It’s no secret we at Chamberlain’s are fans of natural solutions. All of our Leather Milk recipes are made with the highest quality, natural ingredients. As opposed to many chemical-based conditioners, this natural approach allows for a much gentler leather conditioning process that is safer for you, your animals and the environment. Of course, this is entirely dependent on it being used. When you own leather clothing, accessories or furniture, it is vital that you maintain it. And by maintaining we mean more than wiping it down with water once in a while. You can read about the merits of that approach in our blog “Common Leather Care Mistakes.” In a nutshell, while water can get rid of surface dirt and grime to a reasonable extent, it will not effectively clean your leather enough to give it the long life you were probably hoping for when you handed over that big wad of cash. What you really need to do is take the time to find a compatible and effective leather cleaner and conditioner to keep that radiant hide smooth, supple and beautiful. Don’t worry. It’s not going to take all day, and what time it does take will be well worth your investment.

So, about that leather conditioning thing. You want to use a chemical leather conditioner? Great! Here’s what you should know.

You remember Chemistry class, right? Hey, stop that groaning. We’ll make this more exciting, or at least more brief. Pinky promise. Leather is low on the pH spectrum, which basically means it’s acidic. This puts it at the opposite end of alkaline products. If you use an alkaline product on your acidic leather, you are going to have a disaster on your hands before long. In chemically correct terms, you will create salt, which, as I’m almost certain you guessed, is not good for your leather. Your pretty leather purse will now be one of those items banished to a dark corner of your closet, too sentimental to be thrown out, but, gosh darn it, you’re too embarrassed to carry it around in public. Take it from us, when your leather and an alkaline chemical mix combine, you’re going to create a dry, cracked mess of your leather. This does not mean that you cannot use chemical leather conditioners at all. Just make sure you find a pH balanced product that is meant for it.

Are you the “do it yourself” type person? It is possible to make a natural leather conditioner at home, as long as you use the right products. Dish soap or general household cleaners should be avoided at all costs. Instead, you can use a mixture of tepid water, baby soap and a drop or two of vinegar. This natural leather conditioner will work occasionally, but it will likely not provide the beautiful, soft, rich look that you love about your leather if you used it all of the time.

The bottom line is that you need to find the perfect balance for your leather products, whether it is a leather coat, shoes, purse or piece of furniture. Chemical leather conditioners have their merit, but are generally harsher on your leather, health, and the environment. Natural leather conditioners, such as Chamberlain’s Leather Care Liniment No. 1, in contrast, are quite healthy on all three counts, and generally the safest and most enduring way to milk the most out of your leather.

Happy conditioning, everyone.

Contributors
Stephanie Clarke
Chris Repp (www.leatherhelp.com)

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