Leather Goods + Seawater = the Suck

[Joel_Cairo]

Over the weekend, my girlfriend's all-leather purse fell into the water at the marina when another dog came up and startled our dog (whose leash my GF was holding during the altercation). We acted fast and fished the purse out of the water (the two cellphones inside not so much), but it was soaked. We rinsed it with freshwater, so no salt staining, but it is now, of course, much less supple to the touch than it was. Anybody have any recs for resuscitating the leather? When she bought it, they insisted she not treat it with any oils or conditioners or whatever, but lord knows that could have just been sales talk.

Here's a picture, for what it's worth. Dunno what the model name is (I always referred to it as "catcher's mitt"), but she says it was a limited edition.

 

[LabelKing]

It looks fine in the picture, but perhaps Saphir's Renovateur might be suitable. It has Mink Oil.

 

[HORNS]

A commonly found conditioner that will help restore the suppleness with less of a risk of color change is Lexol.

 

[Thurston]

I've used Lexol on my wife's leather bags (including some pretty old Coach products), my briefcases, etc. for years with no ill effects.

 

[zarathustra]

Lexol and more lexol.

As a side idea, check with leather restorers, either furnature guys or car restorers, I am sure they would have some ideas. I have seen them do wonders with some really sun damaged leather.

 

[HORNS]

The leather looks very good, so it would just be a matter of time for the purse to soften up again with daily use-and-abuse along with summer heat. But, it probably would appreciate some TLC after what it went through.

 

[billiebob]

Another vote for letting it dry thoroughly after the freshwater bath, then LEXOL until the leather drinks in no more. Let it dry for a week, then buff it thoroughly with a rag so the residue doesn't get on her clothes.

 

[lee_44106]

It looks like a newer Coach (as compared to the old made in the US Coach)

If so concerned, why not sent it back to Coach boutique for a refurbish?