Oxalic Acid For Cleaning And Bleaching

[Leela Valley Leather]

Hello folks,

I've read in several different threads that some members here use an Oxalic Acid solution for cleaning or bleaching leather from time to time. While sourcing the acid is not great struggle I do have a question regarding it's use.

What is the concentration commonly used on leather?

I can get the acid in 100% pure form (according to the container at any rare) as crystals.

Considering it is advertised for cleaning mould from bricks, paving and drive ways I highly doubt the dilution indicated on the container will do anything but destroy the leather.

So... just how weak/strong does it need to be?

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: found this thread http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=25558 and while it gives concentrations, I could not find any reference to neutralising the acid after.

Edited April 19, 2013 by Leela Valley Leather

[Chief31794]

I mix it 1 tsp to a pint of water, others may use different concentrations. It isn't an exact science, if it doesn't clean quite well enough, add a little more crystals, if it seems too strong add a little more water. I use distilled water in all my shop operations, that prevents any other trace elements from affecting the cleaner.

Chief

[cem]

I mix it 1 tsp to a pint of water, others may use different concentrations. It isn't an exact science, if it doesn't clean quite well enough, add a little more crystals, if it seems too strong add a little more water. I use distilled water in all my shop operations, that prevents any other trace elements from affecting the cleaner.

Chief

This is what I do as well, with one more step after the leather has dried I give it another wipe down with a damp cloth of just distilled water.

Clair

[Northmount]

At these low concentrations, the leather basically neutralizes the acid. You can rinse off if you wish. Chief's mix works well.

Tom

[Harag]

I'm just reading the "Leatherwork Manual" by Al Stohlman - in there it says 1pint of warm water to 1 tsp of acid. I've not tried it yet but I guess this is the about the right mix