White Shoe Dressing.—Boil together 2 parts carnauba wax, part castile soap, and 3 parts water. Stir the mass while boiling, and when an emulsion is obtained add 4 parts titanium dioxide and zo parts more of water. Shake well before it is used.
White Cleaner for Suede and Buck.—Boil together 2 parts cas tile soap, 1 o parts titanium dioxide, and I oo parts water. Apply to the leather. Permit to dry and brush with a soft wire brush.
Harness.—Harness should be cleaned and oiled from three to four times a year depending upon the amount of wear. The same procedure as for cleaning and greasing work shoes should be ap plied. The grease for work shoes will also answer the purpose for harness. Neatsfoot oil, however, can be used in place of the grease. Driving Belts.—A belt should not be exposed to unduly wet conditions nor become oil soaked. This may cause it to stretch and lose its "drag" or pulling property. Water may also cause the laps to open, although most belts are joined with water resist ing cements. Belts should be inspected frequently and treated reg ularly while in use. Treatment consists of thorough cleaning with neutral soap and warm water. Lumps of dirt are removed with a soft brush. Oil soaked belts should be sent to the manufacturer for cleaning and treatment. After the belt is cleaned it is wiped dry with a soft cloth and, while still damp, the dressing is applied. Dressings are made of mixtures of tallow, wool grease, and neats foot oil; the same kind of dressing is applied while the belt is in use. Belts, old or new, while in storage should be kept in a cool, well-ventilated room. Old or used belts should first be cleaned and dressed before storing away. (See BELTING FOR POWER TRANS MISSION.) Bookbinding Leathers.—Atmospheric conditions contribute to their deterioration : if too low in relative humidity and if laden with products of fuel combustion, bindings will absorb them and in a short time show the effects. If possible, the bindings should be kept in an atmosphere of 65% relative humidity, away from direct sunlight and an atmosphere free from coal, gas, and the like. A light oiling with neatsfoot oil every six or eight months is bene ficial. Rub the oil gently into the leather with a soft woollen cloth. (See BOOKBINDING.) Upholstery Leather.—The proper care of this type of leather is simple. Use warm, not hot or cold water, and any mild soap,
such as castile. Work up a thin suds on a piece of cheesecloth and go over the leather surface. Go over the leather a second time with a piece of cheesecloth using no soap. Finish up by rubbing with a dry soft cloth. The soap and water may remove the gloss, but the friction of the dry cloth will restore it. Never use furni ture polishes, oils, or varnish. They may soften the finish and cause it to become sticky.
Bags, Cases.—These are made to withstand considerable abuse but are subject to scratches and bruises. They are best repaired by the manufacturer of bags and cases. Ordinary soil and spots are removed with a neutral soap, a soft cloth and gentle rubbing. A light coat of castor oil is applied to them, while they are damp, and allowed to be absorbed.
Mildew.—Mildew is mould and thrives in an atmosphere of high humidity. Leather articles should not be stored or kept any length of time in a room or place that is dark and damp, even though the room be cool ; mould will readily grow under such con ditions. The room should be dry, well-ventilated, and light. The ordinary attic is an ideal place. Never store leather articles in a basement on a cement floor for such a place is usually damp and the air is not well circulated. It is unwise to use strong disin fectants on leather articles that are mildewed. Often no more damage is done by the mildew than to discolour the spot where it has grown, with a consequent destruction of the finish. Mildewed areas are best treated by washing with a neutral soap solution to which is added a small amount of oil of eucalyptus or oil of sassa fras, about one teaspoonful to a pint of soap suds is sufficient. After this treatment, it is well to let the affected parts of the arti cle stand in the direct sunshine for about one hour.