This product works great, just be patient.

I am a huge, lifelong fan of Kiwi products.  Ever since I picked up a job as a college professor two years ago, I've learned the value of proper shoes and, more importantly, how to maintain and care for them.

Back in my day, which was about a week and a half ago, I received a leather briefcase.  Soft sided, it looks pretty retro, much like something Indiana Jones would carry or what Jack Bauer carried in Day Eight.  I carried it with my to my art history classes, mostly because that was one of the only classes I had a need for a messenger bag, and also because I wanted to look professor-ish.  Needless to say, I was a tad careless with it, and when I started carrying it to my classes on the other side of the bar, the little things that gave it character- scuffs, scratches, what have you-made it painfully obvious that it was in desperate need of a cleaning.

I scoured the internet, and found a ton of remedies. The mass-produced leather cleaners were too pricey (Saddleback Leather Co.'s Leather Milk runs 19.95 before shipping) and homebrew solutions were too strange (using vinegar or Windex to clean leather, anyone?)

And then, like a gift from God, I was buying more Kiwi shoe polish and noticed this large green tin on the same shelf.  Clean and nourish, as well as protect smooth leather.....hmmm.....

Sitting in my bathroom floor, towel laid out, with a damp bandana, I put this product to the test.  Prepare yourselves, this will take a while.
Leather is a tough material to clean, probably by it's very nature.  I found if you apply the soap lather in tight circles, much like shoe polish, it absorbs quicker.  There's no tried and true method of applying it, however, nor does it matter-the formula doesn't build up layers of wax like polish, making the care with which you apply it terribly important, so long as you cover the leather and do not saturate it with water (it calls for a DAMP cloth, NOT a wet one!).  Grab an iPod or Zune if you're that guy and get in the zone. I applied with one hand while keeping the suitcase still with the other placed inside of it.

Application to my case took a good half hour, with a half hour to dry.  Buffing was fast, around ten minutes.  It applies a charming patina and matte luster to the leather that gives it a new-in-store feel, while removing stains and bringing out the leather's character extremely well. Only disconcerting thing was that my light natural-colored leather was a tone darker after the application, but that makes it look more well worn, which is a nice touch.

All in all, FANTASTIC product.  Kiwi once again hit a homer, and I have another tin to add to my arsenal, coupled with a briefcase that I will hopefully pass on to my children.