Have you ever put on a leather jacket, which looks like it could crack at any moment rather than the supple piece of clothing you wanted? Perhaps your favorite leather bag has become dull, uninteresting, wrinkled, and stiff. If you’ve been pondering how to soften leather and regain its pliability, congratulations! You’ve landed on the right article! In this blog, we will reveal effective and easy-to-follow strategies that will help you keep your leather products looking and feeling great. From conditioners to natural oils, we’ll take you through the process from A to Z with no confusing steps in between!
Despite the strength and reliability of leather, it tends to become brittle and inflexible owing to factors such as lack of moisture, aging or mishandling. When it comes to leather, whether it is your footwear, your jacket, or even your furniture: having the right approach to softening can change the feel of the leather and extend its life. It’s time to save your leather products. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Why Leather Gets Stiff
However, before we get into the details of how to do it, let’s first take a look at why leather gets hard in the first place. Leather is a material derived from animal skin which is naturally hygroscopic. After some time of use or may be due to certain factors such as heat, negligence or even storage, moisture gets out of the leather and this makes the leather to become very hard.
Common Reasons for Stiff Leather:
Aging: Aging has a way of stiffening leather just the same way it does to humans.
Dry Environments: Much exposure to heat or sunlight deprives the skin of its natural oil.
Neglect: Not going for regular conditioning is a big mistake that can only lead to stiffness.
These causes should be known to solve the problem and find out how to soften leather.
Precautions Before You Start
Even though softening leather isn’t a very complex process, one should not just dive into it and expect the best results.
Identify Your Leather Type
It is often said that not every leather material is the same. For instance, the treatment for suede will be entirely different from that of full-grain leather. Before proceeding, let’s make sure you can determine your leather type because the following cleaning methods are only safe for certain types of leather.
Test First
Always do a patch test. Test the product on a small, less visible area of the leather so that it doesn’t make the leather discolored or damaged. Better safe than sorry!
Clean It First
You cannot condition stained leather. The material tends to accumulate dust and dirt particles which can cause a lot of harm. Clean your leather product with a damp cloth and then wait for it to dry on its own before the following steps.
Don’t Overdo It
Learning how to soften leather is quite a delicate process, and moderation is the name of the game. Leather should not be over-applied with oils or conditioners as this may block the pores of leather leading to future damage.
How to Soften Leather: 7 Proven Methods
The following section is where the real action starts, and that is the actual methods!
Use a Leather Conditioner
The best and most safe way to restore the softness is by using leather conditioners. These products are meant to help repair and revive leather by making it soft and moisturized again.
How to Use:
-Removing dirt is the first step before you begin to condition your leather.
-Take a small amount of conditioner on a cloth that is not rough.
-Rub it into the leather surface in a circular motion.
-Let it stay on the leather overnight for enhanced absorption.
For jackets, furniture and car seats, conditioners are a gift from heaven. Bonus? Some even help to bring back the shiny look of the leather surface too!
Try Natural Oils
Coconut or olive oil is great for a gentle treatment that works well for small accessories, such as wallets or gloves. But they may slightly change the color of the leather so you should be aware of that.
How to Use:
-It will absorb better if you warm the oil slightly.
-It can be applied lightly with a cotton cloth.
-Rub it in gently making sure to focus on the stiff areas.
-If there is excess oil, buff away with a dry cloth.
The natural oils infiltrate the fibers and your leather will become soft and supple again.
Use Leather Creams or Balms
Leather creams are one step up from simple conditioners and are more like the spa treatment for leather. They not only condition but also prevent leather from further harm.
How to Use:
-Use the cream the same way you use a conditioner.
-Leave it to dry for 20-30 minutes and then you can use a lint-free cloth to buff it out.
Other products for instance mink oil balms are commonly used in shoes and belts.
Mechanical Softening
Thus, sometimes the only thing you need to do to soften leather is to wear it in. This method is perfect for jackets, boots, or gloves that only require a little fixing.
How to Do It:
-Use your leather item often. Movement is also good for relaxing the fibers.
-For smaller items, the stiffness can again be loosened by gently kneading or twisting in your hands.
This is rather like ‘rubbing’ the leather and it works wonders.
Apply Gentle Heat
It is safe to use heat to soften the leather but be careful not to overdo it. It may dry out even more when it overheats so be gentle!
How to Use:
-Use a hairdryer with the least amount of heat that is possible.
-Maintain it 6-8 inches away from the leather.
-As soon as you are done, apply a conditioner after locking it in for moisture.
This method is especially useful for hard leather shoes or bags.
Use a Mixture of Vinegar and Linseed Oil
One of the most common home remedies is to mix vinegar with linseed oil to soften the leather.
How to Use:
-Add 1 part of vinegar and 2 parts of linseed oil.
-Rub the mixture on the surface and leave it to dry for one hour.
-Buff it off with a dry cloth.
This is the most affordable option when you want the desired results within a short time.
Choose High-Quality Leather Softening Products
If you are not into DIY, many devoted professional products are available for softening leather. Bickmore and Leather Honey are premium brands for solutions to make leather soft again.
How to Maintain Softened Leather
Once you have learned how to soften leather you should know how to maintain it correctly. As you can see, proper care means your leather will always be soft and pretty for as long as you own it.
Tips for Ongoing Care:
Condition Regularly:
Reapply conditioner after every 3-6 months to keep the leather moisturized to avoid them from drying up. Only leather care products of the highest quality should be used for the particular type of leather you have. The leather’s natural texture and shine are also enhanced by regular conditioning.
Store Properly:
Do not expose leather to direct sunlight and high humidity as this will cause cracking or mold growth. Avoid placing your leather products in plastic bags because they tend to hold moisture. Ensure that the area where you are storing the product is cold, free from moisture and well-ventilated.
Protect from Water:
To prevent your leather from getting wet either from rain or spots, you can use a waterproofing spray. Spray on an open space and wait until it dries out before using it. The extra protection can also prevent stains from being formed onto the surface.
Avoid Overuse:
Each product has its advantages and disadvantages for instance using too much product can clog the pores of the leather material and also destroy the natural grain of the leather. Use only the recommended quantity of the conditioner or oil of your choice. It can also make the leather too greasy and this will in the long run damage the leather.
FAQs About How to Soften Leather
Can Vaseline help in softening leather in any way?
Yes, but sparingly! Unfortunately, Vaseline can make the leather supple for a while but it makes the leather look greasy when used too much.
How long does it take to soften leather?
This depends on the process used and the state of the leather in question. Some are quick and others may take a few days.
Will softening leather weaken it?
No, conditioning, when done right helps to improve the leather’s condition by making it more supple and less brittle.
Conclusion
Leather is not as hard to soften as one might think. When it comes to the repairing of leather products like jackets, shoes or furniture these simple guidelines will get your leather back to the new condition. Remember to begin with a low speed, and ensure you’re using the right products for the leather and that you maintain the leather well.
Here, I showed you how to soften leather and how you can maintain it so that you can use your favorite items for a lifetime. So, what are you waiting for? This is where you can take out that conditioner or oil and give your leather what it needs!
