cleaning leather sheath

[durdru2]

I have a fillet knife that came with a leather sheath. the set has gone through a lot and it's really quite old and worn now. worse, it has collected alot of gunk through the years.

what is the best way to clean it? I do not see this sheath as a "valuable" one and had planned to throw it in the dishwasher to sanitize/clean out. Of course, if there is a better way i would be glad to know. thanks

 

[Alberta Ed]

Saddle soap is what I usually use; you can probably find other leather cleaners at a shoe store. The dishwasher likely would ruin it. If you like the design but it's falling apart, use it as a pattern and cut another out of leather.

 

[flashlife]

Hey, if you were gonna throw it away anyway...try the dishwasher.
I think I'd run it by itself, not with other dishes. Also note that some dishwasher detergents contain chlorine bleach, and since leather is absorbent, I'd soak the sheath in water BEFORE the dishwasher. That'll keep it from soaking up detergent and chlorine, taking forever to rinse out properly.

Also, old stitching (typically cotton thread) may come loose, break, generally fall apart. But once it's clean you can always treat it with neat's foot oil, mink oil, mineral oil, etc and re-stitch it. Good project while watching your Star Wars DVD for the 10th time.