How to Remove Powder Burns on a Hide

Animal hide obtained through hunting will sometimes retain powder burns that you want to remove. Leather, can be cleaned with commercially, but you can also use common household cleaning products that can be just as effective as commercially available counterparts. This process will work on leather that has been tanned or in it's natural state. Be aware, however, that cleaning may not remove all of the powder burns on the hide since burns will penetrate the leather and aren't just on the surface.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 cups distilled water
  • Gentle, liquid natural soap
  • Bowl
  • Rag
  • Leather conditioner, if desired
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mix the distilled water and 5 drops of the soap in the bowl. Swish it around with your hand to mix it well. Natural soaps are better for cleaning leather since they have fewer chemicals that may harm the hide. Look in the natural foods section of your grocery store or visit a natural food store to find this type of soap.

    • 2

      Dip the corner of the rag in the soapy water. Wring it out so it's damp but not dripping.

    • 3

      Scrub the powder burn with the wet rag, dipping it in the water repeatedly to rinse off the gun powder as it comes off of the hide.

    • 4

      Wet other parts of the rag as one part gets dirty and continue working on the burn to get the hide as clean as possible.

    • 5

      Change the water if it gets cloudy or dirty.

    • 6

      Let the leather dry after cleaning.

    • 7

      Apply a leather conditioner if desired. Leather conditioner can be found at stores that sell leather items or at car care stores.