Leather cleaning

This is the starting point for every restoration and at the same time a service that is often enough on its own. Leather that looks ruined is sometimes just dirty: a layer of sweat, cosmetics and dust builds up over the years and gives that typical dark shine where it is touched.

There is no point doing anything further without this stage. On dirty leather, colour and protector have nothing to grip — they come off with the dirt the first time it is rubbed.

How we do it

• Identifying the type of leather and testing the product in a hidden spot.
• Deep cleaning, drawing the dirt out of the grain, not just off the surface.
• A separate approach for seams and perforation, where most of it collects.
• Neutralising and conditioning — cleaning always takes something out of the leather.

What cleaning won't do

It won't bring the colour back where the coating has worn off, it won't close cracks, and it won't remove deeply absorbed stains — from denim, ballpoint pen or hair dye. If lighter, worn areas remain after cleaning, the next step is re-colouring.

From photos we can usually tell in advance whether cleaning alone will be enough. It's worth asking before you order a full restoration.