So you got a nice new leather belt, or wallet, or handbag. Congratulations! Leather is one of the most durable materials available - your leather product will likely outlast you. But it does take some care to make sure that happens.
There are a few products we suggest to help keep your leather in tip top shape. There are three basic steps when dealing with leather care. Not all steps will necessarily be needed all together.
The first step in the care of leather is cleaning. This may not be needed often. It may be needed more for shoes, knife sheaths, belts, etc. that are heavy daily use. We suggest simple glycerin saddle soap. The use of saddle soap is simple and fairly straightforward. It doesn’t use harmful chemicals and is non-abrasive when done correctly.
After cleaning, or when you notice the leather is looking a little dry, you’ll want to oil the leather. There are many options when it comes to oil. Mink oil is and has been a very popular option. We use and suggest olive oil. Olive oil is ph balanced and tends to penetrate the leather more evenly, especially when heated slightly.
Then final method involves deep conditioning of the leather. This only needs to be done once a year, or maybe every other year for goods that see little use. Our favorite conditioner is Skidmore’s Leather Cream. Skidmore’s contains a mix of natural oils and beeswax and is applied similar to shoe polish. The combination of the oils and beeswax will form a water resistant finish with regular use.
There you have it. With regular care, your leather goods will last a lifetime!