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.
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.
Yes! coconut oil oxidizes leather. The leather's color tone can be a bit darker when oil is applied.
The leather can benefit from a light application of coconut oil (or olive oil) after you have cleaned the interior thoroughly. Slowly apply a small amount at a time and blend it in using a dry cloth.
Be sure to avoid these products when cleaning your leather: Baking soda, white vinegar, cream of tartar, and lemon juice.
Olive oil, and every oily substance for that matter, will not “nourish” your leather, but actually accelerate its deterioration. Leather is extremely permeable, and will soak up any oils you put on it. When oil first saturates leather, it seeps to the back—to the part you can't see.
Apply a dime-sized amount of designated leather conditioner (like mink oil) to a soft cloth (microfiber is best but not necessary). Avoid using DIY leather care products, like olive oil or coconut oil, which can potentially harm your item. Begin rubbing the clean leather in circular motions with the cloth.
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.
An alternative DIY leather conditioner to use is natural baby soap. It might sound ridiculous but baby soap makes your leather soft. You don't have to risk staining your leather doing this. To make, just mix a spoonful of natural baby soap with water and add a few drops of vinegar to the mixture.
So, you're wondering, “Is Vaseline good for leather car seats?” and the answer is a definitive no. You should take extreme care when it comes to any petroleum-based products.
If you want to learn how to stain leather darker, try using an oil, such as neatsfoot oil, coconut oil, or mink oil. Apply the oil to a clean white cloth, then rub the oil-covered cloth back and forth over the leather surface. Take care to evenly apply the oil.
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.
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.
However, if you're in a pinch and looking to condition some work boots, hiking boots, or leather that will see heavy use and doesn't need to look perfect, most any oil such as olive or vegetable oil can work.
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.
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)
Combine beeswax, cocoa butter, and sweet almond oil in a saucepan, using a 1-1-2 ratio. Apply medium heat, being very careful not to overheat. As soon as the solid fats have melted into the oil, remove the pan and allow the mixture to cool. After 30 or 40 minutes, you should have a thick balm.
You will do much better to use something made specifically for leather. 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.
Use jojoba oil, avocado, or coconut to soften leather items. The leather should be exposed to the sun before using any natural oil. This is particularly important in the summer. Allow the materials to breathe for 10 minutes to allow the pores to open.
In this case, regular dusting and a simple wipe with a damp cloth from time to time will certainly suffice. Smooth, fine and patent leathers will benefit from a soft leather cream to nourish, hydrate and preserve their supple qualities. Gentle creams and conditioners may also be used to remove light scratches.