Colourlock Leather Wash Set

Leather and fur are traditionally considered sensitive materials, and many people are reluctant to wash them in the washing machine. Incorrect cleaning products, excessively high temperatures or unsuitable wash cycles can indeed damage the material, cause it to shrink or destroy its natural suppleness. With the right product and the right application, however, this does not have to happen.

The Leather & Fur Wash Concentrate can be used to clean leather and fur both in the washing machine and by hand. The concentrate thoroughly cleans the material without attacking the natural fibre structure or impairing the surface.

Leather Fixative protects colours from bleeding during washing and is used particularly for garments made of leathers in different colours or that combine leather and textile. With correct dosing and adherence to the recommended temperature, the leather remains soft and supple after washing and retains its original shape.

Thanks to its versatile formulation, the Leather & Fur Wash Concentrate is generally suitable for all types of leather as well as fur products. Whether leather jackets, gloves, fur vests or other leather and fur garments, the concentrate ensures reliable cleaning while preserving the material's natural properties.

Please read the notes below carefully before each application!

IMPORTANT:

• Soak heavily greasy or soiled leather (collars, cuffs, lapels) in a hand bath and carefully pre-treat it with a soft brush and the Leather & Fur Wash Concentrate.
• Discolouration cannot be ruled out with combinations of leathers in different colours, leather-textile mixes, or light linings and leathers of a different colour. Always use our Leather Fixative in these cases.
• Never wash two different items together, except items of the same colour! Always wash all items in combinations!

CAUTION: Some leathers have already faded or have signs of use before cleaning. Such pre-existing damage can sometimes become more visible after washing once the soiling has been removed.

• There are types of leather on the market where dyes are not sufficiently fixed, or which are coated with oils or fats. Cleaning such leathers makes them clean, but changes the surface.
• Buttons that are not sewn on securely or appliqués that are sewn on too loosely must be secured (e.g. turn the item inside out or wash by hand).
• Lambskins with a pure white reverse side sometimes have a washable tanning and become hard! Therefore, always cut off a small piece first and test-wash it.
• Exotic leathers or tanning types, expensive individual items, furs and very old objects carry a risk of not being washable. In such cases, ask for advice beforehand.

When do I use Leather Fixative?

Colourlock Leather Fixative fixes the tanning agents and dyes in the leather and thereby prevents bleeding during washing. Leather Fixative is used for all mixed items (leathers in different colours or mixes with textile). Linings of the same colour or black linings do not require a fixative treatment. Test solid-colour leathers beforehand: Rub the leather ten times in a concealed area with a lightly moistened light-coloured cloth. If the cloth does not become discoloured, fixative pre-treatment is not necessary. If the fixative bath does not become discoloured, it can be omitted for the next wash.

Procedure with Leather Fixative

• Not in the washing machine, but in a tub.
• 1/2 bottle in approx. 5-10 litres of lukewarm water, enough to cover the item. Use the entire bottle for a complete motorcycle suit.
• Immerse the leather item and soak for at least 60 min., moving it from time to time.
• Finally, allow it to drip off and put it in the washing machine without rinsing.

CAUTION: Wear gloves. Leather Fixative causes skin irritation.

IF IN EYES:

Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Hand washing

The Leather & Fur Wash Concentrate is suitable for hand washing all types of suede and smooth leather.

Depending on the size of the wash load, stir one third to one half of the bottle into approx. 10 to 15 litres of water at a maximum of 35 °C; the leather should be completely covered. Use the entire bottle for large items such as a complete motorcycle suit or a large coat. Soak the leather for about 30 minutes, then start hand washing. For heavier soiling, our Leather Cleaning Brush brown can also be used.

Allow the leather to drip off well after washing and rinse it once with clear water. Remaining residues of the wash concentrate are quite desirable, as they contribute significantly to softness and suppleness.

SURFACE CLEANING:

Mix a little wash concentrate with water and clean the leather surface using a cloth, sponge and Leather Cleaning Brush brown. Remove cleaning residues with a damp cloth. Surface washing is not suitable for open-pore leathers.

Leather in the washing machine

Wash the Leather & Fur Wash Concentrate on the delicate or wool cycle at max. 35 °C. Leather-textile mix items can also be washed in the washing machine.

Depending on the size of the wash load, add one third to one half of the bottle to the washing drum. Use the entire bottle for large items such as a complete motorcycle suit or a large coat.

Do not wash above 35° C and use the wool or delicate cycle. Spin briefly at the end.

Remove the leather from the drum after washing and carefully shake out the folds several times. Then allow it to dry hanging at room temperature. Lay heavier leather items flat on towels and allow them to dry that way. Turn them over repeatedly.

IMPORTANT: Do not dry the leather in a tumble dryer or in direct sunlight. Large items may take more than one day to dry. Repeatedly knead the damp leather with your hands to reduce stiffness.

Dried items often have slightly stuck-together fibres. To remedy this, stretch the leather in all directions and shake it thoroughly. Alternatively, turn the leather inside out and run it in a tumble dryer for 15 to 30 minutes without heat on the cold programme.

Then brush nubuck and suede leather thoroughly. Use our Garment Brush for this.

• Always first test products in a concealed area for changes.
• Care and protection products should always be applied to a clean surface.
• Shake products before use.
• Protect products from frost and heat (+40 °C).
• Observe hazard symbols on bottles, where present.