Baby oil is a pretty light lubricant (it's mineral oil with some fragrance added) but will still over-soften the leather, much like mink oil would do. So you might find that the leather has turned to something akin to mush.
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.
Dab a soft cloth in some baby oil and then wipe the leather with it. Not only will this make your leather sofa smell fresh, but it will also preserve the leather. There are also a variety of cleaning products available that have been specifically designed to prevent and eliminate even the worst of smells.
Baby oil is mineral oil and it'll eventually ruin the leather, and any stitching that's in it too. Use a good quality lleather conditioner, you'll be a lot happier with the results that way.
Coconut oil is not only good for your hair and skin but also works wonders on your leather seats. It soaks into the cracks of your car seats and restores its smooth appearance. It is not a cleaning agent but works well as a conditioner.
Use a clean, lint-free cloth to apply it. When you don't have shoe polish, this is a great method to soften leather shoes. As well as preventing the leather from splitting, Vaseline will also soften the leather.
Neatsfoot oil, lanolin, almond oil, and mink oil are best for softening your leather. All of these are natural oils that moisturize leather, keeping it from drying and cracking. The fats in these natural oils will deeply moisturize the hide in leather products. Use neatsfoot oil for quick fixes.
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.
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.
Be sure to avoid these products when cleaning your leather: Baking soda, white vinegar, cream of tartar, and lemon juice.
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.
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.
The optimal method for softening leather is through the use of leather conditioners. Apply the conditioner onto the leather surface using a moist cloth. Alternatively, water, natural oils like coconut or olive oil, and even Vaseline can serve as viable options.
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.
Vinegar can be a strong cleaning agent, but it can also dry out leather items. Mix together two parts linseed oil and one part white vinegar to create a leather cleaning/conditioning solution that cleans even as it helps keep the leather soft.
Olive oil may be used to effectively soften leather, which can be helpful if you possess an item made of leather that has to be reconditioned. Step 1 Olive oil should be applied in copious amounts to the region that may benefit from conditioning.
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.
Baby oil is a pretty light lubricant (it's mineral oil with some fragrance added) but will still over-soften the leather, much like mink oil would do. So you might find that the leather has turned to something akin to mush.
Gentle small circular motions help work the materials in. Let the item sit for several minutes (15 or so), then use a clean soft cloth to wipe away any excess product. This leaves a thin coat of beeswax on the surface to protect, soften and condition the leather grain and texture.