holster cleaning

[Edward Tinker]

Jerry, I guess I was wrong, but I distinctly remember you telling me a "tiny" bit of soap... I thought some soap would be needed to loosen the dirt and grime? Would you use just water or nothing?

{from Jerry}
I do not believe saddle soap used lightly will harm leather if several common sense precautions are used. Use it with as little water as is necessary. Let the leather dry slowly. Brush all residue off with a stiff brush like a tooth brush. Clean the area with a dry rag. Get out all residue from any holes. Using this method I have had good results with saddle soap and I do not think it irrepairably harms leather. However keep in mind I am not a chemist and one has to carefully judge the age and condition of the piece before using anything on it...

Oh, okay, I was thinking saddle soap was bad for leather holsters, I stand corrected although I have used dish soap on more than one occassion, however, I am always very careful and use it VERY lightly and not much water on my rag that I use.