How do you condition/hydrate very dry leather (so dry that it's stiff)?

Question

The leather dried during many years and I am looking for home sollutions and comercial ones.

Answer 1

Clean it first with warm water on a sponge (ring it out) then apply some Murphy's Oil Soap to the warm watered sponge.

Let it dry a bit - you shouldn’t get it that wet anyway.

Liberally apply Neats Foot Oil.

Then put the leather in a plastic bag overnight.

Next day rub it really well with a soft rag and re-apply more Neats Foot Oil.

Back into the plastic bag.

Repeat until it’s supply and nicely conditioned.

Stay away from products that try to tell you they have a *one step* process/conditioner.

They’re horrible for leather.

Take the time to do it right and you’ll never regret it.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Use saddle soap.  You'll find it  with the  shoe  polish.

Answer 3

If you have humidifier or steam iron they might help.

Answer 4

If the leather is dry but not cracked,try some ladies "vanishing" moisturizing  skin cream.

May take a few  of times to  really soften up.

Used it to save wifes boots & bags that had gotten stiff.

After that  saddle soap to clean up.

Camping / outdoor stores have some  things also, but some may darken the leather.

Answer 5

Mink oil always worked best for me.

Answer 6

The best person to ask is your dry cleaner.  They store and restore leather on a regular basis.  I think it's an oil that they use.