If you are a fan of leather, you probably know how much work goes into maintaining the shine on your leather products. It suffers abuse like most of the other materials, which is why it should be taken care of to prolong its life.
Crevices on leather items might also clog with grease, grime, sweat, and dust, not to mention that it is prone to scratches, cracks, and scars. Cleaning these out can prove to be pretty daunting. In fact, the leather sometimes can dry out so much you have to stop using the item.
Worry not, however. The answer to keeping your leather looking crisp and restoring old leather into its original shine just lies in finding and using the best conditioner. Leather conditioners clean leather "specifically" to keep it looking new and to restore older pieces to their proper shine.
Conditioners also keep your leather in top shape, which means that finding the right one is imperative. That said, there are very many conditioning products in the market right now. Let us help you find the best one for you with our in-depth review of 5 top rated products.
Top 5: Leather Conditioners Review
Product Image & Rating (Out Of 10) | Product Name | Price |
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9.8 | ||
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9.6 | ||
9.4 | ||
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If you are looking for heavy-duty premium protection, you cannot go wrong with the Obenauf's Leather Conditioner. It was developed more than 30 years ago for firefighters' leather boots to strengthen them. You can only imagine its formula strength.
This product releases the natural oils from its beeswax ingredients into the fibers of your items for longer lubrication. It works best on leather bags, work boots, belts, sheaths, gloves, and holsters.
Additionally, this formula protects against chemical, water, abrasion, and heat. It has Propolis as an ingredient which is weatherproof and resists mold and bacteria. This will prolong the life of your products and surfaces.
The cream melts by hand making it very easy to apply. It comes in two sizes to choose from; 4 ounces and 8 ounces. For the best results, it should be applied every 6 to 8 weeks.
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Are you in need of a premium high functioning leather conditioner? If you are, Leather Honey Leather Conditioner is the one for you. Not only does it leave your material looking crisp and fresh but also, one application can last up to 6 months! It cannot get better than that!
The conditioner is made from non-toxic materials and is water repellent to clean and protect. It infuses leather with the required moisture for a smooth and clean look. A lint-free application cloth makes this conditioner easy to apply and wipe off the excess.
Another thing to note is that this conditioner can be used on a range of items like bags and purses, boots and shoes, coats, and surfaces like car interiors and saddles. During cleaning, you need to let the conditioner rest for maximum absorption preferably for overnight.
It prolongs the life of your leather items and surfaces. It has no odor, does not contain silicone, and is non-solvent. The formula also repels rain, snow, and water. However, it should not be applied on suede or vinyl. What's more, it is a bestseller on Amazon!
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To live up to its promise of being a healing balm, this one is made from the highest quality ingredients for maximum restoration benefits. It contains adhesives, waxes, and conditioning oils that deeply penetrate leather to clean and restore.
The healing balm is designed for old leather that is plagued by cracks, scars, scratches, or one that is dry to bring it back to its original form. It is applied to these problematic points to restore their look. The all natural ingredients cure and restore your leather's shine.
Another great feature of this one is its pH balanced formula that cleans effectively while protecting your leathers. It has a coconut scent that leaves your items and surfaces smelling great. The ingredients are all natural and are cosmetic grade making them safe for human skin.
This Chamberlain leather milk is made in the USA which guarantees its manufacturing standards. A premium absorption sponge is included in the package for applying it on your leather items and cleaning off the excess.
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This premium option cleans and polished all types of leather products like furniture, clothes, boots, leather upholstery, coats, and leather equipment. Its mild but effective formula does not darken your leather.
The Bickmore Bick Leather Conditioner is wax free. A conditioner that does not contain wax will allow leather to breathe more easily since it does not seal the pores. You also do not get a sticky residue after cleaning it out.
What most reviewers like about this product is that it extends the life of your products, to say nothing of how it rejuvenates old dried leather to its original shine and color.
The Bickmore Company, the company which manufacturers this one, was established in 1882. They have been producing high-quality leather cleaning products over the century. With that kind of experience, you can be sure of the quality of this product.
There are three bottle sizes for this product to choose from; 2, 8, and 16 ounces, which are extremely affordable. It is easy to apply and work within a short time to give your leather some shine.
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This option revives and rejuvenates your items to look new and soft. It works by easily wiping away dirt and contaminants without causing any harm. What's more, it is pH balanced for effective cleaning and to also protect your leather.
The most impressive thing about this conditioner is its ability to restore dried out leather. Leather is prone to drying when exposed to harsh elements which causes it to crack and fade. In addition to rejuvenating dried leather, it creates a seal that protects against these elements.
For complete care of your leather, you need to clean it first then condition it. Chemical Guys Leather Kit comes with a cleaner and a conditioner. The cleaner removes impurities and oils then the cleaner nourishes it for a fresh scent and smooth texture.
Chemical Guys cleaner and conditioner cleans and maintains fine, sealed, synthetic, clothing, upholstery, bags, saddles, couches, shoes, and leather boots among others. You can use this product on any leather that requires attention in your house or your car.
You can choose between the 4 ounce or 16 ounce bottles, not to mention the natural scents that make your leather smell amazing. It does not leave residues on clothes and has some awesome Amazon reviews to boot.
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Buying Guide
There is a leather conditioner out there for all your conditioning purposes. Conditioners are designed with different features for different needs.
For example, the one that you would use for your old boots is not the ideal conditioner for your purse because of the different convenience features.
Below are some of the factors that you should consider when looking for the ideal option for you.
Leather Type
The first thing you need to consider is the type of leather you are going to clean and what condition it is in. This is because different conditions are suited for different leather types. Others have formulations that are meant to heal damaged leather.
Some of them are best for stiff leather while others are ideal for softer leather. Other conditioners are good for dyed leather while others are not. There are others that can be used on suede and others cannot. It is entirely up to the type of specific leather you want to clean.
Waterproofing
When looking for the best leather conditioner, especially for items and surfaces that are prone to getting wet, it would be good to consider a waterproof conditioner. This will extend the life of your products because water reduces the life of the leather.
For items like purses and belts that require a glossier look, a waterproof option with beeswax is recommended. This is because it allows for extra polishing and gives a glossier shine when done.
Required Results
A leather conditioner that is meant to restore shine to older items should have a formula with thin viscosity to allow an easier and even application. Additionally, a lot of conditioner is usually required, meaning that if it is very viscous, you might end up using a lot of it.
Long Lasting
Getting a leather conditioner that lasts long will save you time that you would repeatedly spend conditioning your leather surfaces and items. Moreover, you also get to spend less money buying conditioners since one pack is all you will need to keep your leather shiny for a very long time. You ought to look for a product that will last long. With some brands, for instance, one application can go up to 6 months.
Nontoxic Formulation
Some have added synthetic compounds that add to their effectiveness. These substances might work for a start but they wear out your leather items and surfaces. It is good to be mindful and pick a product that does not affect your material.
best leather conditioner
The best option should be able to provide premium cleaning and conditioning, restoration, and should be able to last long. All these benefits and more are what make the highly acclaimed Leather Honey Conditioner our top pick.
One application is able to last for up to 6 months. The conditioner controls mildew and restores your old items and surfaces to their original shine at a very affordable price and in an easy to use bottle. What's more, it is an Amazon best seller!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use a leather conditioner?
They should be applied on the surface of the garment or upholstery that you need to condition. You should not just apply on problem spots and it should be applied generously. You should then let it sit for around two hours or till when you need to wear or use it again.
For longer treatments, you can let it sit over overnight. When the conditioning is done, wipe off the excess conditioner using a lint-free cloth. If you are treating cracks on large surfaces you can treat the problematic areas only to avoid wasting your conditioner.
Before you use a leather conditioner on any of your leather items or surfaces, it is key to remember that some conditioners can darken leather. Test a small patch with it before applying it on the entire cloth. Wait for it to dry before making a conclusion because sometimes leather returns to its right color when it is completely dry.
It is important to use the applicator that comes with your lead conditioner. Otherwise, use a lint-free cloth for applying it and wiping the excess away. When using a leather conditioner for old items and shoes, ensure that they are clean first.
Choose the ideal conditioner for the right leather type first. Remember that some leather constructions are water resistant so you should look for options that are designed for stiff leather so as to achieve good results and to avoid damaging this type of hard leather.
What is a leather conditioner?
Leather conditioners are used to revitalize leather. As leather ages, if not properly treated, its moisture levels and natural oils will decrease. This can cause the leather to lose the flexibility traditionally associated with leather, or even to crack.
A leather conditioner is designed to be absorbed by leather to help restore the moisture and oil levels in it. This can help the leather regain its flexibility.
Leather conditioners can, and really should, be used to maintain leather goods. Rather than waiting until your leather looks all dried out and cracked, adding a leather conditioner periodically can help ensure it doesn't end up look like that.
What are the different types of leather conditioners?
There are three main types of leather conditioner you may see: conditioning oils, conditioning creams, and wax conditioners.
Conditioning oil can help remoisturize leather. However, you will want to be sure that the oil you are using is one designed for use with leather.
Some oils can make leather sticky or make it smell awful. Lanolin or neatsfoot oils are both good choices to use with leather.
A conditioning cream is designed to protect your leather's surface and maintain its flexibility by keeping the moisture levels up. Unlike some other leather conditioners, most conditioning creams won't change the color of the leather much or at all.
Wax is a good option to consider if you want to protect your leather goods from water. It can help create a seal on the exterior of a leather item to help prevent it from getting damaged by liquids. However, unlike conditioning creams and oils, way does not get deep down into the fibers of leather to restore moisture levels and improve flexibility, so you may want to use this product alongside one of the other conditioners.
Should you use leather conditioner?
Yes, proper use of a leather conditioner is an important part of maintaining your leather goods. When you use a leather conditioner, you can help remove trapped grease or dirt from your leather, remoisten the leather, and maintain its flexibility and functionality.
Without conditioning, leather items may start to look dull or become stained. Conditioners can also help you prevent both of these items from happening. A conditioner can help improve the look and color of a leather and provide protection against staining.
Without a conditioner, your leather will become faded and cracked over time. This can easily lead to it getting ripped or torn, ruining your item. Adding conditioning into your care routine can help you significantly prolong the life of your leather goods.
Can I use olive oil to condition my leather?
No, olive oil should not be used as a leather conditioner, even though you may have seen posts about others using it. When olive oil is used on leather, it may actually cause it to deteriorate more quickly, which is the opposite effect you are looking for when you use a leather conditioner.
Olive oil will penetrate into your leather and spread all around it. After some time, the oil will come back up to the surface of the leather, leaving it spotted and stained. Oil can also negatively impact the smell of leather goods.
Rather than trying olive oil, look for an approved leather conditioner. The small investment in an appropriate conditioner will be well worth keeping your leather preserved.
How often should I condition leather?
The specific leather goods you have, how they are used, and your climate will impact how frequently you should condition your leather. Items that are used from regularly or under very high or very low humidity conditions will need to be conditioned more frequently.
Most leather should be conditioned about every six months, but you may find that you need to do it more regularly. Check the appearance and flexibility of your leather every month or so to evaluate if it looks like it should be conditioned.
Can you use too much leather conditioner?
Yes, you can use too much leather conditioner. There isn't a hard and fast rule about how much conditioner you should use, and it will vary based on how dried out or cracked your leather is.
When using conditioner, start by applying just a thin layer. Apply it using a lint-free cloth in a circular motion. Then, look for results.
For leather that was drier or cracked, you may want to add an additional layer of conditioner. If your leather was in pretty good shape and you're using the conditioner more for maintenance purpose, you may be fine with just the single layer.
If you think you need to add an additional layer of conditioner, give the first layer you applied time to be absorbed and dry completely. This can help you more effectively assess the results of the treatment.
What is the difference between leather cleaner and conditioner?
Leather cleaners are designed to clean leather and conditioners are designed to recondition leather. A leather cleaner can help get rid of any built-up dirt or debris on the leather. A conditioner will help remoisten the leather by adding back in the oils that are essential for helping it remain flexible.
Proper cleaning and conditioning are both required if you want to keep your leather in tip-top shape.
How do you know if leather needs conditioning?
Most leather items will need to be conditioned at least every six months, if not more frequently. If you are unsure whether your item needs to be conditioned, inspect its feel and appearance. If it is beginning to feel at all dry or wrinkled, it is probably time to add conditioner.
Why does leather crack and peel?
Without proper care and storage, it is likely that your leather goods may peel or crack. This is because the leather has dried out too much. The surface of leather contains thousands of tiny pores, when they are not nourished, the moisture levels in the leather will decrease, leading to cracking or peeling.
Proper and regular conditioning can help prevent your leather from cracking or peeling. Conditioning restores the moisture levels in leather.
If you have leather goods that are already peeling or cracked, you will likely want to find a leather repair company, since the leather is past the point that conditioning will do enough to help. A repair company may be able to patch up the peeling or cracked piece of leather and work to blend it in with the rest of the item so it isn't noticeable.
Final Verdict
Leather conditioners are designed to add moisture, protect, and smoothen scratches on items and surfaces. Choosing the right one for you should entirely depend on your specific needs.
I hope that our review brought you a step closer to finding the one for you. You cannot go wrong with any of our five choices in this review. They are all highly functional and work to restore your leather items that have seen better days.
I would highly recommend considering any of those choices the next time you are out looking for the best option for all your leather items and surfaces.
