Leather is highly durable, but it is important to remember that, while preserved, it is still a natural product. There are things you can do to protect and enhance the durability and beauty of your leather items.
It is best to avoid contact with salt and water, but this is not possible in the case of leather boots. Cleaning your boots to remove dirt and debris will help prevent these from soaking in and affecting the leather (staining or cracking). You want to clean the leather, while avoiding drying it out. Do NOT use harsh soap/detergents, baby wipes, or other household cleaners! Definitely don’t put leather through the washing machine. Use a cleaner that is specifically designed for leather. It is advisable to do a spot test first, to ensure it does not discolour the leather.
Once your items are clean, then it’s time to add some conditioner. In much the same way that we apply moisturizer to our hair and skin, leather benefits from conditioning to prevent drying out and cracking. Conditioning can also help minimize or eliminate surface scratches and restore a nice soft feel.
Conditioner is best applied using a lint-free cloth, rubbing on in a thin coat. Spot-testing is also recommended. Allow the conditioner to dry for at least a few hours (overnight is better) before buffing off any excess or applying a second coat. Buff off with a cloth and finish with a shoe brush or wool buffing pad. Conditioning your items twice a year should do it, but items exposed to the elements or more wear may benefit from more frequent care.
Stay away from wax coatings. Waxing leather can prevent it from breathing. Wax will just create a layer on the surface, and fibers underneath will not get the moisture required. This means the underside will be more susceptible to drying out and rotting.
Other things to avoid with leather items include prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and heat. So best not to leave things out in the sun or beside a heat source. If your items become wet, it is best to let them dry naturally rather than placing them near a heater or fireplace.
Finally, avoid storing leather items in damp or musty places. They are likely to absorb any ordours and may start to go moldy. It can be tough to get rid of mold, mildew and bad smells from leather.
There are lots of recipes for DIY leather conditioner to be found on the internet. I can’t say that I have tried or tested any of them yet, but I’m hoping to at some point. So there may be a future update to this post. It looks like many include beeswax and an oil such as coconut, linseed, flaxseed and/or almond oil as a base. For the past year, I have been using the Walrus Oil brand of leather conditioner. No, it is not made from Walruses….walrusessssssessss. If you have bought something from me in the past, it has been conditioned at least twice – just cause I love ya and want your items to be ready to go!