We all know there is no fashion without leather. Since its innovation, the leather industry has always been on a growth spree. The high demand is primarily attributed to the flexibility and durability of leather. Furthermore, the material is very appealing to the eyes.  For most people, acquiring good quality leather shoes, clothes and accessories is just enough. However, for true leather lovers, proper care and maintenance keeps their treasures looking fresh and new. As a fan of leather, this article teaches you how to care for leather shoes and accessories. Furthermore, we sum up and review the best leather shoes and accessories care kit.

To add life to your leather fashion items, there are important factors that come into perspective. The factors include; cleanliness, protection, and restoration. Unless you protect your leather items from the things that lead to quality depreciation, they cannot last for more than a year. Lack of protection leads to wear and tear. This means that every year, you will be forced to spend hundreds of dollars on replacement items. Secondly, how you clean your leather items determines their durability. Leather lasts longer if it is always kept clean and conditioned. Lastly, restoration keeps your leather item looking good. Just like human skin, leather requires moisturizing. Remember, leather is derived from animal skin. Lotions rich with emollients add moisture to leather thereby preventing cracking.

In the recent years, different manufacturers produce a variety of products to help you protect and maintain your leather investments. The products are mainly categorized in four groups that include; leather water and stain repellants, cleaners, conditioners, and moisturizing creams and lotions. Water and stain repellants are primarily used to protect leather from damage caused by water and stains. Cleaners are used to remove dirt, stains and other unwanted elements from leather. Sometimes a cleaner serves both the cleaning and conditioning purposes. Conditioners are used to prevent cracking and damage by conditioning leather material. Leather lotions and creams are used to add extra-moisture to leather. Moisture prevents discoloration, cracking, drying, and scuffing.

We have done a thorough research and identified the best water and stain repellents, cleaners, conditioners, and leather lotions that you can use on your leather items today. Primarily, we focus on shoes but these products can be used on other leather items such as bags, auto interior, loveseats, and dresses. Several products are listed in each category to provide you with room for comparison. In the water and stain repellents category, we identified Apple Brand Garde Rain & Stain Water Repellent Conditioner, Cleaner Protector Aerosol. The repellant and protector helps you achieve maximum protection for your leather shoes and accessories. In the leather cleaning category, TriNova Leather Conditioner and Cleaner is a top-notch cleaner that will leave your looking spotless.  The third product that we identified is the Leather Milk Leather Conditioner and Cleaner.  You cannot afford to miss the superior conditioning ability of this product. The last product in our review is Obenauf’s Leather Oil 16oz. It is designed to provide ultimate care and protection by moisturizing your leather. Stock your house with the four products and your leather game will move several notches up. Please analyze all the categories in detail for product comparison and more insights.

Below is a table that summarizes the best products as identified in the four product categories discussed in this article.

Product Image Features Editor's Rating Buy Here
Apple Brand Garde Rain & Stain Water Repellent Conditioner, Cleaner Protector Aerosol Non silicon waterproof spray, has conditioning effects, can be used on leather, suede and other fabrics, prevents greasing, does not leave residue, does not affect color and texture
TriNova Leather Conditioner and Cleaner Used to clean and condition, contains color restoration properties, prevents cracking, can be used on different colors
Leather Milk Leather Conditioner and Cleaner an be used on all types of leather, made of natural ingredients, great for fixing dull and dry leather, has a nice fragrance, comes with a free applicator pad
Obenauf's Leather Oil 16oz Prevents cracking and drying, repels water and stains, odorless, restores dry and cracked leather

Apple Brand Garde Rain & Stain Water Repellent Conditioner

Apple water and stain repellent has been designed with advanced technology to protect your shoes from water and stains damage.  It is rich in properties that remove stains and dirt from leather, suede and other fabric. Furthermore, it is also associated with conditioning effects. Apple stain and water repellent works best when used on clean items.  Ensure that your items are thoroughly cleaned before spraying them with the repellent. It does not cause discoloration or leave behind residue.

  • Strengths

    • Removes stains, sweat, greases and water effectively
    • Does not cause discoloration
    • Easy to use
    • Can be used on a variety of fabrics
    • Does not leave residue

  • Weaknesses

    • Requires products to be cleaned before use
    • The size of the product is relatively small

TriNova Leather Conditioner and Cleaner

TriNova Leather Conditioner and Cleaner is incredible for cleaning and conditioning. All that is needed is thorough application on the target item. It can be applied on different leather items. For example, you can use it on shoes, auto interior, bags, belts, and dresses. The product provides you with remarkable results by enhancing the appearance of leather. It also prolongs the life of leather by preventing cracking, breakage and fading. Other benefits that can be derived from the cleaner include; elimination of dirt and stains, restoration of color to faded items, moisture addition and nourishment, and protection from UV rays.  TriNOva leather conditioner is easy to use. In addition, it comes with an application sponge. Lastly, the product has an odor that dies off after it dries up.

  • Strengths

    • Works effectively as promised by the manufacturer
    • Improves the appearance of leather
    • Prolongs product life
    • The quantity is reasonable for the price

  • Weaknesses

    • Some users might not like the odor although it dies off a few minutes after application
    • The product has to be reapplied after several months to maintain the restored appearance

Leather Milk Leather Conditioner and Cleaner

Leather Milk Leather Conditioner and Cleaner is rich in emollients that will nourish your leather to glorious life. Honestly, its conditioning abilities are groundbreaking.  In addition to deep conditioning, the product restores cracked, dry, faded, cracked, and scratched leather. Most importantly, Leather milk conditioner is made of natural ingredients. The manufacturer states that this product works with all types of leather from natural qualities to unfinished leather.  Its versatility is further manifested in its ability to work with different colors without causing fading and discoloration. Once applied to the target product, it produces a pleasant scent that fades away after some time.

  • Strengths

    • Prolongs product life
    • Enriches color, texture and appearance
    • Removes dirt and stains
    • Prevents leather from mechanical damage
    • Does not leave residue
    • The conditioner produces a pleasant fragrance

  • Weaknesses

    • Some users do not like the almond extract aroma
    • The price is relatively high for the quantity

Obenauf’s Leather Oil

There are many leather oils, lotions and creams in the market today but Obenauf’s Leather Oil beats most of them hands down. The remarkable performance of the oil is mainly attributed to its all-natural composition.  It is made of natural oils and tree resins. The main benefits that leather products derive from Obenauf’s Leather oil include; protection from moisture and water, nourishment and restoration to dry leather, and prolonged life.  It is also good for preventing cracking, scratching, fading and dry rot.

  • Strengths

    • Prevents drying, scuffing and cracking
    • Repels water and moisture
    • It restores and nourishes leather
    • Prolongs product life

  • Weaknesses

    • The product is relatively expensive

Leather Protection (Stain and Water Repellents)

The main products that are used to protect leather from environmental hazards are stain and rain repellents. Rain, stains, mud, moisture and other things that leather attracts form the environment affect quality and durability. Stain and rain repellents keep these elements at bay by providing utmost protection. However, it is important to consider the quality of a repellent before buying. The table below provides an overview of some of the best stain and water repellents that you can use to protect your leather items.

Product Image Features Editor's Rating Buy Here
Apple Brand Garde Rain & Stain Water Repellent Conditioner, Cleaner Protector Aerosol Non silicon waterproof spray, has conditioning effects, can be used on leather, suede and other fabrics, prevents greasing, does not leave residue, does not affect color and texture
Crimson Rain & Stain Repellent, 6 oz. - Leather, Suede, Nubuck, and Fabric Shoes Can be used on leather and other types of shoes, great for dresses and bags, should be used on dry surfaces, should be left to dry for 24 hrs
TriNova Leather Conditioner and Restorer with Water Repellent Formula Repels water, moisture and removes stains, can be used on leather, suede and other fabrics, the formula of the spray is eco-friendly, has conditioning effects
Bickmore Gard-More Water & Stain Repellent 8oz- Leather Protector and Suede Protector Can be used on different types of shoes, clothes and bags, removes stains and moisture, works effectively with different colors, easy to apply, breathable
UGG Australia Stain & Water Repellent, One Bottle Protects leather from stains and water, does not have smell, the spray is big and can be used on many items, easy to spray

Leather Cleaning

There is no doubt that you can make your dirty leather clean with water and soap. However, that strategy does not main both cleanliness and quality. Leather cleaners help you achieve both. Furthermore, some of them contain emollients and components that nourish and moisturize your leather.  Others protect leather from environmental hazards. Investing in a good cleaner is preserving the quality of your leather. Check the table below for an overview of some of the best cleaners available in the market today. You can click the buy here button for detailed reviews.

Product Image Features Editor's Rating Buy Here
Weiman Leather Cleaner & Conditioner Cleans and conditions leather items, contains moisturizing effects, does not leave residue, embedded with UV sunscreen, can be used on a variety of items.
TriNova Leather Conditioner and Cleaner Used to clean and condition, contains color restoration properties, prevents cracking, can be used on different colors
Leather Cleaner by Leather Honey Can be used on clothes, furniture, auto interior and other leather items, should be diluted before use, should not be used on suede,
Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Complete Leather Care Kit The kit comes with a cleaner and a conditioner, has PH balancing effects, can be used on different colors, does not leave any residue,
Leather Master Leather Care Kit The kit comes with a cleaner and a protection lotion, can be used on all types of leather except Nuback, removes stains and soiling, can be used on products of different colors

Leather Conditioning

The value that is derived from leather conditioning is immeasurable. Can you imagine investing $100 in a pair of shoes and then it gets damaged after one year? Sounds like irrecoverable loss. The good news is that a high quality leather conditioner can make the shoes last for up to three years. With the right maintenance and protection, leather is very durable. Conditioners contain ingredients that eliminate the elements that damage leather. Furthermore, leather conditioners also contain preservation components. The components prolong the life of leather. Check the quality leather conditioners we identified in our research in the table below.

Product Image Features Editor's Rating Buy Here
Leather Honey Leather Conditioner Can be used on clothes, shoes, furniture, auto interiors and other leather items, rich in color restoration properties, makes leather more durable, a single treatment can last up to six months
Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Conditioner 8oz Cleans and conditions leather, can be used on all types of leather, does not darken leather, does not contain wax, easy to use
Lexol 1013 Leather Conditioner, 1-Liter Conditions all types of leather, has no odor, non-greasy, does not contain any chemical solvents, should not be used on suede, can be used on different colors
Leather Milk Leather Conditioner and Cleaner Can be used on all types of leather, made of natural ingredients, great for fixing dull and dry leather, has a nice fragrance, comes with a free applicator pad
Leather Milk Healing Balm Deep Leather Conditioner Specifically designed for damaged and cracked leather, made of natural ingredients only, can be used on all types of leather, comes with an applicator

Leather Restoration

It is not a secret-all fabrics depreciate with time. Leather is not exceptional. The main factor that differentiates leather from other fabrics is that its quality can be restored. There is a wide range of leather repair kits and restoration products that can be used to serve this purpose. All you need to do is identify the right ones. The right restoration products should have the ability to improve the appearance and texture of damaged leather significantly. It should also prevent further cracking, drying, fading and discoloration. Check out the table below for high quality restoration oils, creams and lotions.

Product Image Features Editor's Rating Buy Here
Four Seasons Leather Lotion 8 Fluid Ounces Protects leather from cracking and other forms of damaging, can be used on all types of leather apart from suede and nuback, can darken light and unfinished leathers
FRYE Leather Conditioning Cream, Neutral Moisturizes leather items, prevents drying and cracking, enhances color, can be used on different colors
Meguiar's MB0414 Mirror Bright Leather Lotion Good for cleaning, conditioning and moisturizing, made of natural oils such as cocoa and jojoba for increased nourishment, embedded with UV sunscreen
Obenauf's Leather Oil 16oz Prevents cracking and drying, repels water and stains, odorless, restore dry and cracked leather
Bickmore Boot Care Kit - Bick 1 Bick 4 & Gard-More The kit comes with a cleaner, conditioner and lotion that offers protection, can be used on all items made of finished leather, leaves the leather feeling soft and rehydrated, removes stains, dirt and sweat

Leather Care Tips

Conduct a patch test: Sometimes we buy good products that do not work with our leather.  Such cases are common in all areas of life. For example, you might buy a great moisturizer for dry skin but it causes an unexpected reaction when applied on your skin.  Once you buy an item for leather care, test it on a small part.  How it reacts on the small patch will guide you on the next course of action.

Avoid water: Although you cannot keep your leather away from water completely, minimize the incidences it comes into contact with water. Constant application of water ruins the quality of leather. In addition, whenever you wash it, be gentle to avoid cracking.

Check product instructions: Product instructions are very important. Sometimes a situation can go completely wrong because of ignoring instructions.  Reading instructions can help you identify the right item for a particular product.

Invest in high quality products:  Most low quality products lead to fabric depreciation. Ensure that you always use tried and tested products.  Remember…cheap is expensive.

Avoid excessive heat: Over-exposure to heat leads to quality damage.  Furthermore, it accelerates the processes of drying and cracking.

Use soft brushes when cleaning: Soft brushes are good for cleaning hard leather and surfaces that are unreachable by hands. They prevent cracking and breakage.

Reapply protection and restoration products frequently: Always remember to reapply your protection products after every three months. It enhances quality and durability.

Waterproof: Always use protective products that help you keep water at bay. Sometimes it rains when people are outside and they get into contact with water unexpectedly.

I hope you have found what you have been looking for in this article. Keep calm and take care of your leather 😉