Porous and absorbent smooth leather (aniline) tend to darken over time especially in areas that come in regular contact with skin and other body parts. This continued contact causes body oils from skin and hair to transfer onto the leather and penetrate the leather surface. When the leather is new, the oils and fats are absorbed by the leather but over time with more use of the same areas the accumulation becomes a very visible stain.

In most cases, such stains cannot be removed by general cleaning. As professionals, we have methods to absorb the penetrated fats and to refresh and renew the leather colour. However, sometimes following repairs the area will not look like new. However, in some cases our technicians have only been contacted when the problem has extremely worsened and it is only possible to aesthetically improve the damaged area.

Below is our recommendation for a DIY at home solution:

Clean the darkened area very carefully with Geist. Surface Prep. Take some of this product on a clean soft cloth and wipe quickly over the surface without wetting too much. Allow it to dry before repeating. This ensures you avoid getting borders or edges. This process also slightly dissolves the penetrated grease. Spray Geist. Grease Absorber Spray on the darkened area and allow it to dry completely. The product contains solvents that dissolves and absorbs the grease and body oils and pull it out of the leather. The contents of the spray dry into a white powder but as it pulls out the grease, it turns into a yellowish powder. This remaining powder can simply be brushed off or vacuumed. Repeat the process until the powder stops turning yellow or until no further improvement can be achieved.

In most cases, such areas remain darker or lighter in comparison to the rest of the unaffected area. Years of grease and oils damage the finish of the leather surface. These areas will need to be adjusted with Geist. Easy Colour Restorer dye for leather and vinyl. Easy Colour Restorer not only refreshes the colour and dye but also seals the surface and reduces the risk of a repetition of such stains.

We recommend protecting the unaffected areas Geist. Aniline Cream as it contains natural waxes and a UV-filter that slow ageing. Don’t apply the protector in areas that were darkened and have been treated. This helps avoid new stains as it contains waxes. But the rest of the leather should be treated to keep the leather soft and to avoid damages caused by ageing. Areas that are exposed to sunlight or any type of heat source like a radiator must always be protected.