This article says that
vaseline may be good to use
(I intuitively thought about vaseline and will likely try that next time.
I think it will probably work and be far better than the olive oil I tried):
www.haxford.com
HOW TO SOFTEN YOUR LEATHER GOODS
From boots and belts to shoes and saddles, there's an entire world of products that benefit from leather's durability and strength. While these goods look great when you first get them home from the store, there's often a breaking-in period before they reach their full comfort levels. You might want to make this time go by quickly, but it's important to do it properly to avoid compromising the beauty and integrity of your product. Before you haphazardly apply a generic leather softener to your items, here are some professional suggestions on how to correctly condition them.
Before you start the process of softening your leather shoes or other items, you should first make sure the items are ready to receive the chosen product. This is true no matter which softening method you plan to use. Start by thoroughly cleaning every surface you intend to treat with conditioner. This can be done with a clean cloth and a small amount of water, but there are also cleaners available to help deal with tougher jobs. Once you're finished removing stains and dirt, let the piece dry completely for up to 24 hours at room temperature.
Petroleum Jelly and Rubbing Alcohol
The second method for softening leather is the application of rubbing alcohol and petroleum jelly. Start by using a cotton ball to apply the alcohol to every surface you'd like to soften. This might take a few different treatments because of alcohol's tendency to evaporate quickly. Once you've completely treated the whole item, follow up with a generous layer of petroleum jelly using your fingers as an applicator. Unlike the coconut oil method, you shouldn't experience any significant darkening of your items when you're finished.
Commercial Products
Home remedies are a good place to start, but there are occasions when they don't do the job completely. If you need something stronger, head to your local store and find a commercial product that's appropriate for your item. Read the product's instructions and apply according to the manufacturer's recommendations. You might have to reapply a few times every year to prevent your leather goods from drying out.
Proper Care After Softening
Once you've softened your leather goods to a desirable level, it's important to exercise proper care to keep them strong and beautiful for long-term use. You've invested a lot in your items, so treat them well by keeping a few things in mind:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during storage.
- Allow good air flow by never storing items in sealed plastic bags.
- Prevent stains by regularly using a damp cloth to clean your goods.
- When polishing or conditioning, use products that don't contain dyes.
- Always test any new conditioners or cleaners on a small area before full application.
Does Vaseline soften leather? Yes, petroleum jelly does help with softening leather as well. This works on wallets, bags, shoes, and even watch straps. The Vaseline helps coat and soften the leather to prevent cracking.
