Leather is a beautiful and unique material that can last for many years with proper care. However, one of people’s biggest mistakes when caring for leather items is over-conditioning them. This can cause several problems, so, in this article, we will discuss eight things that happen if you over-condition leather items.
To answer our question of the day briefly, if you happen to over-condition your leather items such as boots, car seats, jackets, or couches, you can expect the leather to significantly darken, become sticky, and even attract more dirt and debris. So it is important to only apply a very thin layer of leather conditioner to your leather goods and do so sparingly.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of what happens if you over-condition leather, first address a few issues.
Can You Over-Condition Leather? Yes! Here’s How;
You can most definitely over-condition your leather items. Here are seven ways you can over-condition your leather items;
- By Applying Too Much Leather Conditioner
You can over-condition your leather if you apply too much leather conditioner to your item. This is because the conditioning oils can seep into the pores of the leather and cause problems.
- When You Condition Too Often
Another common way people over-condition their leather is by doing it too often. Leather should only be conditioned every few months, and in some cases, once a year is sufficient. If you condition your leather goods too often, it can cause the same problems as applying too much conditioner.
- If You Use The Wrong Type Of Leather Conditioner
There are many different types of leather conditioners on the market, and each one is designed for a specific type of leather. If you use the wrong kind of conditioner on your leather item, it can over-condition it.
- By Not Rubbing It In
If you don’t rub the leather conditioner into the leather properly, it can sit on top of the leather material, saturate it, and cause many issues. You want to apply a very thin layer of leather conditioner, give it a few seconds to soak in and then buff the leather surface to remove any excess. Not rubbing the leather conditioner in properly can lead to over-conditioning too.
- By Leaving The Leather Conditioner On The Leather For Too Long
Leather conditioner should be applied and then removed. When you use leather conditioner on your leather items, you want to wait about a minute or two and then wipe off any excess. If you leave the leather conditioner on your leather item for too long, it can cause the problems we will discuss below.
- By Not Wiping Off The Excess Leather Conditioner
This is important! You want to make sure that you remove any excess leather conditioner from your leather item. When applying the leather conditioner, wipe it off after a minute or two with a clean, dry cloth. Not doing this will definitely cause over-conditioning.
- By Applying Leather Conditioner Too Frequently
I may be repeating myself here but just pardon me. As conditioning leather goes, using just a little conditioner will go a long way. You don’t need to slather it on like sunscreen, but you also shouldn’t be afraid to use it. Just remember that leather is a natural product, so too much of anything can be bad for it.
So the answer to the question, can you over-condition leather is a resounding yes! You can most definitely over-condition leather. In fact, there are several ways, most of which I have explained above.
What Happens If You Over-Condition Leather?
Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what over-conditioning does to leather by discussing seven specific things that can happen. By looking at these seven things, you should be able to tell if the leather is over-conditioned.
1. The Leather Conditioner Will Resurface
If you have applied too much leather conditioner, it will eventually resurface. This means that the leather conditioner will start to come off on your hands or clothes when you touch the item.
You will have greasy palms and grease stains all over anything that comes into contact with your leather goods. This is one of the most obvious signs that you have used too much leather conditioner applied to your leather items.
The resurfacing of the leather conditioner can also happen if you have used a lower-quality product that is not meant for regular use. If you find that the leather conditioner is resurfacing, it is best to wipe it off with a clean cloth and stop using that product.
2. The Leather Will Become Darker
Another thing that is bound to happen if you over-condition leather is that the leather will become darker. This is because leather conditioners are mainly made up of oils (like lanolin and neatsfoot oil) and waxes like beeswax.
When allowed to saturate leather, these oils and beeswax can darken it due to the porous nature of leather. This means the conditioner will seep into the leather and change its color.
This is common on light-colored leather goods and usually not a problem for dark leathers. But, if you have a light-colored leather item that you love and don’t want to see it darken, then it is best to avoid over-conditioning it.
3. The Leather Will Become Sticky
Whether a pair of boots, shoes or a seat, your leather surface will become tacky or sticky to touch. If you run your hand across it, you will feel a greasy residue left behind by the leather conditioner.
This is caused by an overabundance of oil in the leather and can attract dirt and debris. So not only will your leather item be more difficult to keep clean, but it will also start to look dirty much quicker.
This is because the dirt and debris will stick to the tacky surface of the leather instead of just sitting on top of it. If your leather goods become sticky, you can try to remove the excess conditioner by wiping it down with some form of degreaser.
4. The Leather Will Become Too Soft and Supple
When leather is first conditioned, it will become softer and more pliable. This is because the oils in the conditioner are replenishing the natural oils that have been lost.
Leather that has been over-conditioned will become too soft and supple. This can cause problems like creasing, stretching, leather losing its shape, and even tearing of the leather.
If you have conditioned your leather and it has become too soft, the best thing to do is stop using the conditioner on it and let it dry out. Once it has dried out, you can then start using the conditioner again but in moderation so that the leather gets back its old form.
For example, for leather goods like boots and shoes, you can install a shoe tree inside of them to help hold their shape.
For leather jackets, stuff them up with some newsprints and hang them with hangers made for leather jackets. This will help to stretch the leather back into its original shape.
5. The Leather Will Attract More Dirt and Debris
Another common problem with over-conditioned leather is that it will start to attract more dirt and debris. This is because the oils in the conditioner will make the leather surface more susceptible to staining, as I may have hinted above.
The dirt and debris will be able to stick to the leather much easier and be more difficult to remove. If you find that your leather goods are attracting more dirt and debris, then chances are you might be having too much conditioner on them.
The best way to combat this is by using a cleaner that is specifically made for leather and then following up with a light coating of conditioner. This will help remove the dirt and debris while also replenishing the natural oils in the leather.
Just be sure not to use too much conditioner after cleaning, or you will be right back where you started.
6. The Fittings On The Leather Will Be Affected
This one is mainly for leather goods with metal fittings like buttons, zippers, or snaps. If you have over-conditioned your leather item, the metal fittings will be affected.
The oils in the conditioner can cause the metal to corrode and even rust. This will affect the appearance of your leather item and cause the metal fittings to fail.
If you have over-conditioned your leather and the metal fittings have become affected, you will need to clean them with a degreaser and apply a light coat of oil. This will help to protect the metal from further corrosion.
7. The Leather Will Begin To ROT
If you over-condition your leather items regularly, they will begin to rot. This is because the oils in the conditioner will attract mold and mildew.
Mold and mildew can cause the leather to break down and eventually fall apart. Unfortunately, if you have over-conditioned your leather and it has begun to rot, then there is not much that you can do.
8. The Leather Will Weaken Over Time
Last but not least, the leather fibers will swell and weaken over time if you over-condition it. This is because the oils in the conditioner are breaking down the leather fibers.
The leather will become brittle and will be more susceptible to tearing and breaking. If you have over-conditioned your leather, you need to stop using the conditioner on it and let it dry out.
Once it has dried out, you can start using the conditioner again but in moderation so that the leather does not become too weak.
By understanding what happens if you over-condition leather, you can be sure to avoid making this mistake and extend the life of your leather goods. Do
How To Fix Over-conditioned Leather?
Now that we have gone over what happens if you over-condition leather, you might be wondering how you can fix it. Here are a few ways to restore leather that has been over-conditioned.
1. Using Leather Cleaner
One way to fix over-conditioned leather is by using a leather cleaner. This will help remove the excess oils and conditioner from the surface of the leather. This method works both on leather that has been freshly over-saturated and on leather that has been over-conditioned for some time.
Be sure to use a cleaner that is specifically made for leather so that you do not damage the surface. Once you have cleaned the surface, you can apply a light coat of conditioner. Here’s how to fix over-conditioned leather items;
- Step One: Use a dry clean cloth to wipe over the surface of the leather to remove any dirt or debris.
- Step Two: Apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a clean damp cloth and thoroughly wipe over the leather surface.
- Step Three: Use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess leather cleaner. Follow up with a dry clean cloth to remove any moisture and soap residue.
- Step Four: Apply a small amount of conditioner to a clean, dry cloth and wipe it over the surface of the leather. Allow the conditioner to soak in for about 1 minute before wiping away any excess.
- Step Five: Use a clean, dry cloth to buff the surface of the leather. This will help to restore shine and luster.
- Step Six: Allow the leather to air-dry in a cool, dry place. Voila!
2. Using Rubbing Alcohol
Another simple yet effective way to fix over-conditioned leather is by rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol will help remove the excess oils and conditioner from the surface of the leather.
This method is best used on leather that has been over-saturated for some time as it can help prevent the conditioner from seeping further into the leather. Here’s how to use rubbing alcohol to fix over-conditioned leather;
- Step One: Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe over the surface of the leather to remove any dirt or debris.
- Step Two: Mix equal parts of water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.
- Step Three: Spritz a mist of the rubbing alcohol mixture over the surface of the leather.
- Step Four: Use a dry clean cloth to wipe the surface of the leather. Use a gentle circular motion. The rubbing alcohol will help pull the excess conditioner from the pores of the leather.
- Step Five: Once you have removed most of the excess conditioner, wipe the surface of the leather with a dry piece of microfiber cloth.
- Step Six: Next, apply a very thin layer of leather conditioner to the surface of the leather. Allow it to soak in for about one minute or two before wiping away any excess.
- Step Seven: Use a clean, dry cloth to buff the surface of the leather and allow the leather to air-dry!
3. Using Mild Dish Soap
If you do not have leather cleaner at hand, you can also use mild dish soap to remove the excess oils and conditioner from the surface of the leather.
This method is also best used on leather that has been over-saturated for some time as it can help prevent the conditioner from seeping further into the leather. Here’s how to use mild dish soap to fix over-conditioned leather;
- Step One: Wipe over the surface of the leather using a dry clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
- Step Two: Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl. You can put 5-10 drops of dish soap in a bowl of warm water and make it sudsy.
- Step Three: Dampen a piece of clean cloth in the soapy water mixture and use it to wipe over the surface of the leather.
- Step Four: Use a damp clean cloth to wipe away any excess soap and water mixture.
- Step Five: Use a dry clean cloth to wipe over the surface of the leather. This will help to remove any moisture and soap residue.
- Step Six: Next, apply a very thin layer of leather conditioner to the surface of the leather. Allow it to soak in for about one minute or two before wiping away any excess.
- Step Seven: Use a clean, dry cloth to buff the surface of the leather and allow the leather to air-dry!
4. Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is another common household item that can be used to remove the excess oils and conditioner from the surface of the leather. Baking soda contains absorbent properties that will help to soak up the excess conditioner and oils. To use baking soda to fix over-conditioned leather, simply follow these steps;
- Step One: Wipe over the surface of the leather to remove any dirt or debris.
- Step Two: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the surface of the leather.
- Step Three: Allow the baking soda to sit on the surface of the leather overnight.
- Step Four: In the morning, use a vacuum cleaner, soft-bristled brush, or a clean, dry cloth to wipe away the baking soda.
- Step Five: Next, apply a very thin layer of leather conditioner to the surface of the leather, remove the excess conditioner, and allow the leather to gradually air-dry.
You can repeat this process a few times until the leather is no longer over-saturated with conditioner.
5. Using A Damp Cloth
If you do not have any leather cleaner or mild dish soap, you can also use a damp cloth to remove the excess conditioner from the surface of the leather.
- Step One: Wipe over the leather surface using a dry clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris that the leather surface may have trapped.
- Step Two: Dampen a piece of clean cloth in warm water and use it to wipe over the surface of the leather.
- Step Three: Use a dry clean cloth to wipe over the surface of the leather. This will help to remove any moisture and water residue.
- Step Four: Condition the leather and let it air-dry!
6. Using White Vinegar
White vinegar is another common household item that can be used to remove the excess oils and conditioner from the surface of the leather. White vinegar is a natural degreaser that will help break down the oils and conditioners absorbed into the leather. To use white vinegar to fix over-conditioned leather, follow these steps;
- Step One: Wipe over the leather surface using a dry clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris that the leather surface may have trapped.
- Step Two: Mix equal water and white vinegar parts in a bowl.
- Step Three: Dampen a piece of clean cloth in the mixture and use it to wipe over the surface of the leather.
- Step Four: Use a dry clean cloth to wipe over the surface of the leather. This will help to remove any moisture and water residue.
- Step Five: Condition the leather and let it air-dry!
You can also repeat this method a few times until the leather is no longer over-saturated with conditioner.
Final Thoughts
Leather is a natural material that needs to be adequately cared for to maintain integrity. Over-conditioning leather can cause the leather to become oversaturated with oils and conditioners, which can lead to a number of problems.
If you have over-conditioned your leather, don’t fret! There are a few simple household remedies that can help to fix the problem.
With a little bit of elbow grease and some patience, you’ll have your leather looking as good as new in no time! Thanks for reading!
FAQs
Q: How often should you condition leather?
A: You should condition leather every six to twelve months, depending on the type of leather and how often it is used. If you use your leather item frequently or are exposed to the elements (sun, water, etc.), you may need to condition it every 3 to 4 months.
But leather goods that are used less often, such as a leather purse you occasionally carry or a jacket you only wear on special occasions, can be conditioned every 6 to 12 months.
Q: What happens if you don’t condition leather?
A: If you don’t condition leather, it will become dry, brittle, and cracked. Leather needs to be conditioned to stay hydrated and supple. There are a lot more leather conditioners do for leather. In addition to hydrating and making it supple, leather conditioners also protect leather from the UV rays, which can cause fading and cracking.
Q: How long should you leave leather conditioner?
A: After properly applying a leather conditioner to your leather, you should allow it to penetrate the leather for about 2-3 minutes before wiping off any excess. This will give the leather conditioner just enough time to hydrate the leather without over-conditioning or over-saturating the leather properly.
Q: How much leather conditioner is too much For Leather?
A: If you have applied too much leather conditioner, you will notice that the leather feels oily or greasy to the touch. It may also appear darker than it did before you applied the conditioner.
When this happens, you will need to remove the excess leather conditioner from the surface of the leather. This can be done by wiping down the surface of the leather with a clean cloth. Once you have removed the excess conditioner, you should allow the leather to air-dry.
Q: Can I leave leather conditioner overnight?
A: You should not leave leather conditioner on overnight. If you do, it can cause the leather to become oversaturated with oils and conditioners, which can lead to a number of problems.
Q: Does leather conditioner need to dry?
A: Yes, leather conditioner needs to dry. After you have applied the conditioner to the surface of the leather, you should allow it to air-dry. If you don’t let it to dry completely, the leather may become patchy or uneven in color.
Q: Do you condition both sides of leather?
A: You should only condition the grain side, top, or outer layer of leather. Conditioning the flesh side, back, or inner layer of leather is unnecessary and can cause problems.
Conditioning both sides of leather can cause the leather to become oversaturated with oils and conditioners, which can lead to a number of problems.
Q: What is the best leather conditioner?
A: The best leather conditioner will depend on the type of leather you have and what you need it to do. For example, if you have a piece of furniture made of full-grain leather, you will need a different leather conditioner than if you have a piece of clothing made of suede.
There are many different types of leather conditioners on the market, so it is essential to research the best one for your needs.
Q: Is it better to use cream or liquid leather condition
A: There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preference. Some people prefer to use cream leather conditioners because they are easy to apply and tend not to leave behind any residue. On the other hand, Liquid leather conditioners are often seen as being more effective at penetrating the leather and hydrating it from within.
