Things You'll Need
Olive oil
Lemon oil
White vinegar
Linseed oil
Jar with lid
Lint-free cloth
Soft, supple leather comes with age and proper care. Commercial leather softeners contain harsh and sometimes toxic chemicals. Instead, make a leather softener at home with ingredients you already have around the house. Homemade leather softener will help prevent your leather from becoming flaky and dry.
Olive Oil and Lemon Oil
Step 1
Set up your workspace. Clear off a working space in the kitchen and set out olive oil and lemon oil.
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Step 2
Combine the ingredients. Add ¼ cup olive oil to 1 tsp. lemon oil in a small jar and shake or stir to combine.
Step 3
Apply the softener to leather. Use a lint-free cloth to apply small amounts at a time to the leather, rubbing in the mixture as you proceed.
Step 4
Store the leather softener in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. It will keep for weeks if stored in a cool, dry place.
Vinegar and Linseed Oil
Step 1
Set up your workspace. Clear off a working space in the kitchen and set out vinegar and linseed oil and a small jar.
Step 2
Combine the ingredients. In a jar, add ½ cup white vinegar to 1 cup linseed oil and shake or stir to combine.
Step 3
Apply the softener to leather. Use your lint-free cloth to apply small amounts at a time to the leather, rubbing in the mixture as you proceed.
Step 4
Store the leather softener. Store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. It will keep for weeks if stored in a cool, dry place.
Tip
Allow the leather softener to absorb into the leather and dry completely before using; otherwise the mixture will rub off on your skin or clothes.
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