[Doug Holloway]

Hi Guys,

I think this sort of debate is good, we have two well regarded companies who have different approaches to certain aspects of leather cleaning.

I think it is fair to say that there is more than one way to clean a leather suite.

Keep debating.

Cheers

Doug

[*paul_moss]

Ltt and Furniture clinic are both 2 good companies regarding leather cleaning/training/dying/protecting etc as both have a vast knowledge.
I have used both companies products which work well.I now use Furniture Clinics  leatherproducts only as I find their price more competative as they actually make the products them selves on site and can give exact usage help were as LTT buy them in off other suppliers so have to charge more.

[LTT Leathercare]

Paul

In reply to your comment about product production LTT have never claimed to be a product producer, we are not chemists but technicians and cleaners who research methodolgy and product use very thoroughly so that we can give training which is essentially generic in its nature.

We have favoured outsourcing our product supply because the production and testing of high quality products is a very expensive business.  We know our 3 main product suppliers have been producing chemicals to the leather industry for at least 20 years and have turn over in the millions to finance careful research and testing.  We then test all our products and methods in our own workshops to make sure we know what they do and how best to use them.  An example of the advantage of this supply chain was when we required a finishing product for the airline industry which we were able to get tested and altered and remade to pass CAA burn tests.  These sort of tests would be very difficult for a small company without the backing of such suppliers.

On the point of pricing we have done many comparative tests and although our product may be more expensive per bottle we have found that in use it often works out more economic due to the quantity required, this is especially so with our leather protector.

This is the choice we have made and believe it serves the industries requirements in a much more professional way. 
Regards
Judy

[stevegunn]

Having used extractas leather cleaner for a couple of years now.Recently a customer which I have cleaned her leather suite a couple of times contacted me to clean it again this time I used Ltt products the customers reaction "that's the best its ever came up"

Customer happy & I'm happy I thought extracta leather cleaner was quite good too now I won't be changing back.Seems I had been doing it wrong for a couple of years but was getting good results whilst damaging the leather. :

[angela carlton]

We have cleaned leather for many years and live in a village, where leather has been produced for about 100 years.

Over the years, we've used many products and have found that the best results are obtained when using a foaming product, or creating foam, by applying through a proprietry branded container, after mixing and decanting.

We find the Wizz 500 ml containers, ideal.

When using foam, it's essential that after application, the foam is spread immediately, or you will get spotting or streaking.

We used the Von Schrader product a couple of days ago, with excellent results.

angie

[LTT Leathercare]

Hello Angela

You are correct about using a good foaming product.  The reason that foam is safer is that if you use a foam it a) stays where you put it so that you are able to clean efficiently, b) does not run which can cause water marks and streaks some of which are unrepairable even by recolouring and c) is far more economical on product.

A good foam can be produced with the aid of a sponge and water but is fairly arduous.  I do not know the Wizz containers but all our cleaners are sold in a very good foaming bottle so that the product is ready to use.  (The company who produce the bottles now use our product in their advertising campaigns.)

A foam is an active ingredient and is working all the time it is on the leather.  If a good foam is produced there should be no problem with spotting or streaking.

We have used the Von Schrader machine (and have had the company on our training course) and see the benefits of the machine and the process on large contract jobs, however in the domestic environment we feel that the machine produces too much foam and you cannot remain in constant awareness of what is happening on the surface of the leather.  By doing the cleaning by hand you are always aware if anything is happening and can stop if appropriate.  We have seen antique finishes removed because there was a lack of awareness of what was happening on the surface. 

Do you use a protector?

Regards

Judy

[angela carlton]

Bit late Judy, weve got four kids!

Angie

ps

I was just referring to the Von Schrader products, not using the machine on leather, for the reasons you mention.

Angie

[*paul_moss]

Angie 4 kids 
You need to do more marketing and get out there working on them there carpets and leave your poor husband alone.

[Damian]

Correct me if im wrong Angie-is it your hubby who has a really bad back? 

Regards

Damian.

[*paul_moss]

Are you supprised  4 kids.
Having to go out working all day then come home only to get man handled by Angela 
In the nicest possible way of course 

[HolmansUKLTD]

Shes a tyrant (so ive heard!)