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How Do I Choose the Best Leather Lotion?

Misty Amber Brighton
Misty Amber Brighton

In order to perform leather care properly, you will need to find products that clean and condition this surface. Some may be designed for specific items such as leather jackets, baseball gloves, or leather purses, while others can be used on many different products. Leather lotion should be easy to apply without having a strong odor or feeling very greasy to the touch. It can be a good idea to visit a leather craft store in order to have an expert recommend a product for you to use.

When you are trying to find a leather lotion, it can be helpful to know how it should be applied. You may apply some products with a sponge or damp cloth, while others can be sprayed on leather furniture. Many leather care products are actually wipes, and this can be helpful if you are using them on car upholstery. Some methods are messier than others, so consider where you will be using this lotion before you make a decision.

Man in a black leather jacket.
Man in a black leather jacket.

It is a good idea to read the product label before you buy leather lotion. Doing so will let you know if a certain brand contains harmful chemicals such as acids or harsh perfumes. These ingredients can actually cause leather to break down, so they can be harmful to many leather goods. If you are interested in a natural product, you may want to consider one that contains beeswax, as this helps condition and waterproof leather without any harmful chemicals.

Woman in a leather jacket.
Woman in a leather jacket.

You may want to hide scratches or other minor imperfections, in which case it can be a good idea to buy a colored lotion. It is not necessary to match the shade of the leather lotion exactly, but you can use one that is in the same color family. For example, you could use a tan lotion on a piece of brown leather even if it is a dark shade. You will want to make sure this product is easy to rub in so it will not leave colored streaks on the surface.

A leather purse.
A leather purse.

Leather lotion can lose its effectiveness after some time, so you may not want to buy a large bottle. It can be a good idea to look for an expiration date on the product so you will have an idea how long it might last. You may want to look for storage instructions on the label, as following these guidelines can help you maintain this product longer no matter what brand you eventually choose.

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    • Man in a black leather jacket.
      By: auremar
      Man in a black leather jacket.
    • Woman in a leather jacket.
      By: Coka
      Woman in a leather jacket.
    • A leather purse.
      By: Sam D'Cruz
      A leather purse.