how do soften an old leather jacket that has become "hard"?

Question

the jacket was kept in the basement where an overhead pipe leaked water on it and the jacket sat for at least a year so now its really stiff and the leather needs to be softened if possible. There is no mold on it. I washed it a few times with hot water and let it dry outside in the summer sun, but no luck. It is unwearable now...any suggestions?

Answer 1

try rubbing it down with mink oil, found in the shoe dept with the shoe polish. you may have to rub it down several times to get the leather to become supple again, and never wash it in the washing maching and sun dry it.

Answer 2

How To Soften Leather Jacket

Answer 3

Not sure - you could try the baseball oil / conditioner that is used to soften up baseball gloves. Baseball gloves are made of leather, and the oil is made to help soften and protect the glove, I am guessing it would work the same on a leather jacket.

Always, test it first on an area that is not seen to make sure it doesn't discolor the leather.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Good saddle soap and leather cleaner and conditioner and a lot of elbow grease. Maybe get the opinion of a professional leather cleaner, but having it done professionally would probably cost more than the coat would cost to replace.

Answer 5

Saddle Soap
Leather Conditioner

Answer 6

Mink oil! It comes in a can like leather or shoe polish. It may take a couple of applications,but it will work!

Answer 7

mink oil, applied 2-3 times according to directions. Unless it's suede.

Answer 8

it may sound strange, but if it's not too far gone try Nivea hand cream - v good!! it will clean and soften the leather. try it on a small area first coz if it doens't work in your particular case you won't have wasted too much - plus, you'll have great hands too! :o)

Answer 9

i would use it to wash my car!!