Out of all the leather oils we sampled,
Using household oils — like olive oil or mink oil — on your leather will damage it. Instead, use a leather cleaning and conditioner product, like Leather Honey Leather Cleaner and Leather Honey Leather Conditioner.
All leather polish must have four basic ingredients: Solvent: usually Naphtha or Turpentine. Oil: usually Neatsfoot (bovine tallow) or Mink oil. Wax: usually Beeswax and/or Carnauba Wax.
Although leather does indeed become a little suppler after applying olive oil, this instant gratification comes with a price. Olive oil, and every oily substance for that matter, will not “nourish” your leather, but actually accelerate its deterioration.
Leather fibres that are dry and un-lubricated break very easily. Oiling does impart colour and an element of water resistance.
WD-40 not only adds moisture to your leather furniture but also softens them and leaves a protective layer on top. That way, your armchair or couch is less likely to absorb oils and dirt as you use it, and it won't stain as easily.
Be sure to avoid these products when cleaning your leather: Baking soda, white vinegar, cream of tartar, and lemon juice.
Mink oil can be used on jackets, boots, bags, or other leather accessories. Saturate a dry rag with the oil and apply up to three layers on the leather. Rub the oil into the surface using circle motions. Give the oil 2 to 3 days to absorb.
You may get darker leather if you use coconut oil, albeit temporarily. But what it's best known for is leaving a spotty, patch-like appearance to the leather and sticky feeling. Treating leather with coconut oil does have a few upsides: it will soften the leather and provide a thin layer of waterproof protection.
Make a Homemade Leather Conditioner
Use beeswax and oils to make homemade leather conditioner. Use a small amount on a soft cloth to rub into the leather and buff it to a shine. Melt the mixture over water on medium heat, stirring constantly, until it is completely melted.
Lanolin-based leather oil
This oil is well-regarded for the way it conditions and softens. It is derived from the natural sebum of sheep and is great for dry or brittle leather goods. It can be highly effective at restoring shine and suppleness.
Vegetable oil, like olive oil can be ok for some leathers, generally as a substitute for those where neatsfoot oil would be used. Vegetable oil usually won't darken the leather as much as neatsfoot oil. It's generally applied to heavier, or tooled leathers.
Vinegar and linseed oil is a great home remedy to clean leather. This mixture consists of one part vinegar to two parts linseed oil. To apply, simply mix in a small jar and rub it into the furniture with a cloth.
Leather can be cleaned using simple household products. Mix a 50/50 vinegar and water solution in a bowl and use a microfiber cloth to apply it to your furniture.
Vaseline isn't all that awful for leather when used briefly. In actuality, petroleum jelly can aid in leather cleaning and softening. Its formulation not only softens the leather but also shields it from cracking. Additionally, it works wonders to make your shoes waterproof and remove scuffs and scratches.
DIY Leather Conditioner Ingredients:
- Solid Beeswax (protects the leather) - Coconut butter or Shea butter (conditions the leather) - Sweet almond oil (softens & moisturizes the leather) - substitute grapeseed oil if you have a nut allergy. - Castor oil (shines the leather)
Leather conditioners are the finest way to soften the leather. Use a damp cloth to apply the conditioner to the leather surface. It's also possible to use water and natural oils such as coconut or olive oil, as well as Vaseline.
There are many oils, chemicals and cleaning products that will ruin or shorten the lifespan of leather. Hides can be torn, scratched, stretched, left in the sun, heated, burnt or covered in water. Generally, any alcohol, paint thinner, turpentine or petroleum based product will degrade leather.
Clean with care
Any cleaning product with a high pH, like vinegar or lemon juice, damages leather fibers and results in excessive drying that creates unsightly cracks. Also avoid products like olive or coconut oil and furniture polishes.