I was wondering what is the best or safest product to use to clean rough-out leather on a saddle? I just purchased a saddle for my daughter (used) and I am wanting to clean and condition it. The fenders and around the seat are rough -out or natural leather. Every product I have is not recommended for unfinished leather. I also have some suede cleaner and plain saddle soap, but then what do you use to condition or soften the leather. I didn't want to use Mink oil since it would darken up the leather. Is Lexol conditioner safe to use? Thanks.
Posted 2009-05-19 5:19 PM (#105188 - in reply to #105181) Subject: RE: rough-out leather
Elite Veteran
Posts: 681
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
I bought something somewhere.. maybe at country supply, or that company that sells supplements already separated into daily dose-packs... I've forgotten the name... Smartpak or something like it.. .. It looks like a stiff eraser and that's what you do.. erase the dirt off of the leather. It worked OK.. not exactly like I was expecting, though..
Posted 2009-05-20 5:31 AM (#105202 - in reply to #105181) Subject: RE: rough-out leather
Veteran
Posts: 270
Location: Roanoke IL
I was told to oil it from the back, the smooth side. Don't use neatsfoot. I think that a product called Bicks doesn't darken leather. I don't think leather new spray does either.
Posted 2009-05-21 8:37 AM (#105275 - in reply to #105181) Subject: RE: rough-out leather
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350
Location: Newton, NJ
Most any liquid or paste leather cleaner will NOT work on rough out leather. The nap will flatten out and get funky. You'll want to try the "eraser" that "ridin" suggested.