Thread: leather cleaning???

guys, I need your help.

I found at the fleamarket old army belt, really nice, thick, your average strop leather. The problem is it is quite dirty. Now, what would be the best way to clean it? I was thinking soaking it in water and scrubbing with brush and laundry detergent, but I am not so sure it won't damage the leather... Anyone have experience with this???

thanx,
Nenad

p.s. The belt is not for my next strop, but guitar strap

Nenad, I'd probably not use water. Have you seen a product called "Lexol"? They make a leather cleaner and also a leather conditioner, some of the best around in my opinion. The cleaner should do the trick for you following the directions, and the conditioner afterwards will keep it indefinitely. I use it on my car seats, couch, leather jacket, belts, etc. It can be found in various detail shops, but I buy mine at a local tack and feed place, where they sell horse saddles, etc. It's also very popular for reins, saddles, that sort of thing.

Jeff

Nenad,

You might try saddle soap if that is available in
the area where you live.

If youwere to use water though, I would not soak the belt
but simply wipe it off with a damp cloth. Definately hang
it up away from a heat source.


Terry

I use a product called "GOOP". Its an automotive hand cleaner.
It has no abrasive's. It is both a cleaner and a conditioner. The conditioner is lanolin. I have used it a number of time and it works very well as a cleaner. It may take several application but it works.

Hope this helps,

I forgot to mention, I live about 5000 miles from any good ol' USA cleaning product. I am aware of need for conditioning the leather afterwards, and I have couple of good leather conditioners. I was thinking more DYI cleaning without comercial products, but with regular around the house suplys... The first three links that popped up about saddle soap said it is very poor cleaner... I found something about washing with damp cloth and some moisturising soap, and not soaking the leather, will try that.

thanx for the tips,
Nenad

Goop is the product type you want. Just go to any store and ask for a waterless hand cleaner.

Originally Posted by randydance062449

I use a product called "GOOP". Its an automotive hand cleaner.
It has no abrasive's. It is both a cleaner and a conditioner. The conditioner is lanolin. I have used it a number of time and it works very well as a cleaner. It may take several application but it works.

Hope this helps,

I was gonna say "Goop". Well, the Randy's have responded!

RT

I love learnin' new stuff... thanks guys. Great tip

I have used Saddle Soap on mine and it works great. Now I have to try Lenox and Goop......lol. Still using laudry detergent and a brush on the linen side. Lynn

The gentleman at Hand American Leathers recommends a water-based hand cleaner for cleaning his leather and renewing the leather to reapply new paste etc. I've used Goop! as he and others here suggested and it works perfect. Nothing short of amazing.