Articles

Dye Transfer

Dye Transfer is the dyestuff transferred to leather from clothing or newsprint.  It is more usually seen on light coloured, protected, leathers but it can occur on any leather, though not as noticeably.  If noticed early enough it can be successfully removed from most pigment coated leather with Leather Shampoo or Maxi Cleaner (use with caution). If the cleaning process does not resolve the problem it will be necessary to call in an experienced technician as early as possible.  The longer the dye sits in/on the leather the harder it will be to remove.

Using Leather Protect will help to inhibit dye transfer as the dye will sit on the protector and not on the finish of the leather.  This also makes it much easier to clean off.

Owners of pale and off-white suites are recommended to adopt a gentle regular cleaning and protecting regime.  If a grey/blue tinge is evident on the leather that does not disappear with light cleaning (using Leather Shampoo) move to Maxi Cleaner.  If this works revert back to Lazy Leather or Leather Shampoo for your regular cleaning but use more often and always finish with a coat of Leather Protect.  If the grey/blue tinge remains after cleaning, finish with Leather Protect, call a technician and avoid using the furniture whilst wearing jeans (denim) or other clothing that has non fast dye stuff.