I am concerned about preserving a book I have that is covered in bonded leather. It’s not old, but I want to keep it from getting old, “drying up,” and crackling. I also want to maintain a shiny lustre. What, exactly, should I use to safely and effectively preserve this material?
I don’t have a clue…
I just wanted to say I am happy to see you back-I haven’t seen you around for AGES!
Scotti
Thanks… Indeed, it has been a long time. Nice to see ya again too, Scotticher 
Hello again, to the rest of you, as well. 
First things first. Hi! Missed you, and welcome back!
{{{{{{MSK}}}}}}
As for your question, it really depends on the leather, and on any embossing that may be on the cover. One thing I’ve liked and used successfully on many things, including book covers, is Murphy’s Oil Soap. Used regularly, it not only cleans well, but will condition too. Just use sparingly and I recommend putting some on a soft cloth, and then rubbing it gently across the book cover, being careful (because of possible staining) to make sure you only put it on the leather, not any of the pages or the binding glue. Keep in mind, a little of the soap goes a long way, don’t drown your book.
Thanks for the advice, Purplebear. However, I am not particularly satisfied with the results of your recommendation. May I send back the unused portion for a complete refund?
I dabbed a very small sample of Murphy’s on the leather, gently rubbed it in circles, and it seemed to do nothing other than render the leather surface virtually “grip-resistant.” In other words, it just became slippery and appeared to do nothing else. Therefore, I immediately took an H20 dampened cloth and rubbed away the soap. In doing so, the damp cloth seemed to present more satisfactory results, at least temporarily. All those unsightly fingerprints are gone, but the book is still not close to the results I yearn for.
With leather’s tendency to be damaged by H20, I don’t feel the damp cloth is a good idea, as a regularly-based, long-term solution.
I know very little about the science or chemistry of leather, therefore, what follows is merely a WAG, but tung oil seems to sound like a probable and efficable solution. Or perhaps, any natural vegatable-based oil, i.e. olive oil.
My book remains unscathed, yet I still seek a more efficable means of attaining the results I am hoping for. What could be considered mother nature’s “Armour-All” for such type of bonded leather? More advice is appreciated, please, O’ Teeming Millions.
Thank you, and have a safe and happy St. Patricks Day!
Magical Silver Key
I finally found what to use on my “bonded” leather.
I knew that “saddle soap” would probably be best for cleaning non-suede type leather, so I picked some of that up.
I also found a product called Mink Oil. It is supposed to waterproof, condition, prevent cracking, deepen the color and lustre…Mama Nature’s “Armour-All” if you will.
Both were quite in-expensive. I bought them together for under $5.00.
I cleaned my book with a soft damp cloth & the saddle soap first, then gently & sparingly applied the mink oil. I was pleasantly quite astonished at the results!
I can’t believe how good my book looks now! It almost looks better than new! The mink oil also helped soften the leather enough to allow the cover to “un-curl.” The front cover had been getting curled outward from heavy handling.
I HIGHLY recommend these two products to anyone who wants to treat their leather products! If you buy the saddle soap and mink oil, please, follow the directions and use them sparingly for best results. I found them in the shoe care products at my local store, but they are made for more than just shoe leather.
Try it purplebear! It blows Murphy’s away.
I use saddle soap and mink oil on my leather furniture. I have a sofa, love seat, chair and ottoman in a pale buttery tan color. It is lovely and more expensive that any other furniture I’ve ever bought. I spent a full two 1/2 month’s wages on it.
The first time I cleaned it, I used the kit that came with the furniture. I was less than thrilled with the results, it looked dull and worn. Then I thought if I can use those two to clean leather coats and shoes, why not try it on this stuff?
I first chose an inconspicuous spot on the underside of the ottoman because I didn’t know if the color would bleed or anything. It works beautifully.
Well my furniture is four years old and looks brand new, even though it get well used every single day.