Leather needs to be conditioned or oiled from time to time to ensure it’s in tip-top shape. There are several alternative leather conditioners and oils you can use apart from the traditional commercial leather products. One such alternative is lemon oil.
Lemon oil or leather essential oil can be used to condition and restore leather. It will remove dirt, grime, and stains from the surface of the leather while also imparting a beautiful shine. Lemon oil can also help prevent cracking and premature aging of the leather.
There are many more benefits to using lemon oil on leather and some potential drawbacks. So, if you’re considering using lemon oil on your leather furniture or accessories, be sure to read on to learn everything you need to know. But first, let’s take a quick look at the background of the lemon oil.
What Is Lemon Oil Or Lemon Essential Oil?
Lemon oil is derived from the lemon rind through a process of cold-pressing. This type of essential oil is different from the lemon fragrance oils used in diffusers and candles.
Lemon essential oils contain no synthetic ingredients and are 100% pure. The main component in lemon essential oil is limonene, which is a natural solvent.
Lemon essential oil is excellent for leather because it conditions and disinfects, and repairs any damage that has been done to the material.
It’s important to note that you only need about 3-5 drops of lemon essential oil to condition your leather. Any more than that, and you risk damaging the material.
Now that we know a little more about lemon oil let’s take a look at some of why you can use lemon oil on leather.
Reasons Why You Can Use Lemon Oil On Leather
There are several reasons lemon oil is great for use on leather and here are just a few of them:
1. Lemon Oil Is Absorbent
One of the key reasons you can use lemon oil on your leather goods is that it’s absorbent. This means that it will quickly penetrate the leather to condition and protect it from within.
Lemon oil is very absorbent and will quickly penetrate the leather to condition it. Lemon oil’s absorbent quality is due to the fact that it’s made up of smaller molecules. This allows it to penetrate the leather better than other household oils.
This is important because you don’t want the lemon oil to just sit on top of the leather.
Lemon oil will also help to keep the leather hydrated by preventing moisture from evaporating. This is especially important in dry climates or during the winter months when the air is much drier.
2. Lemon Oil Is A Natural Disinfectant
In recent times, there have been a lot of discussions about the importance of using natural disinfectants. This is because many commercial disinfectants contain harmful chemicals that can be toxic.
Lemon oil is a great natural alternative to these chemical-based products. It’s been shown to be effective against bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Lemon oil is also a great option for those looking for a more environmentally-friendly option. Lemon oil is not only great for disinfecting your leather but also for cleaning it.
When used in combination with a microfiber cloth, lemon oil can help remove dirt, grime, and stains from the surface of your leather.
3. Lemon Oil Does Not Contain Any Harsh Chemicals
As I may have hinted at earlier, one of the main reasons to use lemon oil on leather is because it does not contain any harsh chemicals.
This is good news for you and your family because there will be no toxic fumes or dangerous residue left behind after cleaning.
Lemon oil is so safe that you can even use it around children and pets without worrying about them coming into contact with harmful chemicals.
Lemon oil is also a great choice for people who are looking for an eco-friendly cleaning solution.
Most commercial cleaners are full of harmful chemicals that can end up polluting the environment, but lemon oil is completely natural and will not damage the planet.
4. Lemon Oil Helps To Prevent Cracking And Premature Aging
Another great reason to use lemon oil on leather is that it can help to prevent cracking and premature aging.
This is because lemon oil contains antioxidants that help to protect the leather from damage. These antioxidants also help keep the leather looking new for longer by preventing the formation of wrinkles or creases.
5. Lemon Oil Is Better Than Other Household Oils
Many household oils can be used to condition leather, but lemon oil is better than most of them. For example, lemon oil is better than olive oil in terms of absorbency, and it does not cause rot or mold as other oils can.
This means that it will penetrate the leather better and condition it more effectively. Lemon oil is also much lighter than olive oil, so that it won’t leave behind a heavy residue.
This is because lemon oil contains natural fatty acids that help to nourish and protect the leather without weighing it down. As I mentioned, other household oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, do not contain these same fatty acids and therefore cannot provide the same level of protection.
6. Lemon Oil Is Safe For Use Around Children And Pets
Pardon me if I sound like a broken record, but this must be emphasized. Lemon oil is safe for use around children and pets.
This is because it does not contain any harmful chemicals or toxins that could potentially harm them. In fact, lemon oil is often used in baby products because it is so gentle.
Now that we’ve gone over some of the reasons you might want to use lemon oil on leather let’s look at some of the benefits of actually using lemon oil on your leather goods, such as leather furniture, shoes, and accessories.
Benefits Of Using Lemon Oil On Leather
Apart from its therapeutic and disinfectant properties, lemon oil also has several benefits when used on leather.
1. Lemon Oil Conditions The leather
One of the primary benefits of using lemon oil on leather is that it can be used to condition the leather material.
Lemon oil can penetrate deep into the leather to moisturize and nourish it from within. This prevents the leather from cracking and premature aging of the leather material.
In addition, regular conditioning with lemon oil also helps keep the leather looking shiny and new for longer.
2. Lemon Oil Can Be Used To Polish Leather
Another important benefit of using lemon oil on leather is that it can be used to polish the surface of the leather.
This is because lemon oil contains natural oils that help to give the leather a glossy and shiny finish.
In addition, polishing with lemon oil also helps to protect the leather from dirt, dust, and other environmental pollutants.
3. Lemon Oil Can Be Used To Remove Stains From Leather
Lemon oil can also be used to remove stains from leather. This is because it contains natural acids that help break down and lift stains from the surface of the leather.
In addition, lemon oil also helps prevent the formation of new stains on the leather by creating a barrier on the material’s surface.
4. Lemon Oil Eliminate Odors From Leather
Lemon oil still retains its odor removal qualities when used on leather. This is because it contains natural antibacterial properties that help to eliminate bacteria and other microorganisms that cause odors. In addition, lemon oil also helps to neutralize any existing odors on the leather surface.
5. Lemon Oil Repels Water And Stains
Lemon oil can also be used to repel water in a simple process called waterproofing. This is because it creates a protective barrier on the surface of the leather that helps to repel water and stains.
In addition, lemon oil also helps prevent the formation of mildew and mold on leather by creating an inhospitable environment for these microorganisms to grow.
To waterproof your leather goods with lemon oil, apply a small amount of oil to a clean cloth and rub it into the surface of the leather in a circular motion. Allow the lemon oil to penetrate the leather for at least 5-10 minutes before wiping off any excess oil with a clean cloth.
6. Lemon Oil Can Be Used To Restore The Shine Of Leather
If your leather goods have lost their shine over time, then you can use lemon oil to restore the glossy finish. This works great on patent leather, faux leather, and other smooth leathers.
To do this, simply apply a small amount of lemon oil to a clean cloth, rub it into the surface of the leather in a circular motion, and then buff the leather surface to shine. Simple as that!
7. Lemon Oil Can Prevent Cracking And Premature Aging
Lemon oil can also be used to prevent cracking and premature aging of leather. When used regularly, lemon oil can keep leather looking new for years. This is because it has a combination of ingredients that help keep moisture in and protect against the elements.
8. Boosting Energy Levels
Last but not least, using lemon oil on leather can also help to boost your energy levels. This is because it contains natural citrus oils that are known to be invigorating and uplifting.
This has to do with the type of smell or “aroma” that the lemon oil emits when used on leather items like your living room furniture. This citrusy smell is known to stimulate the senses and produce a feeling of happiness and well-being.
So, if you’re ever feeling low on energy, simply apply some lemon oil to your leather goods and take a deep breath in!
Potential Drawbacks Of Using Lemon Oil On Leather
Now that we’ve looked at some of the benefits of using lemon oil on leather let’s look at some of the potential drawbacks.
1. Not Everyone Is A Fan Of The Smell
As we mentioned before, one of the main benefits of using lemon oil on leather is the invigorating and uplifting citrus smell it emits. However, not everyone is a fan of this smell.
In fact, some people may find the smell to be too strong or overwhelming. If you fall into this category, then you may want to avoid using lemon oil on your leather goods.
2. Lemon Oil Can Darken Leather
Although lemon oil is light, it has the potential to darken leather if used excessively.
So, if you’re concerned about lemon oil changing the color of your leather goods, then be sure to use it sparingly (3-5 drops can go a long way) and always dilute it with another carrier oil like jojoba oil or sweet almond oil.
3. Lemon Oil Is Not As Durable As Leather Oil Or Conditioner
Lemon oil is also not as durable as other leather treatments like oil or conditioner. This means that it will need to be reapplied more often to maintain its protective properties.
There are leather conditioners like the Leather Honey Leather Conditioner that can last up to 6 months with just one application.
So, if you’re looking for a longer-lasting treatment, then you may want to consider using something other than lemon oil. However, lemon oil will still come in handy if you do not have any other leather treatments on hand.
How To Use Lemon Oil On Leather
Now that we know a bit about lemon oil and its benefits and drawbacks let’s look at how to use it on leather.
- Step One: Wipe the surface of your leather to remove any kind of dirt or debris that may be present.
- Step Two: Place a few drops of lemon oil onto a clean microfiber cloth.
- Step Three: Rub the oil into the leather surface in a circular motion.
- Step Four: Allow the lemon oil to penetrate the leather for at least five to ten minutes before wiping off any excess oil with a dry clean cloth.
- Step Five: Buff the leather surface to dry or create a shine (if needed).
- Step Six: Leave the leather surface to air-dry!
And that’s it! You’re now ready to enjoy the benefits of using lemon oil on your leather goods.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has helped you to understand a bit more about lemon oil and its benefits, drawbacks, and use on leather items.
If you’re looking for an invigorating and uplifting way to treat or condition your leather goods, then lemon oil may be the perfect option!
However, remember that it is not as durable as other treatments and will need to be reapplied more often.
