I think Deb offers some great advice on how to treat leather that is
going to be put to use (ie., tack actually used to ride horses).
Glycerine soap is great for "working" leather that is constantly being
flexed--but my experience is that when tack treated with the soap is
left on static display, it develops a rather off-putting, whitish "soap
scum."

CCI Notes on cleaning leather recommends gentle sweeping with a soft
brush towards a vacuum cleaner nozzle that has be covered with gauze.
Slightly ground-in dirt on smooth leather in good condition may be
removed by gentle rubbing with a white vinyl eraser or powdered erasers.
 CCI specifically recommends avoiding any dressing or soap, citing
instances of dressings further dehydrating stiff leather, oxidizing over
time, and being very alkaline which contributes to further degradation.



------------------------------------------------------------
Tim McShane, Assistant--Cultural History
Medicine Hat Museum and Art Gallery
1302 Bomford Crescent S.W.
Medicine Hat, AB   T1A 5E6
(403) 502-8587
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