While most leather owners don’t give leather cleaning a second thought, leather should be cleaned about every 6 months. The first step in finding the right leather cleaning company is to determine what kind of leather you have. There are 3 classifications of leather that Chem Dry has the ability, equipment, and product to clean. They are aniline (with wax and oil pull up sub categories), pigmented, and nubuck. Each type of leather has different general cleaning products, protectant products, sealants, rejuvenators, and stain cleaners. A certified technician will provide the professional cleaning and maintenance it takes to ensure the best cleaning possible.
TYPES OF LEATHER
Aniline (Type A)
Aniline leather is created by the tannery when they dye the fabric through and through, then they add fat liquors for softness, and then mill it for further softness. Because aniline has no finish on the surface it is easily identified by the way it scratches easily. This leather is also sensitive to light so it must be maintained and cleaned regularly. Aniline leather also includes 2 sub categories: wax pull-up and oil pull-up. Wax pull-up can be identified by the wax crackled effect look. The oil pull-up leather has a duller look and may also have an oily feel to it.
Pigmented (Type P)
When aniline leather is painted it creates another category of leather called pigmented. This type of leather does not scratch like aniline leather. Because it is the most common type of leather and the most durable, it is called “everyday leather”. Pigmented leather is more resistant to sunlight and soiling than the other leathers. Pigmented leather upholstery is more appropriate for environments that seem to soil more often, such as TV rooms and rooms with children present. This leather should be cleaned and protected regularly to prevent cracking and peeling and preserve the surface.
Nubuck (Type N)
Nubuck is a type of aniline leather that has been sanded or buffed to create a more velvety texture. This type of leather requires special treatment when cleaning and applying protectant. If any liquids come in contact with nubuck leather it will alter the look and feel of the leather.
CLEANING PRODUCTS
Deep Cleaner (Type A & P)
Deep Cleaner will remove soil, dust, and oils without affecting the leathers color, feel, or appearance. Before use, the technician will test for colorfastness to ensure there is no color change. Once the solution is applied to the sponge it will create a white foam that will lift any soil from the leather. After application of the solution, the technician will wipe it down with a clean cloth leaving it clean and already practically dry. After solution is applied the protectant can be applied directly afterwards.
Foam Cleaner (Type A & P & N)
Foam Cleaner is interchangeable with deep cleaner. However, foam cleaner may also be used on nubuck. It was created for the use of the sensitive leathers such as aniline and nubuck. The cleaner is worked in by the use of a sponge and the cloth will dry and wipe away any excess solution. After application, protectant may be applied.
*Application on nubuck is applied with a specially made nubuck cloth. The cloth will remove any flattening or matted leather caused by the absorption of body oils. The cloth when wrapped around the sponge will expose the leather in all directions to ensure all areas are cleaned well.
Aggressive Cleaner (Type P)
The aggressive cleaner can only be used on pigmented leather because of the leathers durability. It is only used for heavily soiled areas needing a tougher cleaning. The technician will be using plenty of cleaner so there is no friction causing damage to the leather. Once wiped down a protectant may be applied.
PROTECTION PRODUCTS
Leather Protector (Type A & P)
The leather protectant is applied to protect from water, oil, and alcohol based stains. A protectant will not affect the color, appearance, or feel of the leather. The protectant is applied by a cloth and then wiped evenly onto the surface and left to dry.
Nubuck Protector (Type N)
Nubuck protectant was specially made for protecting nubuck leather because of its sensitive qualities. It will protect nubuck against any oil, water, or alcohol based stains. The nubuck protectant is environmentally safe and solvent free. It is applied from an aerosol can and then left to air dry. Once wiped with a sponge, the leather will turn back to its natural nubuck look.
LEATHER SEAL (Type A & P)
Leather sealant is designed to prevent the color from crocking (rubbing off the leather). Crocking may occur if the leather has a damaged finish, can also be caused from normal wear and tear, and can also come from possible tannery defects. Crocking can be tested by rubbing the leather with a clean and dry white cloth. If the color rubs off onto the cloth, then the technician will clean the leather and then treat with leather sealant. After the sealant is dried then it can be treated with the protectant.
LEATHER REJUVENATORS
Leather Moisturizer (Type A & P)
Leather moisturizer is designed to improve the feel of stiff leather. Once the moisturizer gets deep into the leather it will keep it soft and supple. Natural leather also. Has the habit of squeaking when rubber together, and the leather moisturizer will stop it from doing that. The moisturizer is applied evenly onto the leather via a dry cloth. Protectant may be applied after that.
Wax Pull-Up Finish (Type A)
Wax pull-up finish will rejuvenate any scratched or pulled apart areas. The finish will be applied to scratched areas until the area is darkened. Once the leather is dried, it will return back to its natural color. The leather will need to be massaged afterward to return it back to its natural look. The protectant may be applied afterward.
Oil Pull-Up Finish (Type A)
Oil pull-up finish is for the leathers that scratch and fade easily. The oil pull-up finish is made up of the same fat liquors that were put into it when it was first manufactured at the tannery. To rejuvenate, the technician will apply the solution to a soft clean cloth and then massage throughout the leather. Since it contains the same thing as the leather protectant product, it is not necessary to apply a protectant afterwards.
LEATHER SAFE STAIN CLEANERS
Ink Lifter (Type P)
While its primary use is for pigmented leathers, it may be used on aniline but it might leave greasy areas after application. Ink lifter is made to remove stains such as lipstick and ink. And it works best if used on the spot within 5 days of the occurrence.
Ink & Dye Cleaner (Type P)
This is used when denim dye or newspaper ink has been transferred onto leather. This product must be tested for colorfastness because of its strength of cleaning. The stain will lift off the leather and onto the cloth used to wipe the area. Using deep cleaner will neutralize this product.
Chem Dry guarantees you the best leather and fabric cleaning with top of the line products and quality cleaning.
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