A good leather conditioner should penetrate deeply to nourish, condition, and protect all your natural leather goods. Keeping it supple keeps it from hardening and cracking, making sure your leather goods stay with you for the long haul.
By replenishing nature’s oils, it helps guard against cracking, fading and premature aging, so leather can keep looking great and stand up to daily use. With regular application, leather conditioner can work to repel moisture and stains too, providing an extra layer of defense.
Knowing when and how to apply leather conditioner can help you extend the life of all your favorite leather items.
Leather’s Composition and Needs
Leather, a natural product created from animal hides, needs special care in order to last. Once an animal part, leather is porous, letting moisture and oils seep out over time, resulting in drying and cracking.
Especially with leather, regular conditioning keeps the fibers soft and flexible, preventing cracking and breaking. There are three main types of leather conditioners: creams, liquids, and pastes, each designed to suit different leather needs. For example, cream conditioners work well on furniture while liquid conditioners may be more suited for clothing.
Conditioner’s Role in Leather Care
A good leather conditioner will keep it from getting cracked and dried out, which is a must in enjoying hot, dry climates. When using new leather goods, condition with a good conditioner after 3-6 months of use.
Adopting this routine will add years to their life. Well taken care of leather can last for generations; some pieces live for over half a century. Better to condition every 6 to 12 months, depending on conditions.
Monthly conditioning is commonly recommended in hot, dry regions, whereas more humid climates will need less regular maintenance. Be sure to look at the manufacturer’s recommendations for your particular leather.
Certain types of leather, such as patent leather or faux leather, do not require regular conditioners. In a pinch, a gentle shampoo or baby soap can be used as a stand-in.
Why Condition Leather?
Conditioning leather is a critical step in keeping your leather its most beautiful and durable self. With regular conditioning, your leather goods will look better and last longer, making the time spent a small price to pay.
1. Prevents Cracking and Dryness
Leather will dry out, just like skin, causing cracks that will ruin its integrity. Conditioning restores these oils, protecting against this drying out.
Bigger pieces such as the Endre Weekender need an additional layer of attention. They are more susceptible to the ravages of everyday life.
Having a schedule to regularly condition every 6-12 months will go a long way in keeping your leather soft and luxurious.
2. Restores Suppleness and Flexibility
With age, leather tends to lose its original suppleness. Conditioning works to bring back this suppleness, so your leather can flex and bend without rigidity.
Since leather develops a beautiful patina over time, keeping flex in the leather allows the material to remain more visually appealing.
3. Enhances Appearance and Shine
Regular conditioning protects as well as beautifies leather. A properly conditioned leather piece shimmers and exhibits a beautiful patina, creating the appearance of a lively and loved object.
This is particularly true when it comes to premium goods.
4. Extends Leather’s Lifespan
When you regularly condition your leather, you will dramatically increase its lifespan. This proactive approach ensures your leather remains in great shape, saving you from premature replacements.
5. Protects Against Environmental Damage
Leather, like all natural material, is sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, such as high humidity or excessive dryness.
Conditioning forms a protective layer to prevent this type of damage, preserving the make-up and look of your products.
Identify Leather Care Needs
Knowing how best to care for your leather is essential to keeping it beautiful and increasing its lifespan. Regular and proper conditioning prevents your leather from becoming dry or wrinkled, protecting its fresh look and feel for years.
Recognizing Dryness and Damage
Eventually, you can expect to start seeing signs of dryness/deterioration like cracks or a stiff, leathery feel. Most times it occurs as a result of environmental exposure.
In hot, dry climates, leather should be conditioned every month to avoid these problems, and twice a year is enough in more humid conditions. By routinely checking for dryness, you can spot an issue before it turns into a crisis, keeping your leather beautiful and long lasting.
Assessing Leather Type and Use
Nomad Leather, for instance, needs a completely different treatment than full-grain veg-tanned leather. Full-grain, top-grain or bonded leather will affect which type of leather conditioner you need.
Cream conditioners work best on softer leathers. Conversely, paste conditioners provide an excellent protective barrier for the more robust leather types. Look at the usage of your leather piece. If you use it every day, you will need to care for it more often.
Signs Your Leather Needs Conditioning
Check for outward signs that your leather may be overdue for care. If it looks dry or has a sandpaper texture, it’s time to condition.
It’s a good idea to start a conditioning routine after a few months of regular use, even for new goods. When working on larger leather pieces, be diligent to provide even coverage.
Always test the cleaner or conditioner on a less visible area first. This method allows you to gauge its effectiveness and experience results in under 24 hours.
Types of Leather Conditioners
Leather conditioners are available in many different forms, each designed for different purposes and consumer preferences. Knowing these types can better equip you to care for your leather items.
Cream Conditioners
Cream conditioners are widely favored due to their ease of application. Sometimes they’re called cream type conditioners, but the best formulas deliver a deep combination of oils and waxes to deliver moisture and protection.
When you work a cream conditioner into your leather, you can anticipate a comfortable, natural, easy application. At the same time, it nourishes the leather, simultaneously hydrating and restoring its natural sheen. They’re perfect for handbags or shoes that need to be maintained often.
Oil Conditioners
Oil-based conditioners penetrate deeply into the leather fibers for long-lasting hydration. These conditioners are best for aging or more damaged leather goods, such as vintage jackets or broken-in belts.
A good oil conditioner will protect against cracking and dryness while easily allowing you to make your leather goods feel like new.
Wax Conditioners
Wax conditioners simply provide a protective layer on top of the leather. They are great for leather goods kept outdoors, like boots or saddles, because they do a great job of repelling water and dirt.
For use on other leather items, applying wax conditioners brings out a warm patina with lasting protection against extreme climates.
Liquid Conditioners
Liquid conditioners are often the easiest conditioner to apply, and they tend to soak into the leather the quickest. These are great for lighter leather pieces, such as wallets or gloves.
A liquid conditioner will restore leather’s natural color and luster and maintain it with no oily build-up.
Choosing the Right Conditioner
As always, the type of leather and its condition will play a large role in which conditioner you select. As with any leather product, always consider your leather’s specific needs before making a decision.
Consider factors like usage, age, and exposure to elements to ensure optimal care.
Related: Types of leathers
How to Condition Leather
Conditioning leather will nourish and beautify your leather, helping it stand the test of time. Maintaining softness and suppleness of your leather products is easy with these few tips. These steps will keep your leather from cracking and drying out.
Gather Necessary Supplies
Gather supplies to begin conditioning leather. You’ll need a high-quality leather conditioner, a soft cloth or sponge, and a stiff-bristle brush for cleaning.
If the leather is very dirty, we recommend using a mild leather cleaner to clean the surface before conditioning. Selecting the proper leather conditioner Here is where people often become confused with conditioning leather.
Choose a product that comes in cream or lotion form made specifically for conditioning leather.
Prepare the Leather Surface
Prior to conditioning leather, perform an inspection for dirt or stains that need attention.
Dust the surface using a soft brush or cloth to clean the surface and remove any barnacles or dirt. For dirtier spots, dampen a cloth with a few drops of leather cleaner.
Ensure the leather is thoroughly dry before proceeding to conditioning.
Apply Conditioner Evenly
With a clean, soft rag or sponge, distribute the leather conditioner evenly over the leather surface.
Apply using a cloth or sponge, working in small sections to ensure thorough coverage. Apply the conditioner with circular motions to ensure it goes deep into the leather.
Not only does this nourish the material, it brings out the material’s natural sheen.
Allow Conditioner to Absorb
After applying, allow the conditioner to soak into the leather for a minimum of 30 minutes.
This waiting period ensures the oil penetrates deep below the surface, delivering the proper moisture to the leather, keeping it healthy and flexible.
Buff the Leather
After the conditioner has had a chance to absorb, buff the leather with a clean, dry cloth to help bring out its luster.
This final step helps to polish the shine and fully buff off any excess product, leaving a nice smooth sheen.
Best Practices for Leather Care
To keep leather as durable and beautiful as ever, heed these care tips and best practices. A very important first step is cleaning first and then conditioning.
Cleaning Before Conditioning
Cleaning your leather item is crucial. Before using any leather conditioner, you should clean your leather piece. Treat leather gently with a soft dry cloth or a dry soft cloth brush to remove dirt and dust.
When it’s time for a deeper clean, use a damp cloth and mild soap. Smearing the conditioner on without proper cleaning and prep doesn’t allow it to penetrate properly, often negating any benefits.
As an example, if you’re caring for a leather jacket, some simple dirt removal will go a long way towards helping your conditioner better nourish and protect the leather.
Proper Drying Techniques
After cleaning, allowing leather to dry correctly is essential. Don’t keep your piece in direct sunlight or on/near heat sources; these can cause the leather to dry and crack.
Instead, put the item in a ventilated, cool, dry place. For example, if you’ve cleaned a pair of leather boots, leave them in a room temperature environment.
This technique does a great job of keeping moisture in the leather and thereby avoiding cracking and dry rot.
Storage Considerations
Leather items are an investment, and how you store them has a lasting effect on their longevity. Always store leather in a breathable cotton bag or box.
Don’t use plastic; it doesn’t allow for the release of built-up moisture. When storing a leather handbag, for instance, it’s still best to use a dust bag to protect it from dust and other debris while letting it breathe.
This is important because it stops the growth of mold and mildew, which can damage your leather over time.
Addressing Specific Leather Issues
Taking care of specific problems such as scratches and stains right away can help prevent damage and extend the life of leather. For small scratches, a few drops of leather conditioner will usually do the trick and bring back leather’s natural luster.
For specific stains, a dedicated cleaner will likely be required. When in doubt, especially with extreme cases, it’s best to consult a leather care professional, making sure your leather items get the utmost care.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Knowing what the best practices are for caring for leather is key to expanding its lifespan and keeping it looking beautiful. There are a few common mistakes that can reduce the effectiveness of leather conditioners, and more importantly turn your items to ruined. Join us as we discuss these common pitfalls to keep your leather looking and feeling its best.
Over-Conditioning Risks
Too much product will result in a shiny, tacky residue that quickly collects grime and debris. Applying excess conditioner fills the pores of the leather. This can contribute to a loss of its natural flexibility.
A great general guideline is to condition every six months, but take into account your unique item’s surroundings. As an example, a daily bag will require more frequent conditioning than a jacket that’s used a few times per year.
Using Incorrect Products
Choosing the wrong conditioner can do more damage than help.
Many commercial products use harsh chemicals and dyes that can discolor or dry out the leather. Make sure to find conditioners made especially for your leather type, whether it be aniline, suede or bonded leather.
For leather materials, a high-quality cream or oil-based conditioner will keep leathers conditioned, supple, and most importantly, smooth. For suede, a spray is almost always the preferable option.
Ignoring Manufacturer Instructions
No two leather products are the same, and that’s why each manufacturer places care instructions to ensure proper treatment. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in inadequate care and early life damage.
For instance, different leather goods might need a different kind of conditioner or recommend a different conditioning frequency. For specific information, always check the label or your manufacturer’s website.