Once the surface of your real leather bag is clean, you can apply your leather conditioner. Apply a small amount of leather conditioner onto a lint-free cloth. In a circular motion, gently moisturise the formula into the real leather until the leather bag is fully coated.
Place the item on a clean, dry towel or hang up to air dry. It should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources. When completely dry, apply a suitable moisturizer or leather conditioner. Use a soft cloth or sponge and apply the conditioner using gentle, circular motions.
Out of all the leather oils we sampled, mink oil showed the best result, removing surface scratches and subtly darkening the tone of the leather for a uniform finish. In addition, mink oil is a natural leather softener, provides temporary waterproof resistance and improves flexibility by lubricating cracked fibres.
Whichever type of leather you choose, remember it requires thorough conditioning. Leather Honey is your best solution for that job. The family-recipe formula deeply penetrates all types of leather and restores the lost moisture.
Mix two cups of warm water, a tablespoon of natural baby soap and a splash of vinegar in a bowl. Use a microfiber cloth to rub the conditioning mixture into the leather, making sure not to soak the area. Simply moisten the leather and leave the conditioner on the furniture.
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)
You should take extra care with your leather items and ensure you wipe away any dust or spots with a soft cloth or brush, frequently. For the storage of your leather goods, you should ensure that they are stored away from direct sunlight as there is a distinct possibility that this will lead to the leather fading.
In other words, much more straightforward synonyms to the term “Genuine Leather” would be “True Leather”, “Real Leather”, or “100% Leather”. In short, genuine only means that something is actually made of leather but does not infer high quality.
What is the difference between genuine and real leather? Real leather is 100% authentic leather made from animal hides, such as full grain leather or top grain leather. Genuine leather is a lower grade, which often includes only a small percentage of authentic leather.
Be sure to avoid these products when cleaning your leather: Baking soda, white vinegar, cream of tartar, and lemon juice.
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.
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.
Condition Your Leather
Some experts advocate conditioning every six to 12 months, but this is entirely dependent on the environment your leather is in, the amount of use it gets, and your own preferences. Leather conditioner is a moisturizer, and, just like the skin on your body, leather will soak it up.
Vaseline can be used for softening leather.
Conditioner/Cream.
Leather conditioner or cream moisturizes the material so that it doesn't dry out and crack.
Leather in itself will can last for 100 years before it begins to disintegrate, and most people won't be keeping their bag for that long. However you can expect a good quality bag, made from full grain leather, that is oiled regularly and stored carefully to last upwards of 30 years.
Overall, full-grain leather is the best leather available on the market as it maintains its natural texture and durability and develops a unique patina over time. Genuine leather is widely used but can have different qualities depending on the manufacturing process and surface treatment.
If small wrinkles appear on its surface and disappear in a few seconds, it is a sign that the quality of the leather is high. Odor, a good indicator of quality. Knowing if your product is genuine leather is as easy as its smell, very characteristic. However, synthetic materials often give off a strong plastic smell.
Prepare a conditioning solution by combining one part white vinegar with two parts linseed or mink oil. Apply with a chamois cloth in circular motions. After 10-15 minutes, rub the area with a dry chamois towel.
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.
One oil that has shown promising benefits for your favorite leather goods is lemon essential oil. All you need is a soft cloth and around 10 drops of the essential oil, which you can massage into your leather. But according to Rapinchuk, the best bet for a natural oil is beeswax. "Beeswax in a tub is my go-to.