Some glycerin saddle soaps are also alkaline and should be avoided. Naturally made oil-based soaps such as Kirkwood's or Murphy's will clean the leather without drying it but tend to leave a film on the leather which must be washed off with clear water before proceeding. Wash thoroughly, rinse according to need, and wipe with a clean, soft cloth. Once the leather is thoroughly cleaned and rinsed of soap residue, it should be allowed to partially dry. But while it is still damp, the flesh side of the leather should be nourished with oil.
Damp leather absorbs oil more readily by drawing it into the pores as the water evaporates.
Leather loses some of its fat every day and needs to be fed. Over-feeding, however, can create a limp, flabby, greasy article with deteriorated threads and weakened leather fibers. Routine light conditioning is far superior to a one-time saturation. Beware of compounds that contain petroleum-based products as they will emulsify the fats in the leather and dry it out. Pure neatsfoot oil, if used lightly is usually safe but it turns leather dark and too much can rot the stitching.