The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Leather is a durable material used forfurniture,clothing, andaccessoriesfromglovestohatsto shoes.
Regular conditioning helps the leather look better and last longer.
Learn how to properly condition leather to prevent cracking and to keep it soft and supple.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Leather should be conditioned after every thorough cleaning.
For leather furniture, conditioning should be done once or twice a year.
Commercial oils can be natural or synthetic.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Creams are usually lighter in consistency than oils and often contain waterproofing agents.
Leather furniture comes with a care tag to help guide you in cleaning and conditioning.
The tag is usually found under a cushion or attached to the bottom of the piece.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Leather furniture can also be created from suede or nubuck.
Natural suede leather is created from the soft underside of a split-grain animal hide.
It has a nappy finish that is easily stained.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Use a lint-free microfiber cloth and start at the top of the leather piece.
Work in a grid so that you condition the entire surface.
Buff the surface with a soft cloth to a polished finish.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Tip
Avoid using too much conditioner on the cloth.
The surface should be soft but not sticky or oily.
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.
Pour the leather conditioner into a container.
Let the mixture cool completely before using or sealing the container.
