over oiled chaps

[Turbo28]

I have a question that I am hoping somebody can help me with.  I have a pair of western working/riding chaps.  I have had them for about 8 years.  About 5 years ago, they were extremely dried out from mud and wear and tear.  I made a ridiculous (embarrassing) decision and put them in a 5 gallon bucket with canola oil. I know this was a bad decision.... I have tried leaving them out in the sun to dry them out and there is obviously still the residue of the oil on them and it does transfer to my jeans. The chaps are still in good shape and I would hate to discard them.  Are there any suggestions on how to reverse the damage I did to them? Thank you. 

[fredk]

I would 'wash' them down with lots of cellulose [lacquer] thinners and clean rags; until they are about dry of that oil, then apply neetsfoot oil to restore the lost oil, but not as much nfo, just enough to feed the leather

[plinkercases]

Apparently corn starch will draw the oils out and not leave a residue. Will not damage like some solvents might.

Here is an article on how to remove an over oiled "spot" (olive oil used to clean/condition but applied to heavily) but I think may work buy extension to the whole chap leathers BUT you will need a lot load of cornstarch and time....

https://www.hunker.com/13423113/how-to-get-olive-oil-out-of-leather

 

Good luck and you must have a heck of time staying in the saddle.....

 

Edited September 3, 2018 by plinkercases

[Turbo28]

Thank you I will try that!

[ScoobyNewbie]

There is also the paper towel and an iron (on low heat) trick.

[johnv474]

Also, Dawn dish soap (blue) is pretty good at cutting oil.  Rub enough for there to be a lather.  It's quite difficult to remove oil from over-oiled leather but little by little it can help.

If I could risk it, I would fill a bucket like I was going to wash a car, except using Dawn.  Dip, work up a good lather while in the bucket, then rinse with a hose and hang/lay out to dry.

[chrisash]

Wait til the wife has gone shopping and sneak them into the dishwasher with a few dishwasher tablets, I know they remove grease from dishes so might work then treat with NFO

Try a sample first

Edited September 5, 2018 by chrisash

[Northmount]

On 9/3/2018 at 1:37 PM, plinkercases said:

Apparently corn starch will draw the oils out and not leave a residue

Floor dry compounds or kitty liter are supposed to work too.  Need to stir up the mess to keep bringing fresh material against the leather surface a few times each day.

Tom