Leather gig bag care and feeding?

[Dean E]

A question for those of you who own leather gig bags. I've recently purchased my very first leather gig bag and I want to make sure I do what is necessary to ensure a long life-span. Do you use leather care products on it? Mink oil? Or do these products soften the leather to a point that it is less protective of the instrument?

Thanks!

Hi Greg,

I have a used, glove leather bag, and the leather is in great shape. You probably don't have to worry about cleaning or waterproofing--only conditioning. The link below offers standard products:
http://www.foxcreekleather.com/132.html

However, the big problem with my used bag is the thin layer of sponge rubber lining, which has dried out and has begun crumbling to dust. That sponge lining is between the leather and a thin, cheesecloth-like polyester lining. I assume that the crumbling could have been avoided with spray silicone (the secret ingredient in Armorall).

Rumor has it that pets like leather bags and naturally want to leave their mark.