Leather Therapy System

Leather Therapy® is a premium leather care system from Absorbine.® It was developed to keep leather looking as beautiful as the horses it's used with. With the many types and uses for leather, people naturally have questions. So here is the kitchen sink of leather care including details of our lineup, FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions), full instructions and recommended ways to care for leather, and some tips and tricks.

The System

Leather Therapy® Wash

Wash is the first step before using the other formulas. It can also be used alone on a regular basis to keep your leather clean and supple. Our leather wash deep cleans from the inside out, lifting dirt and grime from the inner fibers of leather to prevent deterioration and cracking—without leaving surface residue. It’s gentle on leather and stitching, and can be used for leather tack, boots, shoes, and jackets—even synthetic leather. It’s ideal for cleaning western tack with tooling because the residue-free formula eliminates buildup in detailed areas.

Leather Therapy® Restorer & Conditioner

This is the most popular and universal formula, but it's more than a simple leather conditioner. Restorer & Conditioner helps maintain the durability and extend the life of leather by penetrating to lift embedded oils and soaps to the surface while replenishing moisturizers to leather’s inner fibers—which also restores its supple feel and rich color. Plus, regular maintenance with this leather conditioner will inhibit mold and mildew. Use on leather and synthetic tack, riding boots, work boots, and leather apparel.

 

The FAQs

Q: Is it ok to use multiple Leather Therapy® products on leather at one time?

A: Yes! Start with the Leather Therapy® Wash to clean embedded dirt and grime from the leather. Be sure to let each different application absorb and dry before applying the next layer. If you plan to use the Restorer & Conditioner, apply that second.  

Q: How should I use the Leather Therapy® products to care for new leather items?

A: Condition the leather well with the Restorer & Conditioner; this may take two applications. Then simply maintain your leather with Leather Therapy® Wash and use Restorer & Conditioner periodically.

Q: How do I clean moldy leather?

 

A: Start by cleaning the item with Leather Therapy® Wash. Then follow with Leather Therapy® Restorer & Conditioner, which inhibits mold and mildew and also conditions dry leather. Regular maintenance with Leather Therapy® Restorer & Conditioner will inhibit mold and mildew from returning.

Q: How do I clean synthetic leather?

A: Use Leather Therapy® Wash to clean synthetic leathers. Spray the Wash on a clean sponge or soft cloth for normal maintenance. Lightly spray the Wash on dirty leather but do not saturate, wipe away the excess Wash – no need to rinse. Test in a hidden area first.

Q: Will the Wash or Restorer & Conditioner darken light-colored leather? 

A: Leather Therapy® Wash, which is non-darkening, should be used as the maintenance cleaner/conditioner to prevent sweat and dirt build-up on leather bridles and saddles. This product will not darken but it should be sprayed on a sponge so only a minimum amount of product is used. Leather Therapy® Restorer & Conditioner is not petroleum based and therefore will not significantly darken leather. For very pale leathers, you can expect a slight deepening of the natural tones. Always test on a small hidden area first. Restorer & Conditioner should be applied on the underside of the saddle panels to effectively condition the saddle while retaining the surface ‘look’. Apply to tight areas with a clean, soft bristled paintbrush – be sure to clean the paintbrush with soap and water afterwards.

Q: How do I clean suede?

A: Since suede is very porous, use all products listed below sparingly: Use a very small amount of Leather Therapy® WASH on a slightly dampened sponge and, using a light “lifting” motion, clean the surface of the suede. Repeat as necessary. Rinse the sponge as it gets dirty. Be sure to test a small area first. After completion, brush up the nap with a bristled brush and let the item dry thoroughly. To further protect the suede, ensure the item is completely dry and free of heavy soils or oils, then spray a very light coating of Water Repellent on the surface. Always test on a small hidden area first. Brush up nap with a soft bristled brush when it’s thoroughly dry. Do not use Leather Finish on suede, as it adds a sheen that does not work with the nap of suede. Do not use Restorer & Conditioner on suede, because suede is so porous it will soak up the product and may darken the suede item.