cleaning a satchel

powershopper

does anyone know the best way to clean and re-vitalise an old hide school satchel?
I went to grammer school in the '50s, and my old school satchel has survived! However it is looking rather grubby and very shabby, and now that satchels are back in fashion, I thought I'd clean it up and get a bit more wear out of it.
I can manage the stitching OK, but the rest.....not a clue how to clean it.
Any help out there?

vanoonoo

before you do any of the following - do a patch test first on an area that cant be seen in normal use!

a wipe over with a dry cloth to start
and then with a cloth dipped in hot water and wrung out lots and lots and lots so it is barely wet
and then if you can get hold of one of those shoe shine wipes to give it a once over that might spruce it up a bit
but you need to be careful as whatever you use may transfer onto your clothes when you carry it
I've also used baby wet wipes on my bags to give them a clean and sheen

HTH

JayJay14

Saddle soap might be a good idea for cleaning it up then a good neutral shoe polish to finish.

DawnW

Saddle soap? It works on really filthy horse's tack, and I have used it on other leather goods to good effect.

rachbc

another vote for saddle soap

lostinrates

Saddle soap or A solid rather than liquid style leather dressing. (this can also be used on shoes, to much benefit too, so need not be a one use purchase. It may darken the leather a little, but will make it soft and flexible.

I really don't recommend water, other than to damped a cloth if you go for saddle soap rather than leather dressing

sparrer

Another vote for saddle soap. You can also rub the leather afterwards in small circular motion with a mix of 1 part vinegar, 2 parts linseed to keep it supple.

LameWolf

I agree - saddle soap. It's designed for use on leather, and gets grubby horses' tack clean, so should do the job beautifully.

vanoonoo

yowsers - I didnt imagine it to be that grubby!

powershopper

Thanks to all of you who posted a reply. vanoonoo, it really is that grubby!!!
I shall give the saddle soap a shot, and let you know how I progress.

judyb

Saddle soap is fine as long as the leather is the type used on saddles otherwise it could cause a great deal of damage.
Always check the type of leather before attempting any cleaning processes. Water is actually good for leather as it keeps it correctly hydrated and as long as you do not oversoak it you will be fine.
Some leather absorb dirt and stains rather than them sitting on the surface so these will be harder to clean.
Hope this helps
Judyb
Leather care consultant