RESTORING LEATHER-
The leather must be cleaned by gently dusting with a soft cloth or feather duster. If it seems very dirty, clean with slightly soapy water (not detergent) and a soft cloth, or better still saddle soap (sold in a can and worked to a foam with a small damp sponge). Oily spots can previously be removed with a few drops of dry cleaning fluid, lighter fluid, Sal ammoniac, or a mixture of equal quantities of vinegar and warm water. Old leathers crack, peel, split and powder as they dry out, so the restorer’s chief job is to replace the natural organic oils.
Apply lanolin or castor oil with a soft cloth, first warming the oil in a glass over a pan of warm water. Let the oil soak in for 24 hours, then buff with a soft cloth and repeat. Neatsfoot oil will not produce sheen unless mixed equally with one of the other oils. Use it mixed with petroleum jelly on light-colored leathers and patent leathers, but is warned: it has a tendency to become rancid. If leather is very brittle spray or paint on lanolin mixed in equal quantities with petroleum spirit. Warm leather and emollients to room temperature before applying.
PUTRID AND DECAYING LEATHER- Cover the object with a solution of dilute denatured alcohol (methylated spirits) adding a small quantity of carbolic acid. Leave for ten minutes. Follow by immersion in a bowl of melted Vaseline, which should restore the suppleness and sheen. If it still looks in bad condition dip it in melted paraffin wax, which will act as a preservative against further decay.
