How do you clean a leather rag rug...should I put into machine on gen?

What a beautiful find! Mix 5% white vinegar and 95% water in a spray bottle. Working in small areas at a time, lightly spray the rug with the solution and wipe that area with a soft sponge. Dry the rug immediately with a clean, dry rag.

Thanks for your reply.

Sounds like a good plan: should it be a gentle misting? or soaking?

I don't tbink I would use vinegar on it -- it might strip out the natural oils in the leather. Getting leather wet is not really a problem, after all it's an animal hide, and animals get rained on, are bathed, etc without harm. If it's been done properly, water should just bead up and roll off -- unless it's suede, which is a whole 'nother story. I would use either a good leather cleaner (eg Lexol -- this has been used by horse people for years to clean and protect leather tack) or a simple glycerin soap (sometimes called saddle soap). Either will clean the leather without stripping it (no rinsing required), and will replace the moisture at the same time, which is the secret to keeping leather soft and supple. From what I can see in the photos, it doesn't appear to be that dirty, so shouldn't be too big a job. Good luck!

I have always used saddle soap on my fine leather purses and shoes and even on baseball gloves. You can go to a feed store or pet store to get it. It can also be found where shoe polish is sold.

I would take it to a drycleaner where they do leather jacket cleaning etc.

Hi Tracey. I'd thought of dry cleaning. and after signing a waiver in case it gets "hiccupped", or the tassel ends get pulled off...... it is still > $75.00 And that is considered a good price. So I am thinking saddle soap and elbow grease is my best solution so far.