Leather is one of the most expensive textiles in the market because of its high-end and top notch quality. Most people grab every opportunity to own any furniture, bags or shoes that are made out of leather.

However, leather can be high maintenance, too. So if you’re planning to own one, you will need to be patient when it comes to caring and maintaining it. If your leather pieces suffer from scratches, don’t panic. Here are some easy ways to get rid of it.

Fixing a Scratched Leather

Feel free to pick which method is convenient for you. Just follow the easy guide and the scratches from your leather will surely go away.

  1. To Remedy Minor Scratches
  • Use a Shoe Polish – Shoe polish has always been an effective way on polishing shoes and leathers. Back in the day most people just used shoe polish for leather shoes, but now, people widely use it to shine leather furniture, shoes and even bags. Just get a clean cloth or soft sponge and add a few amounts of shoe polish and apply it onto the affected area. Let it dry and notice how it’s shiny once again.
  • Use a Leather Oil – This one is pricier but product specific. Rest assured that it’s meant for any leather material to bring back and maintain its beauty. Just get a clean cloth and apply a little amount of oil. Rub it slowly onto the affected area until it’s shiny. Let it dry and let it do its magic. You can also apply a leather conditioner for a perfect combo finish.
  • Use Olive Oil – Yep, that’s right. Olive oil is not only for cooking and that’s the most amazing and surprising thing about it. This is a natural way to remedy all those scratches on your leather pieces. Just take a clean cloth or soft sponge and use it to rub on the scratched area. Let it sit for at least an hour and then wipe it with a clean dry cloth. This is to prevent the oil from attracting other insects and to have a clean finish.
  • Use Vaseline – Vaseline is also another home remedy that you can use and always readily available. It doesn’t only help dry skin but also aids minor scratches from leather pieces. You just need to take a clean cloth and apply a good amount of vaseline and apply to the leather. Apply it on a circular motion almost like massaging the leather. Let it sit to dry for 30 minutes. Then clean the vaseline residue with a clean dry cloth, if there’s any.
  • Use a Leather Honey – This is quite different but does the same job as the leather oil. The leather honey just adds more sheen and doesn’t need any leather conditioner combot to achieve that shiny and zero scratch leather. Just apply a good amount of leather honey on a clean cloth and dab it onto the affected area. Let it sit to dry and notice how it shines beautifully again.
  • Use a Leather Recoloring Balm – This is also another leather-specific product that does not only bring back the sheen of your leather and get rid of scratch, but it also revamp its color again. Overtime, the color of the leather gets faded due to temperature changes, constant moving and the duration of time. It does age but help your leather pieces age with beauty just like a fine wine. The leather recoloring balm does its magic by getting rid of scratches and preserving the color of the leather.
  1. To Remedy Bigger Scratches
  • Use a Leather Cleaner – Deeper scratches means bigger work and effort. As much as possible, do not wait for this to happen or care for your leather pieces better. To remedy this problem, it’s advisable to have your leather pieces to undergo a strenuous cleaning. You can ask any store for recommended brands that you can use to perfectly clean your leather.
  • First, get a clean cloth to apply a good amount of leather cleaner. You don’t need a single drop of water for this process.
  • Then apply it generously onto the deeper scratches of the leather. Do it on a circular motion and massage it evenly.
  • On another piece of cloth, put some vinegar just a few drops and carefully dab on the scratched area. The vinegar has a healing and cleaning agent that helps restore your leather’s physical features. Let it dry completely.
  • After drying it with vinegar, start applying a shoe polish. Take another clean cloth and wipe it down to ease the deep scratches.
  • Use some help with olive oil just in case the shoe polish did not do the trick. Use another cloth and dab the olive oil on it. Observe after a few wipes if the scratches have gone away. Just add more until it’s completely wiped out.
  • Call your leather manufacturer for professional help – Once you’ve already done your best by trying all the remedies and solutions presented above and the scratches are still there, it’s time to call for help. That means professional help. Most leather pieces have warranty for a number of years, try availing the free service of fixing your leather. If it’s already passed its warranty period, you can still inquire for help or contact other specialists recommended by acquaintances. It’s best to remedy the damage before it incurs further damage.

How do you remove scratches from leather?

Pour a small amount of leather cleaner or white vinegar onto a soft cloth rag. Apply this to the damaged area and rub it gently. After cleaning it, get your leather conditioner. Since it’s only a light scratch, your trusted good ol’ conditioner might just do the trick.

How do you get dog scratches out of a leather couch?

Hi Amanda, we recommend you first try using some orange tree oil or olive oil on the scratches. These should help reduce the visibiliy and contrast of the scratches on the leather. We’ve also heard that a non-scented skin moisturizer can help “heal” leather surface wounds, working under the same premise as the oils.

Do scratches come out of leather?

Light, barely-there scratches buff away easily with a soft cloth dabbed in leather oil or conditioner. Starting from the center of the damaged area, buff the leather in circular motions, working your way out toward the edges. Continue until the scratch disappears.

Does olive oil fix cat scratches on leather?

Repair the Scratches

Pour a small amount of olive oil directly over the scratch. Using a Q-tip or a cotton swab, rub the oil on the surrounding leather in a gentle circular motion. Let it rest for about an hour. Let the leather air dry for 12-24 hours before wiping with a cloth.

Is Vaseline bad for leather?

The petroleum jelly will soften the leather and help prevent it from breaking. This will work on leather and patent leather shoes, bags, and other items, but shouldn’t be used for rawhide leather. Be sure to use a clean, lint-free cloth to apply it.

What is a good homemade leather conditioner?

Mix one quart of warm water, one tablespoon of soap, and a couple drops of vinegar. Dip a cloth into the mixture, wringing it out so it’s damp and not wet. Wipe down the entire surface of the leather furniture piece. Allow the leather to air-dry once finished.

Is Baby Oil safe for leather?

Yes, while baby oil is a pretty much light lubricant, it’s really great for softening leather and will in most cases over-soften the leather if it’s over saturated on leather or applied on an old leather item.

Which oil is best for leather?

Natural oils are more superior to petroleum based oils. Neatsfoot and mink oil are the most common oils used to condition leather. They are natural fats and are most similar to leather fibers. Neatsfoot oil is the best option to restore the leather shine, while mink oil looks more dull than shiny.

How do you rehydrate leather?

What can I use instead of leather conditioner?

How to Soften Old Leather
  1. Alcohol + Vaseline. Apply a generous portion of rubbing alcohol to a cotton pad.
  2. Coconut Oil. Leave the leather item in the sun for 10 minutes or use a hair dryer to heat its surface.
  3. Conditioner. Apply a leather care conditioner (lanolin-based product), to the leather.
  4. Mink Oil.

How do you recondition leather?

What can I use instead of a leather conditioner? You can use various oils such as coconut, lemon and baby oil. Not Olive oil as it can worsen the condition rather than preventing the damage.

What household items can restore leather?

Can you use wd40 on leather?

To start leather restoration and conditioning, apply Leather Honey to the leather surface in thin coats, using a lint-free cloth, paint brush, foam sponge or even your hands. Allow the conditioner to absorb for at least two hours (preferably 24). Then, wipe off any excess conditioner using a clean lint-free cloth.

What is the best leather restorer?

Related Articles

You can maintain leather and treat stains with common household detergents and cleaning agents such as vinegar. Moreover, you can restore a leather finish with household oils, such as flax seed and coconut oil.

How do you revive black leather?

Don’t be nervous; you can use WD-40 to condition your leather furniture by spraying and buffing. The solution works wonders for cleaning and protecting your leather investment. Spray WD-40 directly onto the marks and wipe the mess away.

Is beeswax good for leather?