Leather is a type of animal skin that has been treated to be more durable and less susceptible to rotting. It is often used to make shoes, clothing, furniture, and other items. So this requires some maintenance to keep it in good condition, which is where coconut oil comes in.
According to the report of Statista, the global market of leather goods was evaluated at around 85 billion U.S. dollars in 2018. The market is projected to grow to around 93 billion U.S. dollars by 2025.
It means that the market for leather products is still growing and with that, the demand for products that can help preserve and clean leather. So, in this context, we can say that using coconut oil for leather is a good idea.
Because it is a natural product and it can help to condition and soften leather, as well as protect it from cracking and drying out. When applied regularly you can extend the life of your leather goods significantly.
But it can make the leather darker and some people don’t like the smell of coconut oil. So is it really worth using coconut oil on leather?
That’s why you need to read this complete article. Because in this article I have provided all the information related to using coconut oil on leather.
Also, I have shared a little bit of information if you don’t like coconut oil after using it on the leather. Then how you can remove it?
Let’s Get Started!
Table of Contents
Things Need To Consider Before Applying Coconut Oil On Leather
When it comes to using coconut oil on leather, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. Here are some tips before you get started:
- Type of Leather: There are different types of leather, such as full-grain, top-grain, and corrected grain. Full-grain leather is the strongest and most durable, while the corrected grain is the weakest.
- Condition of Leather: Another thing to consider is the condition of your leather. If it is damaged, you may want to avoid using coconut oil as it could further damage the leather.
- Safety: You should always test the coconut oil on a small, inconspicuous area of the leather before using it on the entire piece. This will help you avoid any potential damage to the leather.
How To Apply Coconut Oil To Leather: 5 Step Easy Process!
If you’re looking to add a little extra shine and protection to your leather furniture or clothing, you can do so with coconut oil. Here’s a simple 5-step process on how to apply coconut oil to leather:
1. Clean The Leather Surface
The first step is to clean the leather surface that you’ll be applying the coconut oil. This will help remove any dirt, dust, or grime that could potentially interfere with the absorption of the oil.
Because you don’t want to damage the leather, be sure to use a soft, dry cloth and avoid any harsh chemicals or cleaners. But if the leather is really dirty, you can dilute white vinegar with water and use that instead.
It’s also important to make sure that the leather is completely dry before moving on to the next step. However, if your leather is old and cracked, you may want to skip this step as cleaning it could further damage the surface.
2. Pour A Small Amount Of Coconut Oil Onto A Clean Cloth
It’s important to use a clean cloth so that you don’t end up transferring any dirt or debris onto your leather. Also, make sure to pour out only a small amount of oil onto the cloth.
You can always add more if needed, but it’s difficult to remove excess oil once it’s been applied. So start with a small amount and work your way up. Because coconut oil is solid at room temperature, you may need to warm it up a bit before applying.
However, be careful not to melt or overheat the oil, as this can damage leather. Because every leather piece is different, it’s best to test the oil on a small hidden area before applying it to the entire piece.
That’s why it’s important to have a clean cloth handy- so you can easily remove any excess oil if needed.
3. Rub The Oil Into The Leather Surface In A Circular Motion
Leather is a natural material, and as such, it can absorb natural oils like coconut oil. To get the most out of your conditioning treatment, rub the oil into the leather surface in a circular motion.
This will help the oil to evenly distribute and penetrate the material. Because leather is porous, it’s important to be generous with the oil so that it can really seep in and do its job.
It’s also important to be patient and take your time with this step so that you don’t end up with any streaking or clumps. But, once you’re done, you should see a nice, even sheen on the leather.
However, if you want a more polished look, you can always buff it out with a soft cloth. And that’s it! Just let the oil soak in and enjoy your newly conditioned leather.
4. Wipe Away Any Excess Oil With A Clean Cloth
After you’ve rubbed the oil into the leather, take a clean cloth and wipe away any excess. You don’t want to leave behind a greasy residue, so make sure to get rid of any oil that’s not being absorbed by the leather.
Because coconut oil is solid at room temperature, it’s easy to remove any excess with a cloth. It will also quickly soak into the leather, so you don’t have to worry about it taking forever to dry.
If the oil is still wet, you can use a hairdryer on the cool setting to help speed up the process. As long as you don’t overdo it, this will help the oil to evenly distribute and won’t damage the leather.
However, if the leather feels dry or stiff after applying the oil, you may have used too much. In this case, you can try wiping it down with a damp cloth to help remove some of the excesses.
5. Allow The Oil To Soak Into The Leather
Coconut oil is a natural conditioner, so it will help to soften and protect your leather. The longer you allow it to soak in, the better the results will be.
Just be sure to wipe away any excess oil that doesn’t soak in. Because it is an oil, it can attract dirt and dust if there’s too much of it on the surface.
It’s best to use a small amount and work it in slowly. But if you do happen to use too much, just buff it out with a soft cloth until the excess is gone.
However, you should avoid using coconut oil on suede leather. Suede is a delicate material and the oil can actually damage it. If you have suede leather, it’s best to consult a professional before using any kind of product on it.
Benefits Of Using Coconut Oil On Leather Goods
Coco oil is an excellent natural conditioner for leather goods. It can help to soften, preserve, and protect your leather products from the elements. Here are some of the benefits of using coconut oil on leather goods:
- Softens Leather: If your leather goods are starting to feel stiff and dry, coconut oil can help to soften and condition them. Although, it’s important to note that you should not use too much oil, as this can cause the leather to become sticky.
- Restore Damaged Condition: Leather can become damaged and cracked over time from exposure to the sun, wind, and rain. Applying a layer of coconut oil can restore its condition and give it a new lease on life.
- Water Resistant: Coconut oil creates a water-resistant barrier around leather, helping to protect it from moisture and stains. Because it is a natural oil, it will not damage or dry out the leather-like some synthetic conditioners can.
- Prevent UV Rays: It is most dangerous for leather to be left in direct sunlight. The UV rays will quickly fade and crack the leather. However, by applying a thin layer of coconut oil to your leather products, you protect them from the sun’s harmful rays.
Major Drawbacks Of Applying Coconut Oil To Leather
Leather is a natural material that is produced by tanning animal skins or hides. It is then used to make a variety of products, including clothing, accessories, and upholstery. That’s why it also has some drawbacks that you should consider before applying coconut oil to leather.
- Attract Dirt And Dust: Both dirt and dust can cling to the oil, making your leather item look dirty much quicker. Because of this, you’ll need to clean your leather more often when using coconut oil.
- Make Leather Stiff: It is possible that coconut oil can make your leather feel stiffer and less pliable. This is because the oil can clog the pores in the leather, which prevents it from being able to “breathe.”
- Change The Color And Appearance: While some people may like the way that coconut oil can darken and change the appearance of leather, others may not. If you’re not sure how your leather will react to the oil, it’s best to test it in an inconspicuous area first.
How To Remove Coconut Oil From Leather If Needed
If you need to remove coconut oil from leather, you can use a few different methods. One is to use a solvent like alcohol or acetone. Another is to use a degreaser like dish soap or laundry detergent.
You can also try using a poultice made of flour or cornstarch. Whichever method you choose, be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area first.
If you are using a solvent, apply it to a clean cloth and rub the affected area in a circular motion. You may need to repeat this several times to remove all of the oil. If you are using a degreaser, apply it to a cloth and rub the affected area in a circular motion. Be sure to rinse the area well afterward.
Because coconut oil can darken leather, it is best to avoid using it on light-colored leather. If you must use it on light-colored leather, be sure to condition the leather afterward.
Should I Use Coconut Oil On leather or Not?
There is some debate over whether or not coconut oil is good for leather. Some people say that it can help condition and protect the leather, while others say that it can cause the leather to rot.
If you’re not sure which camp to believe, it’s best to play it safe and avoid using coconut oil on leather. Because there is a risk that it could damage the leather, it’s best to use other products that are specifically designed for conditioning and protecting leather.
But if you do decide to use coconut oil, be sure to test it on a small area first to see how your leather reacts.
However, if you have already used coconut oil on your leather and it does not appear to be causing any damage, then you can continue using it. Just be sure to clean and condition your leather regularly to help prevent any long-term damage.
Wrap Up On of Using Coconut Oil On Leather
Coconut oil is a natural product that has many benefits for leather. It helps to keep the leather hydrated, soft, and looking new.
There are some drawbacks to using coconut oil on leather, but with a few simple steps, you can avoid these and enjoy the benefits of this natural product.
It is important to consider the things you need to do before applying coconut oil on leather, such as making sure the surface is clean and free of any dirt or dust.
Follow these simple steps to apply coconut oil to your leather goods, and enjoy their new shine! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below!
FAQ: Best Way To Apply Coconut Oil On Leather
Applying coconut oil to the leather sometimes can be tricky work. That’s why many people just like you have lots of questions. That can be solved easily. So I have added some of them in this article to provide appropriate answers.
Q1. What happens if you use too much coconut oil on leather?
Ans: If you use too much coconut oil on leather, it will eventually start to break down the fibers in the material. This can lead to premature aging and deterioration of the leather.
Q2. How often should you condition the leather with coconut oil?
Ans: It really depends on how often the leather is used and exposed to dirt and sunlight. If you use your leather products daily, then once a week should be sufficient.
Q3. What’s the difference between using coconut oil on leather and other types of oils?
Ans: Coconut oil is a natural product that’s been used for centuries to condition and protect the leather. It’s ideal for use on all types of leather, including saddles, bridles, and other tacks. It’s also great for conditioned, aniline, and unfinished leather. Other oils can be used on leather, but they’re not as effective or as safe.
