How to Care for Oiled Leather

How to Care for Oiled Leather
Written By
Sophie Levant
Sophie Levant
Published: Jul 12, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

By following these steps, you can keep your oiled leather items looking their best and ensure that they give you many years of use.

Things You Will Need

  • Damp cloth
  • Mild soap
  • Leather moisturizer
  • Leather item
  1. Use a dampened finger to rub out scratches.

  2. Clean oiled leather with a damp cloth. You can add a mild soap if necessary.

  3. Moisturize and weatherproof oiled leather using a beeswax or lanolin-based leather moisturizer.

  4. Allow your oiled leather to air dry. Any attempt to speed up the drying process using a hair dryer, furnace or another extreme heat source will make the leather stiff.

  5. Remember that the more you expose your oiled leather to the elements, the more maintenance it will require. Try to keep a weekly cleaning and weatherproofing routine.

The Drip Cap

  • Oiled leather, with its glossy appearance, is popular for use on shoes, boots and jackets.
  • By following these steps, you can keep your oiled leather items looking their best and ensure that they give you many years of use.
  • Clean oiled leather with a damp cloth.

Photo Credits

Melissa Kirk/Demand Media

Melissa Kirk/Demand Media

Melissa Kirk/Demand Media

Melissa Kirk/Demand Media

Melissa Kirk/Demand Media

Melissa Kirk/Demand Media

Melissa Kirk/Demand Media

Sophie Levant

Sophie Levant is a freelance writer based in Michigan. Having attended Michigan State University, her interests include history classical music, travel, and the German language. Her work has been published at eHow and Travels.

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