Congratulations! You are now a proud owner of a leather item. Maybe you were feeling special and bought the Dagny Weekender from Steel Horse Leather Co. Or maybe you got it as a gift for Christmas. Regardless you now own a leather duffel bag. However, owning a leather bag is not the end of it. Leather, like many other things, needs to be taken care of. To take care of your leather you will need a leather conditioner. You can buy leather conditioners around stores, especially those that sell specialize in leather. However, if you do not have access to these stores you can try some homemade leather conditioners. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make homemade leather conditioners.

Key Takeaways

• Leather conditioning is essential because leather is an organic material that will naturally dry out, crack, and degrade without proper care

• Homemade leather conditioners can be made with simple ingredients: beeswax, coconut or shea butter, sweet almond oil, and castor oil in a 1/2:1/2:2 ratio

• Always perform a spot test in an inconspicuous area before applying any conditioner to your entire leather item

• Leather should be conditioned every 2-6 months, with frequency depending on your climate and usage patterns

• Only genuine leather can be conditioned effectively - faux leather made from synthetic materials cannot benefit from conditioning treatments

Our Expertise in Leather Care and Craftsmanship

At Steel Horse Leather Co., we don't just sell leather bags—we live and breathe leather craftsmanship. Our master artisans have dedicated their lives to perfecting the art of leatherwork, spending years mastering traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. This deep understanding of leather as a material goes far beyond simply creating beautiful bags; it encompasses every aspect of leather care, from sourcing and tanning to proper maintenance and conditioning.

Our obsessive love for leather has led us to thoroughly understand not just how to craft with it, but how to preserve and maintain its beauty over time. We've extensively researched leather care techniques, tested countless conditioning methods, and worked directly with leather in various stages of treatment. This hands-on experience, combined with our holistic approach to understanding leather from its raw origins through its finished life as your treasured accessory, positions us uniquely to guide you in proper leather care. When we share leather conditioning advice, it comes from years of working with premium leather daily and understanding exactly what these materials need to maintain their strength, flexibility, and timeless appeal.

Why Should I Condition My Leather?

This is very important whenever you own leather. Since leather is an organic material it will eventually degrade. Without proper care leather will dry-up, crack, break, or peel. This the result of the leather fibers becoming weak because of frequent use. In other words leather, no matter how strong and durable, is still prone to wear and tear. We, however, are not advising you to use your leather bag less frequently. Albeit we would happily advise you to use it as much as you want.

We do advise that you properly take care of your leather. Cleaning your leather is just one thing. You need to condition your leather as well. Owning leather is such a great investment that the effort put into cleaning and maintaining it will all be worth it. However, you do not need to go the extra mile and purchase expensive leather conditioners. Homemade leather conditioners will do the job just as fine.

What Does Leather Conditioner Do To Your Leather?

To keep it simple, leather conditioners rehydrate the leather. Leather is prone to drying up, especially when you frequently expose it to sunlight. Leather conditioners also protect the leather from different elements that may damage your leather. Elements such as sunlight, sea or rainwater, and other natural oils. Both store-bought and homemade leather conditioners will rehydrate and protect your leather. Keeping the fibers strong and protected.

To learn more about what leather conditioners can do check out this link below. The link will redirect you to another window on our website.

What Does Leather Conditioner Do?

Now on to making homemade leather conditioners!

Creating Homemade Leather Conditioners

There are many reasons to try out a "Do It Yourself" homemade leather conditioner. You might not have access to stores that sell them, or you are looking for alternatives already available in your household. Whatever the reason is, making leather homemade leather conditioners is a fun and adventurous way to take care of your leather.

What You Will Need

The tools and ingredients that you will need will most likely be already available at your home. If not, these things may also be available at your local supermarkets.

Tools

• A saucepan (preferably medium size)

• A measuring cup

• Measuring spoons

• A Wooden Spoon

• Tins to hold an store the homemade leather conditioner (heat-resistant glass or plastic containers works too)

Ingredients

• Solid Beeswax (2 tablespoons)

• Coconut butter or Shea Butter (2 tablespoons)

• Sweet almond oil - if you have a nut allergy you

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Olive Oil Instead Of Sweet Almond Oil In My Homemade Leather Conditioner?

While olive oil might seem like a convenient substitute among household products, it's not recommended for leather conditioning on leather surfaces. Olive oil can go rancid over time and may darken your genuine leather unpredictably, whether you're treating leather bags, leather shoes, or leather furniture. Sweet almond oil, castor oil, or grapeseed oil are preferred natural oils because they're more stable and less likely to cause discoloration or develop unpleasant odors when used as DIY leather conditioner alternatives. For leather boots, leather jackets, or leather accessories, these natural oils provide better long-term care for your leather goods.

How Long Does Homemade Leather Conditioner Last?

When stored properly in airtight containers away from direct sunlight and heat, homemade leather conditioner can last 6-12 months. Since DIY leather conditioner doesn't contain preservatives like commercial leather products, it's best to make smaller batches using methods like the Natural Oils Method, Beeswax and Butter Method, or oil + Vinegar approach and use them within a reasonable timeframe to ensure effectiveness. Whether you're caring for leather sofas, a leather purse, or a leather journal, fresh conditioner provides the best results for leather care.

What Should I Do If My Leather Becomes Too Soft After Conditioning?

If your leather becomes overly soft or greasy, you may have used too much conditioner or applied it too frequently to the leather surface. Allow the genuine leather to air dry completely, then gently buff with a clean microfiber cloth. This technique works well for all types including full-grain leather, top-grain leather, aniline leather, and even bonded leather. In the future, use less product and extend the time between leather conditioning sessions. Consider using a leather protector after conditioning to maintain the proper leather patina and protect the leather fibers.

Is It Safe To Use Homemade Conditioner On Expensive Designer Leather Goods?

While homemade conditioners using ingredients like shea butter, beeswax pellets, or natural baby soap can be effective, expensive or designer leather items may have special finishes or treatments that could react unpredictably. Pigmented leather and tanned leather may respond differently to DIY treatments than faux leather or genuine leather furniture. For high-value items, consider consulting the manufacturer's care instructions or using a professional leather care service to avoid potential damage. You might also test a small area first or use leather wipes designed for delicate surfaces.

Can I Add Essential Oils To My Homemade Leather Conditioner For Fragrance?

While it's tempting to add essential oils for scent when creating your leather conditioner using methods like the Natural Baby Soap Method or Vinegar and Linseed Oil Method, some oils can stain leather or cause adverse reactions on leather surfaces. If you choose to add fragrance to your DIY leather cleaner or conditioner, use only a few drops of leather-safe essential oils like lavender, and always test on an inconspicuous area first. Remember that less is more when it comes to additives, especially when working with natural cleaner formulations that may include white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or leather soap. Whether you're treating leather furniture or creating a leather polish to rejuvenate leather items, maintaining the integrity of the leather tanning process should be your priority.

Conclusion

Creating your own homemade leather conditioner is not only a practical skill but also a rewarding way to care for your valuable leather investments. By understanding the simple science behind leather conditioning and following the straightforward recipe provided, you can maintain your leather goods effectively while saving money. Remember that consistency is key - regular conditioning every few months will keep your leather supple, protected, and looking beautiful for years to come. Whether you're caring for a cherished handbag, boots, or furniture, this homemade approach ensures you always have the tools needed to preserve your leather's natural beauty and extend its lifespan significantly.