your customer to see.
Hope this helps
Judy