How to Clean Antique Leather Books
When cleaning an antique leather book, you have many options. You can use Lanolin, Absorene, Neatsfoot oil, or steel wool. These solutions will remove dust and dirt. If you are not comfortable using these products, you can try an alternate method, such as rubbing with a damp cloth.
Neatsfoot oil
In the past, libraries and museums used neatsfoot oil to clean their leather books. This practice, however, has caused unwanted long-term effects on the bindings. Oil-based treatments can also damage paintings and objects. For this reason, removing the oil is recommended. Neatsfoot oil is made from lanolin, a fatty acid that is found in wool.
Although neatsfoot oil is often used to clean books, it is also a popular ingredient in modern cosmetic products. It is not too heavy and penetrates deep into the leather. It is usually extracted from the bones and feet of cattle and is usually blended with other oils. This makes neatsfoot oil a general term, and different brands may use different formulations.
Before applying Neetsfoot oil, it is best to clean the leather with a wax-based cleaner. Saddle soap or leather honey are great choices. These products are gentle but effective.
Lanolin
The first step is to thoroughly shake the cleaner. Then, use a clean cloth to apply it to the surface. Rotate the cloth as needed. This will keep the surface free of grime. If the book is small, you can use cotton buds. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully.
Using a leather dressing to treat leather books is not recommended. It can cause the leather to stiffen and darken. It can also cause it to bond with the boards and hinges, which is a risk. Additionally, it can make the book stick to the shelf, attracting dust.
Steel wool
One of the best ways to clean antique leather books is to use steel wool. Steel wool comes in many different grades of abrasiveness. Some of them are mild and can remove discoloration and surface corrosion. Other grades are more abrasive, which can result in a different finish. These finishes are harder to maintain and can be difficult to control. However, some people really enjoy the results.
If you are looking to clean antique leather books yourself, you can use steel wool to scrub away surface build-up. Using a fine steel wool will help you scuff the leather without damaging the surface. It will also prevent the grains from becoming too raised. When using steel wool, you need to make sure you do it carefully. You want to avoid scuffing too hard, as that will damage the finish.
You can also use saddle soap to clean your leather books. Apply it to a lint-free cloth and rub it gently onto the leather cover. Older leather books should be scrubbed with light pressure, so as not to damage the cover. After cleaning, use a conditioning product to replenish the oils that have been lost to exposure to water.
Absorene
If you’re wondering how to clean your antique leather books, one easy way is to use a product called Absorene. This soft dry cleaner works like an eraser and will absorb dust, crumbs, and soot without damaging the pages. It’s also an excellent cleaner for textiles, lampshades, and other surfaces. It is available in a resealable container and weighs about 15 ounces.
The main benefit of Absorene is that it works with all dry surfaces and doesn’t require any water to clean. It works like an eraser, absorbing all types of grime from a surface. You can use Absorene on book pages, too, but be careful because it can harm the color and may also cause other damage.
When using Absorene on leather books, remember to clean them only on the parts of the binding that move. This includes the heads and tails of the backstrips and joints. However, you should avoid over-applying the product, as this can cause it to be too tacky or penetrate through the boards.
