At Siegel Leather, we’re committed to helping our customers preserve and care for the fine specialty leathers we supply – including our signature Sokoto™ goatskin. Sometimes, even with the best intentions, mistakes happen. And when they do, we’re here to offer guidance.

We’ve received an email from a concerned customer who had been advised – incorrectly – to use mink oil to clean excess gold foil off of Sokoto™ leather. The result? A deep, dark oil stain that nearly ruined the project.

What Went Wrong: Why Mink Oil Should Never Be Used on Sokoto™

Mink oil and other heavy, penetrating oils are not suitable for cleaning bookbinding leathers, especially premium vegetable-tanned varieties like Sokoto™ Traditional or Sokoto™ Morocco.

These oils are:

• Highly absorbent and difficult to remove
• Known to darken leather permanently
• Often incompatible with archival materials
• Likely to damage the grain-corium structure of fine goatskin

In this case, the leather absorbed the oil unevenly, leaving a large blackened stain across the cover, a heartbreaking sight for any binder.

The Solution: How We Helped Remove the Stain

We advised the customer to attempt cleaning using a polar organic solvent in this case, butane, which is commonly found in small amounts in standard lighter fluid.

Important: This process should be done with great care and in a well-ventilated area. Here’s the method we recommended:

Leather Oil Stain Removal – Safe DIY Method

1. Apply a small amount of lighter fluid (butane-based) to a clean white cloth or paper towel
2. Gently blot the stained area — do not rub, as friction may damage the grain
3. Use short, repeated dabs, allowing time between applications
4. As the solvent evaporates, it may draw oil up and out of the leather
5. Continue blotting with fresh clean cloths until no more oil transfers

Before & After: A Successful Recovery

Thankfully, this method worked. The stain lightened significantly, and the customer was able to salvage the project — to everyone’s relief.

Leather Care Advice from Siegel Leather

Our leathers are produced for archival-quality performance, but their natural, unaltered grain also makes them more sensitive to improper care methods.

Here are a few best practices:

• Never apply oils, waxes, or conditioners not tested on archival goatskin
• Avoid heavy rubbing, solvents, or water-based cleaning
• Test any cleaning method on a scrap or hidden area first
• Contact us directly before attempting repairs or restoration
  

We’re Here to Help

If you’re unsure how to care for your leather or encounter a mishap, we’re just a message away.

• Email: sales@siegelleather.com
• Phone: +1 (336) 293-7624
• Or use our contact form
  

Siegel Leather: Bookbinding Leather Suppliers Who Care

We don’t just sell bookbinding leathers, we also support the community that uses them. Are you a first-time customer or a seasoned binder working with specialty leathers? You will find invaluable resources on our website and should you have questions or concerns, we are always available to guide you through best practices and help solve problems when they arise.