Leather, like your own skin, needs to be protected and moisturized over time. You can create a simple and inexpensive leather conditioner using natural baby soap, vinegar and water. Mix two cups of warm water, a tablespoon of natural baby soap and a splash of vinegar in a bowl.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rub some saddle soap, mink oil, shaving cream, coconut oil, or neatsfoot oil on your shoes with a clean towel to soften them. You should let the shoe soak in the oil for a few minutes. It is possible to reapply if the results do not meet your expectations.
Leather Conditioners come in many forms, creams, oils, and waxes. Mink Oil, Lanolin and Neatsfoot Oil are commonly used to condition and soften leather. Mink Oil is a naturally derived substance from the mink animal and has been used for centuries to help soften leather and give the fibres flexibility.
Mix 1 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup coconut oil or EVOO, 1 tsp dish soap, and ten drops of an essential oil. This amount will do a chair of this size. Wipe on and wipe off with a clean cloth. I tried it in a spray bottle and dipped the cloth into the blend.
Treating leather with coconut oil does have a few upsides: it will soften the leather and provide a thin layer of waterproof protection. Because coconut oil is a natural oil (like neatsfoot oil, olive oil, and mink oil), it will darken leather boots when applied.
White Vinegar and Linseed Oil Blend
It is a natural oil that is extracted from flax seeds and can be used for conditioning leather car seats with great results.
Another simple, inexpensive leather conditioner can be made by mixing 2 cups warm water, one tablespoon of natural baby soap, and a splash of vinegar. Use a cloth to rub the conditioner into the leather but again, don't soak. The baby soap contains gentle oils that will help to both clean and condition your leather.
Use a leather conditioner, it will help repair dried leather, reduce visibility of scratches, and help to keep the leather looking as good as new. If you don't have leather conditioner on hand, use body lotion as a substitute.
Alcohol and Vaseline
Vaseline can be used for softening leather. Before applying Vaseline to leather, start by dabbing a small cotton pad with rubbing alcohol over the leather surface. You'll want to dab each section of the surface until it starts to shine. Try to make the shine even across the entire surface.
You can apply a thin layer of hair conditioner to clean, dry leather and work it into the surface with a soft, non-abrasive cloth. The waxes in less expensive hair conditioners work especially well for this purpose. And you don't have to worry about damage because ingredients safe for hair are also fine for leather.
Be sure to avoid these products when cleaning your leather: Baking soda, white vinegar, cream of tartar, and lemon juice.
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.
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.
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.
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.