cleaning basket weave holsters ??

[robbt]

hi guys , I have a basket weave clamshell holster that is really dirty, I usually use Connellys hide care leather cleaner to clean & perserve the old leather only the cleaning rag gets brown/ black very quickly [ its mostly dirt not polish ] any ideas how to cut thru the dirt , i always wanted a clamshell for my model 58 and now I have a dirty one , opps

 

[scooter123]

I would suggest a good rub down with a moistened cloth, folowed by a cleaning with Murphy's Oil Soap, another wipedown with a moistened cloth, then a dry cloth, and finally the application of bees wax or a saddle conditioner. DO NOT use a shoe polish or something similar, they contain silicone which can cause leather to dry out and crack. Saddle conditioner is the best product to use and can be found at any tackle shop for horsemen, it's usually some type of blend of bees wax and various oils that have proven to preserve leather for 100's of years.

 

[m1gunner]

Saddle soap worked into a lather and scrubbed with terrycloth or a soft sponge will get the dirt out.

Allow to dry and buff with a clean terrycloth towel.

 

[bk43]

+1 on the saddle soap. Fiebings is a good one and available at tackle or leather shops. Old soft tooth brush will help with the application. Follow with a Lexol Leather Conditioner to bring the leather back up to snuff and then a good protectant to finish up. I like Pecard but there are many other good ones out there.

Bob

 

[oldman45]

Make sure it is dirt rather than mold. Basket weave holsters, left to sit up, unused tends to develop a mold. The same happens with saddles that are rarely used.

If it dirt, scrub it with saddle soap. If it is mold, you will have to do some additional work but do not seal it with polish or other products like protectants since that seals the mold in and you will never get it back to new looking.

 

[Duke426]

I'd also go with the saddle soap.

 

[keith44spl]

I use glycerine saddle soap in the bar or cake...

Just work-up a lather, a soft cloth or a piece of fleece...
If you know a saddle cobbler that has some scrap layin' around.
Work great for me.
Finish off with a leather friendly wax.

Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[sheriffoconee]

robbt, now you gotta find a left handed clamshell for MY M58.....just pm me when you have it, and clean it up first