How to Soften Leather the Right Way (2024)

The article has been updated with new useful information 2023/01/13

When it comes to working with leather, finding a good quality leather softener is always smart. As you might know, leather can often become cracked, damaged, dried out, or otherwise weak over time.

Generally, continuous wearing of that leather will create a change in how it looks. If you want to learn how to make leather softer, we have some ideas for you below to help you achieve the right kind of finish.

How to Soften Old Leather

Alcohol + Vaseline

How to Soften Leather the Right Way (1)

  1. Apply a generous portion of rubbing alcohol to a cotton pad. Then, dab the pad on the leather surface until it is shiny.
  2. Afterward, apply Vaseline to the surface. You can apply a few layers if you feel that leather can absorb more. Leave it to dry overnight.

Coconut Oil

How to Soften Leather the Right Way (2)

  1. Leave the leather item in the sun for 10 minutes or use a hair dryer to heat its surface.
  2. Then, take a spoonful of coconut oil and rub it in.
  3. Note: Coconut oil will darken the leather a shade or two.

Conditioner

How to Soften Leather the Right Way (3)

  1. Apply a leather care conditioner (lanolin-based product), to the leather.
  2. If the surface is still stiff, you can apply several coats.
  3. Read about commercial care products and how properties differ below.

Mink Oil

How to Soften Leather the Right Way (4)

  1. Mink oil can be used on jackets, boots, bags, or other leather accessories.
  2. Saturate a dry rag with the oil and apply up to three layers on the leather.
  3. Rub the oil into the surface using circle motions. Give the oil 2 to 3 days to absorb.

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Please be aware that utilizing DIY skin care products can damage the leather of the goods by using materials of low quality or by miscalculating the consistency.
However, homemade skin care solutions will spare you the hassle and undesirable results. Use items made by experts!

Products for caring for leather are a terrific way to keep it looking new. These items have an antibacterial solution to assist in keeping your leather goods looking new and maintaining their appearance.

High-quality leather stain removers and water-resistant leather restoration treatments are available from olpr.You can also order a leather care kit to give your leather goods the utmost care and longevity!

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Application: Remove dirt, accumulated grime, and other surface impurities.

Apply a tiny amount on a lint-free cloth and rub in a circular motion until the cloth is well coated.

When dry, add more coatings if necessary. Give a 24-hour remedy.

Note: Use on suede, nubuck, or pull-up leathers is not advised.

Excellent care for leather products - wax conditioner. Containing 100% natural ingredients, the semi-thick conditioner provides maximum protection and restoration and guarantees the longevity of your leather products.

It is ideal for leather that needs extra protection, tinting and for leather that is frequently exposed to external factors.

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Application: Remove surface impurities, including dirt, plaque, and other debris.

Apply a tiny amount on a lint-free cloth and thoroughly rub in a circular motion.

Apply extra coats if necessary after drying for an hour. Take a 24-hour break.

Extend the life of your leather goods. The easily absorbed, rich conditioner lotion will make your leather water-resistant. Leather is deeply regenerated with this high-quality, richly textured conditioner. Large leather products, damaged or worn leather, and untreated leather are all great candidates.

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Application: Eliminate surface pollutants by wiping away loose dirt and buildup.

Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the surface clean in a circular motion.

Before conditioning, completely dry the leather.

Using pH-balanced cleaning, you can remove grime, surface stains, and other impurities from your leather products.
Before conditioning, we advise using a cleanser.
By routinely cleaning and maintaining your leather items, you can extend their lifespan by years.

Intended to be used as a mild spot cleanser for recent stains, buildup, and grime. Upon request, half gallons and gallons are available for post-production, retail, or wholesale treatments.

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Is it Possible to Soften New, Hard Leather Without Any Special Products?

If you have a hard leather material, you might wonder what you can do to make it feel softer. Many new leathers can feel stiff and breaking them can be a very uncomfortable experience. While you can use any aforementioned leather-softening product, to have a quick but temporary result, you may use heat upon use.

A tumble dryer can also help soften hard leather. Quick and easy, tumble drying leather is one of the best methods to use if you aren’t looking to buy any products to soften hard leather.

The constant spinning of the drum and heat exposure helps the leather soften in a way that’s similar to the experience of long-term wear. If you choose to use this method, don't forget to turn any leather jacket inside-out, and if applicable, zip it closed. It’s also best to put any leather inside a washing bag for safety and protection.

When using the dryer method, keep this checklist in mind:

  • You must use medium heat; anything above or below can have a negative impact on both the leather and the dryer.
  • Set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes. Keeping the product in the dryer for too long can damage the structure of the leather.
  • Don’t put wet leather in the dryer.
  • It’s recommended you apply a leather conditioner or mink oil to the product after removal from the dryer.

Buying a Commercial Softener to Loosen Dry Leather

The safest, most efficient way to soften hard leather – old or new – is to use a good quality leather conditioner. Leather conditioners work best at replacing absent lubrication needed to soften the leather surface.

The conditioner helps ensure that the leather can continue to move and blend with your body. While old leather might already be showing signs of wear and tear, leather softening conditioner will still be good to use to prevent further damage.

It's better to buy a commercial softener as a special product for professional leather care than to take any shortcuts. It will be the ideal solution to renew and soften your leather easily. However, many leather softeners are not a one-size-fits-all cure. Some options work better on specific leather types than others.

The various methods and products that you can use will make it tough to work out just what you want to do. For example, dealing with stiff leather is different than working with old leather. Dry leather will require a different type of conditioner, as well. You have to keep in mind that not every leather softener is going to be suitable for all of your leather needs. Not only will they not soften the leather, but some can also darken the leather undesirably.

How to Choose a Leather Conditioner

One ingredient to look for in many conditioners or creams is lanolin.

Many people who work with leather believe that spray conditioners are the worst option because they are made of cheaper oils and are cut with water.

If you have some time and like making homemade products, try preparing your own conditioner by heating and mixing healthy natural oils with natural beeswax. This is the only way to be sure exactly what is in the blend. You should also take note that wax-based conditioner applies more evenly than oil and doesn’t darken the leather as much.

But be careful with products that contain too much wax because they will not penetrate the leather and can create a waterproof top that doesn’t allow leather to breathe.

If you are purchasing leather products from a craftsman, it never hurts to ask their take on which conditioners work best on their products. You can also follow reviews left by customers to see what may work best for your specific need.

These are the leather conditioners we suggest on olpr. leather products, which are the highest-rated leather-care products on our website:

As an enthusiast and expert in leatherworking and leather care, I've accumulated comprehensive knowledge and experience in handling various leather types and maintaining their quality. I've extensively studied and practiced leather treatment methods, including conditioning, softening, and preserving leather goods to ensure their longevity and optimal appearance. My expertise encompasses a wide range of techniques, products, and best practices within the realm of leather care.

Regarding the provided article on softening leather, it touches upon multiple fundamental concepts in leather care and treatment:

  1. Leather Softening Techniques: The article discusses various methods to soften old or new leather, such as using rubbing alcohol with Vaseline, coconut oil, leather conditioners, and mink oil. Each method has its unique application process and considerations, including potential impacts on the leather's appearance.

  2. Commercial Leather Care Products: The article highlights specific leather care products, emphasizing their benefits, including waterproofing, restoration, conditioning, and stain removal. It underscores the importance of using high-quality, expertly crafted products for optimal leather maintenance.

  3. Warnings About DIY Products: The article warns against using DIY skincare products that might damage leather due to low-quality materials or incorrect formulation. It stresses the significance of using products made by experts to ensure the preservation and quality of leather goods.

  4. Guidelines for Softening Hard Leather: It provides alternative methods for softening hard leather, such as using heat exposure through a tumble dryer. Additionally, it advises using commercial leather softeners as the most efficient and safest solution.

  5. Choosing the Right Leather Conditioner: It educates readers on selecting suitable leather conditioners based on ingredients, such as lanolin, and warns against certain spray conditioners. It suggests wax-based conditioners and advises caution regarding excessive wax content that might hinder leather breathability.

  6. Consulting Experts and Customer Reviews: The article recommends consulting craftsmen or relying on customer reviews to choose appropriate leather care products tailored to specific needs.

  7. Featured Leather Goods: It promotes various handmade leather goods and accessories while underscoring the importance of proper care and maintenance to extend their lifespan.

This comprehensive guide not only presents techniques for softening leather but also emphasizes the significance of using quality products and informed decision-making in preserving and caring for leather goods. It covers a spectrum of methods, products, and precautions essential for maintaining the quality and appearance of different types of leather.

How to Soften Leather the Right Way (2024)

FAQs

How do you soften leather? ›

How can you soften leather? 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.

What is the best oil to soften 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.

Does soaking leather in water soften it? ›

Water can also help to soften leather by making it more pliable. Dampen a soft cloth with water and gently rub it over the surface of the leather. Then, use your hands to massage the leather and help stretch and loosen it. Be sure to allow the leather to dry completely before using it again.

How do you make leather soft fast? ›

Oils like olive oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil are all effective at softening leather. Simply apply a small amount of oil to the leather and rub it with a cloth. Be sure to test the oil on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the leather.

Does olive oil soften leather? ›

While olive oil softens leather and promotes supplety, its use engenders an array of problems. Firstly, olive oil is known to resurface and stain leather after it has been applied and left to dry. This leads to unsightly spots and blemishes that will ruin the appearance of any leather product.

Is Vaseline a good leather softener? ›

Does Vaseline Soften Leather? As a leather conditioner, petroleum jelly softens and protects the leather from cracking and drying out. This will work well on leather and patent leather bags, shoes, jackets, and other things, such as leather belts, purses, coats, and leather watch straps.

Does wd40 soften leather? ›

Enhancing Leather and Vinyl

WD-40 Multi-Use Product can be a game-changer in restoring their suppleness and luster. To begin, clean the leather or vinyl surface with a mild mixture of soap and water. Once dry, apply a small amount of the Original WD-40 Formula on a clean cloth and gently massage it into the material.

Is there a leather softener? ›

Leather conditioner makes the best leather softener. You can use Leather Honey to soften all leather items except suede, including furniture, auto interior, motorcycle leathers, jackets, boots and shoes, gloves, purses, saddles and tack, and much more.

Can you soften old stiff leather? ›

Applying oils to your leather shoes will restore and nourish them, leading to softer shoes. There are many oils which can soften your leather shoes and prevent or reduce stiffness. Mink oil, saddle soap, coconut oil, and foot oil are all useful for softening leather shoes.

How do you stretch or soften leather? ›

If your leather shoes are just a bit too snug, wearing a pair of thick socks or even two can help stretch out leather without damaging it. Wear them around the house for at least 2-4 hours to give the leather enough time to stretch properly. After this process, put on dress socks and see if it feels more comfortable.

Can you use Vaseline on leather? ›

If you're having problems with your leather, you can always use Vaseline to waterproof your leather temporarily. You will need to clean your item beforehand, then simply coat them in a layer of Vaseline and it'll do the job just as well.

How does alcohol soften leather? ›

Using alcohol is another method for softening leather, but it should be used with caution. This method involves applying alcohol to the leather to break down the fibers and make them more pliable.

What does boiling water do to leather? ›

You can also harden leather in in boiling water--considerably faster. In my experience, about a twenty second boil gives shrinkage to 7/8ths, about a forty second gives you a shrinkage to 2/3 and roughly doubles the thickness.

What softens and stretches leather? ›

HOW TO STRETCH AND SOFTEN LEATHER BOOTS AND SHOES
  • It can take a while for new footwear to feel like it's been in your wardrobe forever. ...
  • 1) Wear them little and often. ...
  • 2) Wear them indoors. ...
  • 3) Use a spoon. ...
  • 4) Use the hairdryer. ...
  • 5) Use screwed up newspaper. ...
  • 6) Buy shoe stretchers. ...
  • 7) Use a stretching spray.

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