[david@zap-clean]

I've got a cream leather sofa to clean next week.
 
Does anyone have any tips for cleaning cream leather? Setting correct expectations before starting is obvious, but how well does cream coloured leather clean? - I haven't done one before, yet.

[AshWhite]

I clean 'em a La Paul Moss - get some melamine pads, keep them soaked with diluted leather cleaner, and scrub the leather like your young Michael Jackson in a bath of bleach, wipe off with a terry towel, then follow up with some conditioner.

Roberts your mothers brother

[Kev Loomes]

Ash's process is fine, but not if there is not a lot of lacquer left on the leather - so beware! If the pigment is fine (thin) you could remove colour.

This is a worse case scenario of course, but its not uncommon to be cleaning pigment instead of lacquer!

Its always good to carry a can of lacquer in the van to touch up afterwards (chargeable if a lot). This prevents call backs due to pigment 'flaking off'.

If you want to play it a bit safer, use a brush to clean, it takes slightly longer but is less damaging. Personally I only use the magic sponges when restoring as this cuts it back quickly, and isnt an issue if lacquer is removed.

Good luck

[LTT Leathercare]

Agree with Kev melamine sponges should definitely be avoided.  If the cream leather is very dirty the dirt is very likely to have damaged the finish on the leather and using an aggressive method will remove the finish and leave the leather looking very clean but in a poor state for your customer as it will resoil very easily and then be  very difficult to fix without recolouring.

Always do a pre inspection with a microscope as this will indicate whether the finish or pigment is already damaged.  If it is then no amount of cleaning will bring it back to the customers expectations as it will always look rather dirty.

Conditioner should not be used on a coated leather as this will not be of any benefit to the leather and will only attract more dirt (exactly what we are trying to avoid in the first place).  On a pale leather a protector is a far better idea as it keeps the leather cleaner and makes your job easier the next time you clean it.  It also keeps the leather hydrated correctly which in turn keeps the leather in good condition.

A foam cleaner (rather than a liquid one) is a safer and more effective way of cleaning leather and saves a lot of hard work as the product does the job rather an aggressive cleaning approach.  Use with a stiff bristled brush to help agitate the foam to do its work and you will get good results and customer satisfaction.

Hope this helps
Please feel free to phone for expert advice if you need it.
Cheers
Judyb

[Dan 123]

Hi sorry to but in but can you recommend a foam leather cleaner for me please I I always use the liquid from prochem but it's not that great. Thanks

[LTT Leathercare]

Try Strong Cleaner or Maxi Cleaner for heavy soiling and dye teansfer. Both foam cleaners to allow dwell time and encapsulate the dirt which can then be removed with the foam.
Hoe this hels
Judyb

[Dan 123]

Helps a lot mate, thanks, where can I order or pick up these things please, I allways have to order my chemicals as I've only got one specialist cleaning place near me and they only do prochem.thanks again

[LTT Leathercare]

Trade website due for relaunch very soon in the meantime email sales@lttsolutions.net or telephone 01423 881027 for advice and to place an order. 
Product Guides nd Price Lists available too plus details of training purses we run
Thanks
Judyb

[mark_roberts]

Hi Judy

Can I suggest you change the names of your products as strong and maxi are too similar and from memory theres nothing on the label to suggest what is for what.

When I go to use them, which isnt very often, I have to think hard do I use strong or maxi and why?

Maybe its just me being thick and no one else has this problem. 

Thanks
Mark

[LTT Leathercare]

Thanks for the comments Mark all feedback is welcome.
This will be taken into account as we are currently reviewing all our trade products ready for our new trade website.
Just to clarify:
Strong is the regular deep cleaner that you use as your standard cleaner. Always use this first (after Pre Clean)
Maxi is for heavily soiled leather or dye transfer which requires a further clean but due to its strength shoud not be used as a general cleaner.

Hope this helps
Judyb

[JandS]

What's magic sponges   

John

[Steve Gunn]

What's magic sponges   

John

http://buffalotradeproducts.co.uk/leather-cleaners-and-removers/power-pad-for-cleaning-leather

[LTT Leathercare]

They are generally made from very fine melamine which acts as a very fine sandpaper which then removes the top coating - fine if you are going to recolour/refinish but not for general cleaning.

Hope this helps