Leather question

[grease-man]

I was looking through my very small leather supply today and found that on the back of a couple of the pieces had some white substance on it. Looked like mold, but I don't think it was mold. It wiped away fairly easily but kind of left a residue. The white stuff was on the unfinished side of the leather and the leather was not damp/wet. I know next to nothing about leather, so I'm wondering what it might be and if the leather would still be useable? Any thoughts/opinions are much appreciated. Thanks. -Matt-

 

[DC KNIVES]

Matt, not sure what it is without seeing it, but it could be mold.It won't be a problem to use the leather especially since it's on the flesh side.Just wipe it down with some white vinegar and that will take care of it.Another tip for working leather is to use Oxalic Acid ( Wood Bleach) to clean your leather of fingerprints and the like before dyeing. It works very well.Dave

 

[zeus36]

It could be some of the tanning salts leaching out.