Take care of your leather the right way

Leather is a natural, living material that ages beautifully – but only if it’s cared for properly. Whether it’s a beloved handbag, a pair of favorite shoes or your car’s leather upholstery, the right leather care product is crucial to maintaining its softness, color and shine. But what’s the difference between leather conditioner , leather grease and leather wax – and when should you use which?

Leather conditioner – for everyday care and hydration

Leather conditioner is the most versatile leather care product. It moisturizes, protects and maintains the suppleness of leather without making it shiny or greasy. Perfect for bags, furniture, clothing and car interiors.
Tip: Use conditioner regularly, especially on surfaces exposed to sunlight or dry air.

Suitable for: bags, furniture, car seats and clothing.
Usage: Apply thinly with a soft cloth, let it work and polish lightly.
Examples: Express Leather Conditioner , Tiptop Leather Conditioner, Furniture Clinic Protection Cream

Leather grease – for protection against moisture and wear

Leather grease provides deeper protection against moisture, dirt and cracking . It is a mixture of fats and waxes that penetrates the leather and also creates a protective layer on top of the leather. It repels water and dirt and is perfect for shoes, boots, outdoor equipment and motorcycle saddles used outdoors.
Tip: Avoid using leather grease on smooth leather in bags or car seats – it can make the surface too shiny or sticky.

Suitable for: shoes, boots, horse equipment and outdoor equipment.
Usage: Apply sparingly, let dry and polish off excess.
Examples: Gold Quality Leather Grease , Express Leather Grease , Saphir Ouraline

Leather oil - When the leather has dried out

Leather oil is thinner and more penetrating than leather grease – it is used when leather has dried out or become stiff. The oil softens deeply, but should be used sparingly as it can darken the leather and reduce friction in some leather types.
Tip: A good routine is to first clean, then oil if necessary, and finish with grease or wax for protection.

Examples: Gold Quality Leather Oil , Furniture Clinic Leather Revive , Angelus Mink Oil

Leather wax – for shine and long-lasting protection

Leather wax is mainly used when you want to protect the leather and give it a water-repellent surface and an elegant shine . The wax forms a protective layer without clogging the pores.
Tip: Perfect as a final step after conditioner or color treatment – ​​especially on bags and furniture made of untreated leather.

Suitable for: bags, furniture, accessories and car interiors.
Usage: Apply thinly and polish with a soft cloth for a nice shine.
Examples: Chesterfield Brand Leather Wax , Meindl Sport Wax

Common leather care mistakes

• Using too much of a product – the leather needs to “breathe”.

• Mixing products with different bases (oil, wax, silicone).

• Forgetting to clean before care – dirt traps moisture.

How to keep leather beautiful for longer

Regular care is the key to a long life. Use a gentle cleanser followed by the right product for your type of leather. At Läderspecialisten you will find all types of leather care products, from cleansers and conditioners to waxes and paints – carefully selected to give the best possible results.

Tip: Store leather goods in a dry, cool place and away from direct sunlight when not in use.

Summary

Leather conditioner - Moisturizes and preserves softness - Best suited for bags, furniture and car seats
Leather grease - Protects against moisture and wear - Best suited for shoes, boots, car seats
Leather oil - Softens dried out leather - Suitable for most things, but can make the leather dark
Leather wax - Protects delicate leather and adds shine - Suitable for bags, furniture, accessories.