Soft Cleaner is a mild, water-based detergent, which will remove general soiling and water-based stains.
Soft Cleaner is pH neutral, so it is gentle enough to be used regularly on leather furniture, shoes, handbags and clothing.
This is the 250 mL pack. The same product is available as a 1 litre pack.
Why pH and Water-Based Matter
When selecting a leather cleaner pH is an important consideration. Leather is slightly acidic, but many cleaners are highly alkaline. Alkaline cleaners react with the bonds between the leather fibres, causing the leather to dry and shrink. The pH of cleaning solutions can also affect the stability of dyes, pigments and leather finishes. Any product that is used regularly on leather should have a neutral pH.
A regular cleaner should also be water-based. Many cleaners contain solvents, such as alcohol or mineral spirits. Solvent-based cleaners will definitely clean, but they can also damage leather. Solvent-based cleaners should not be used for regular cleaning. Soft Cleaner is solvent free – it works without affecting the integrity of your leather or its finish.
Which Leathers
Suitable for aniline and pigmented leather.
Leather Master Australia also lists Soft Cleaner for pull-up leathers. For nubuck and suede, use Leather Master Nubuck Cleaner instead.
Soft Cleaner or Strong Cleaner?
| Soft Cleaner | Strong Cleaner | |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning power (Leather Master) | Mild | Moderate — twice the active ingredients |
| Use for | General soiling, regular maintenance | Heavy soiling and stains |
| pH | Neutral | Neutral |
Start with Soft Cleaner. Move to Strong Cleaner only where Soft Cleaner has not shifted the soiling, and test first.
Test First
Test on a hidden area before cleaning, especially on sensitive leathers such as aniline. Leather Master's colourfastness test: apply a small amount of product to a clean, white cloth, rub it gently on a hidden area, and check for colour transfer. If colour comes off on the cloth, stop and seek advice before going further.
Instructions
- Pour a small amount of Leather Soft Cleaner onto a clean sponge and gently squeeze the sponge to create foam. Cleaning with foam ensures that the cleaner sits on the surface of the leather where it is needed and doesn’t penetrate deep into the leather where it isn’t needed.
- Apply the foam to the surface to be cleaned. Allow a few moments for the foam to dissolve the dirt, and then remove the foam with a clean white cloth. Do not rub or scrub at the leather, let the chemical action of the cleaner do the work. Rubbing and scrubbing works on pots and pans, it doesn’t work on leather. Rubbing and scrubbing drives dirt deeper into the leather and damages the topcoat.
- Always re-protect with Leather Protection Cream after cleaning with Leather Soft Cleaner.
If stains or soiling remain after cleaning with Leather Soft Cleaner, try cleaning the area again. If this doesn’t remove the stain you will need to use a stronger cleaner.
Leather Master Australia's Directions Add
- Dampen a colourfast sponge with water and squeeze out the excess before adding the cleaner (Leather Master Cleaning Sponge).
- Apply the cleaner to the sponge as foam, not liquid. On aniline leather, use a Leather Master Foaming Bottle.
- Work one small area at a time with gentle circular motions.
- On heavier soiling, leave the foam for up to 30 seconds before wiping it off.
- Allow to dry (Leather Master quotes 4–5 minutes) before protecting.
Specifications
| Brand | Leather Master |
| Product | Soft Cleaner |
| Pack size | 250 mL |
| Type | Mild, water-based, solvent-free detergent |
| pH | Neutral |
| Suitable for | Aniline and pigmented leather (Leather Master Australia also lists pull-up) |
| Application | As foam, on a damp sponge |
| Drying time | 4–5 minutes (Leather Master) |
| Follow with | Leather Master Protection Cream |
| SKU | LMCLN05-250ML |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should leather be cleaned with Soft Cleaner?
Leather Master Australia suggests every 3–6 months for domestic furniture and about every 40 days for commercial seating, followed each time by Protection Cream.
Why apply it as foam?
Foam keeps the cleaner on the surface where the soil is, instead of soaking into the leather. Squeeze the sponge to foam it, or use a foaming bottle on aniline.
Can I use it on nubuck or suede?
Leather Master Australia lists Soft Cleaner for aniline, pigmented and pull-up leathers, not nubuck. Use Nubuck Cleaner on nubuck and suede.
What if Soft Cleaner does not remove the stain?
Clean the area again. If that does not work, test and use Strong Cleaner. Oil and grease marks need Leather Master Leather Degreaser, and ballpoint ink on pigmented leather needs Ink Away.
Do I have to protect after cleaning?
Yes. Cleaning removes soil and some of any protection already on the leather. Re-protect with Protection Cream once the leather is dry.
Related Products
- Leather Master Protection Cream 250 mL and 1 litre
- Leather Master Strong Cleaner 250 mL and 1 litre
- Leather Master Cleaning Sponge (Small)
- Leather Master Foaming Bottle
- Leather Master White Felt Cloth
- Leather Cleaning collection
Not sure whether a job needs Soft Cleaner or Strong Cleaner? Contact CCW with the leather type and a photo of the soiling, and we will help you choose before you order.
