How to Soften Leather Safely

Leather is a durable and versatile material, but it can become stiff if you don’t properly care for it. When this happens, your leather shoulder bag, wallet, backpack, or other item loses suppleness and becomes prone to cracking. Luckily, several effective ways exist to soften the leather and restore its flexibility.

How to Soften Leather: 5 Proven Methods

Apply Natural Oils

One of the best ways to soften leather is by applying natural oils like mink, coconut, jojoba, or avocado. These oils restore moisture and flexibility to leather. Here’s how to use them:

1. First, expose the leather to sunlight for 10 minutes to open its pores.
2. Apply the oil with your fingers or a cloth, rubbing it evenly over the entire surface. Multiple layers may be necessary.
3. Allow the leather to absorb the oil and dry naturally.

Apply Heat

You can use heat to soften leather, but caution is necessary. Before applying heat, use a leather-safe moisturiser.

• Hair dryer method: Use a hair dryer on medium heat, holding it about 6 inches away from the leather and moving it continuously. This helps the moisturiser penetrate deeper and soften the material.
• Humid environment: Hang the leather item in a damp, warm place, like a bathroom during a hot shower. This method allows the leather to absorb moisture and regain flexibility without the risks of direct heat. (Ensure the item isn’t soaked since leather isn’t waterproof.)

Apply Water

Water can also soften leather if you apply it carefully.

1. To avoid mineral deposits, use distilled water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the entire leather surface, then wipe any excess water with a clean cloth.
2. Let the leather air dry in a cool, dry place, then apply a leather conditioner to retain the soft texture.

Apply Vaseline and Alcohol

For a quick softening method, use rubbing alcohol and Vaseline:

1. Dab rubbing alcohol over the leather surface using a cotton pad to prep the fibres.
2. Follow up with a thin layer of Vaseline, which helps moisturise and soften the leather. For the best results, leave the item to absorb the Vaseline overnight.

Apply Leather Conditioner

If the manufacturer recommends it, using a leather conditioner can be one of the safest and most effective ways to soften leather. Products like Leather Honey and Lexol are formulated to restore moisture and flexibility without damaging the leather.

1. Apply the conditioner with a clean cloth in circular strokes, paying particular attention to areas that experience more wear, like the elbows of jackets or the toes of boots.
2. Schedule regular conditioning (at least once a year, more often in dry climates) to help keep the leather soft and prevent future stiffness.

Different Types of Leather Conditioner

Leather Conditioner	Description	Suitability
Leather Balm	Thick, usually wax-based conditioner with protective waxes added	Dry, aged and heavily used items and diverse leather types
Leather Cream	Thick, creamy consistency with oils, waxes, and water. It leaves a soft, matte finish	Various leather products include furniture, car seats, jackets, purses, accessories, etc.
Leather Lotion	Lightweight, liquid mixture with oils and water	Smooth leather-like patent leather
Leather Oil	Thick, concentrated oil from natural sources like neatsfoot or mink	Stiff leather work boots and saddles (it may darken lighter leathers)

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Softening Leather

Softening leather requires caution. Avoid oversaturating the material with oils, leading to uneven colouration or permanent damage. Similarly, never use high heat, such as placing leather directly in the dryer, as this can further dry out and stiffen the material. 

Be wary of using water on waterproof-treated leather, such as leather backpacks or laptop bags designed for commuting, as this can result in spotting. Lastly, skipping regular conditioning will cause the leather to stiffen again, so maintenance is critical. Stick to trusted products and methods to preserve your leather's integrity.

How to Tell if Your Leather Is Beyond Repair

Leather that has deep cracks, significant brittleness, or has started breaking may be beyond repair. Softening techniques are unlikely to restore leather that feels brittle to the touch and flakes quickly. Additionally, if the stiffness has led to permanent deformations, further efforts may cause additional damage. For leather that is too far gone, consult a professional for potential restoration options or consider a replacement.

Leather Types and Their Stiffness

Leather is made from various animal hides, and each type has different characteristics that affect its softness and durability. Cowhide, for instance, is tough and common in furniture and motorcycle jackets, while lambskin is softer, more delicate, and often used in high-end fashion. 

Manufacturers categorise leather by how it's processed. Full-grain leather is stiffer because it includes the entire hide. Compared, top-grain leather is softer due to sanding and splitting during manufacturing.

Choosing the Right Softening Method for Different Leathers

Different types of leather require different care methods. Opt for gentler methods like natural oils or leather conditioners for delicate leathers like lambskin or deerskin. Avoid excessive heat or water, which can damage these softer hides. 

For more rigid leathers like cowhide or buffalo leather, you can safely use more intense softening techniques, including heat application or multiple layers of oil. Always test any method on a small, hidden area first, especially with more delicate leather, to ensure it doesn't cause discolouration or damage.

Why Does Leather Stiffen?

Leather can stiffen over time due to several factors:

• Improper storage: Excess moisture or dryness in the storage environment can harden leather.
• Heat exposure: Using a dryer or exposing leather to high temperatures can dry and stiffen it.
• Stretching: Overstretching leather fibres diminishes their flexibility.
• Age: As leather ages, it naturally becomes less supple.

How to Prevent Leather From Becoming Stiff

Once you've restored your leather's softness, follow these tips to prevent it from stiffening again:

• Invest in quality leather: Higher-quality leather is more resilient and less likely to stiffen.
• Proper storage of leather: Keep leather in a controlled environment with 40% to 50% humidity, away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid heat exposure: Don't use dryers or expose leather to high temperatures.
• Regular maintenance: If the manufacturer declares it safe, condition the leather periodically with natural oils or a commercial leather conditioner to maintain flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I soften stiff leather using a natural method?

You can soften leather using natural oils like olive, jojoba, or coconut oil. Gently rub a small amount of oil onto the leather surface using a cloth. Always conduct a test cleanse on a hidden area first to ensure it doesn't damage the leather.

Can coconut oil be used to soften leather?

Yes, coconut oil softens the leather and provides a thin, waterproof protection layer.

Does applying heat and moisture soften leather?

Yes, exposing leather to steam from boiling water can soften it. Hold the leather item over the kettle's hot air for about 30 seconds. Wear gloves to protect your hands during this process.

Are there any harmful substances that should be avoided on leather?

Avoid household detergents, wax, spray polish, or proprietary brand fluids. Abrasive cleaners can also damage the leather's surface.