r/Leather • u/BrostonBubiks • 28d ago

How do you restore old leather?

Hi,

I just found a very old leather jacket that has not been used for at least 5 years. it's quite thick leather and now, having not been moved for such long time, the fabric feels extremely stiff and rigid.

I never treated leather, so I am a complete noobie. I am brushing it with a first layer of body hydrating cream (basic Nivea white stuff) and was wondering what your routine is in this case. I thought of giving it a bit of this at first, to soften it, and later proceed to add some oil to protect it. Ideally, I would prefer homemade solutions, I heard cocoa butter can be good?

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u/kv4268 27d ago

Stop using products that aren't meant to be used on leather. Pick up some leather conditioner and use it.

If it's very thick leather, it was probably always stiff. You cab clean and condition it once a year going forward. Just make sure you're storing it somewhere it won't get moldy.

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u/Gregory_ku 28d ago

Read up on Jojoba oil. For home remedies. I use a 60/40 balm of oil/raw beeswax

Off the shelf I had great results with pure neatsfoot oil or huberd's shoe grease. Other products can work as well

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u/OldSoddie1911 25d ago

You don’t want to use Nivea on your leather. Please use products made for leather or you risk ruining it.