crandress 

I got a hold of some NOS leather saddles that had been sitting in a damp basement. they have some mildew. What is the best way to clean without ruining the leather?

Thanks - Chris

nlerner

Saddle soap works for me.

cdmurphy

Well, the fact that they have mold means the leather is already compromised. You can kill it with an acidic solution, like vinegar, but whatever damage has been done, is done. Avoid any sort of basic or caustic solution, as that will undo many of the chemical changes in tanned leather. Once you've soaked it in vinegar, rise it, and blot it dry as best you can. Then once you've let it dry completely (days), give it a decent dressing with either Proofhide or another leather dressing product to restore some of the oils, and hopefully return some resiliency.

crandress 

It is actually only lightly on the surface of the riding side and seems like it will clean off easily. I just wast to make sure its dead and in a way that won't damage the saddle. Think I will try just rubbing some vinegar on the surface and then using saddle soap and proofhide. They actually seem it good condition otherwise. Fortunately, one of them is perfect and without any mildew, so that one is going on my bike...

crandress 

I think they are all Middlemore saddles. Most never ridden.

rhm

Sounds to me like you know a lot more organic chemistry than I!

Could you elaborate on the damage that a basic or caustic solution will do to the leather? I have found, quite by accident, that a mild baking soda and water solution will permanently darken and harden leather, and (throwing caution to the wind) I have found this useful when leather is too soft. So I wonder, should I use vinegar or something to neutralize the base, or can I assume the acids in the leather will do this on their own? All a question of balance, I suppose.