VILOU leather repair Made in Germany since 1999 Leather degreaser – preparation before leather dyeing and repair
VILOU Leather Degreaser removes grease, silicone, wax, and care product residues from suitable pigmented smooth leather and many synthetic leather surfaces. This creates a clean base for leather dye, liquid leather, and further repair steps.
Important: The degreaser is not a substitute for regular leather cleaning and is not a product needed for every cleaning. Clean first, then degrease only as needed.
When is leather degreaser necessary?
Before leather dye
Grease, silicone, wax, and old care products can impair the adhesion of a color refresher. Therefore, the surface must be checked for residues after normal cleaning.
Properly prepare for color refreshing → Before liquid leather
Cracks and depressions must be clean, dry and free of any residues that could impair adhesion before repair material is applied.
Select liquid leather → For greasy contact surfaces
Steering wheels, seat bolsters, headrests, and armrests often absorb grease, sweat, and care products through skin contact. Targeted degreasing may be necessary in these areas.
Check leather steering wheel → Do not routinely degrease all leather.
Degreasing is a preparatory step for suitable materials and specific problem areas. For normal maintenance cleaning, the appropriate leather cleaner is usually sufficient. Do not use on Alcantara, microfiber, suede, nubuck, or open-pore aniline leather without prior testing. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.
Leather cleaner or leather degreaser?
| Task | Suitable product | Notice |
| Remove dust and everyday dirt | VILOU Leather Cleaner | Basic cleaning or regular cleaning |
| Clean the surface before repair. | First, leather cleaner | Then check if additional degreasing is necessary. |
| Remove grease, silicone, wax or care product residues | VILOU Leather Degreaser | Apply in a targeted and controlled manner to a suitable surface. |
| Leather dye may not adhere reliably | Clean and then degrease | Check the material and existing coating beforehand. |
| Simply clean and then maintain. | Leather cleaner | Do not automatically use degreaser as a care step. |
Typical areas of application
car
- leather steering wheel
- Driver's seat and seat bolster
- center armrest
- Door panel
Furniture
- Seating and head areas
- armrests
- Well-maintained sections
- Areas before paint or crack repair
Other applications
- Suitable boat cushions
- Motorhome and caravan
- Suitable leather clothing
- Many smooth imitation leather surfaces
How to use VILOU leather degreaser correctly
Determine material and damage
Before use, check whether the leather is suitable pigmented smooth leather or synthetic leather. If the type of leather is unknown, first consult the assistant or a professional.
Clean the surface first.
Remove everyday dirt and loose residue with VILOU Leather Cleaner. Then allow the surface to dry completely.
Covert testing
Test the degreaser on an inconspicuous area for color changes, material compatibility, and surface effects. Assess only after it has completely dried.
Controlled degreasing
Apply a small amount to a clean non-woven cloth and wipe the affected area carefully. Do not over-saturate the material.
absorb residues
Use a clean cloth and change it as soon as it visibly picks up residue. Repeat the process carefully if heavily soiled.
Allow to air dry completely
Before applying liquid leather, leather dye, or sealant, the surface must be completely dry and allowed to air dry. Only then should you proceed with the appropriate step.
What comes after degreasing?
Only color abrasion
If the surface is stable and only the color has rubbed off, the appropriate leather dye can be applied thinly after suitable preparation.
Select leather color → crack or depression
First, repair and smooth any missing material. Leather dye alone cannot fill a dent or crack.
Select liquid leather → Damage pattern unclear
The assistant guides the user to the appropriate combination based on object, material, and damage, thus preventing unnecessary work steps.
Start Leather Assistant → VILOU system sequence according to damage pattern
crack or hole
Cleaning → degreasing → repairing and smoothing → leather dyeing → protection.
View repair products → Cleaning and maintenance only
Clean thoroughly and then protect as needed. Degreasing is usually not necessary.
Cleaning and care → Which size fits?
| Size | Typical use | orientation |
| 150 ml | Individual repair areas and private use | Steering wheel, seat bolster or smaller furniture surface |
| 250 ml | Multiple or larger repair areas | Vehicle interior or more extensive furniture repair |
| 1,000 ml | Commercial and recurring use | Reconditioners, workshops and larger projects |
Actual consumption depends on area, load, material structure and number of passes required.
Frequently asked questions about leather degreaser
Does leather need to be degreased before every care treatment?
No. Degreasing is usually unnecessary during normal cleaning and maintenance. It primarily serves as targeted preparation before painting, applying liquid leather, or repairing.
Do I need to clean before degreasing?
Yes, everyday dirt and loose residue should first be removed with a suitable leather cleaner. Afterwards, allow the surface to dry and only degrease if necessary.
Can I degrease a greasy leather steering wheel?
For suitable pigmented smooth leather, targeted degreasing before repair or coloring can be beneficial. Test the material and color in a concealed area beforehand.
Is the leather degreaser suitable for synthetic leather?
It is suitable for many smooth synthetic leather surfaces. Since synthetic leather can have different coatings, a covert compatibility test is required.
Can I use the degreaser on aniline leather?
Not without separate testing. Open-pore aniline leather can absorb liquid and undergo permanent changes.
Is the degreaser suitable for Alcantara, suede or nubuck?
No. Alcantara, microfiber, suede, nubuck and nubuck require suitable special processes.
When can I apply leather dye afterwards?
Only apply once the surface is completely dry and has cooled down. Also check for any remaining residues that could impair adhesion.
Properly prepare leather – only as much as necessary
Use VILOU Leather Degreaser specifically before coloring and repair work on suitable materials.If it is unclear whether cleaner, degreaser, liquid leather or leather dye is needed, start the assistant first.