There are several claims for leather cleaning and conditioning solutions that are simply untrue — yet they continue to spread either by word of mouth or through internet searches. One of the most popular ideas is that you should use olive oil or mink oil for your leather goods.
We at Leather Honey are experts on leather care, so let's clear this up: Not only is this claim incorrect (and admittedly a little amusing), but using olive oil or mink oil on your leather will have negative repercussions. In this article we'll explore why olive oil and mink oil are bad for your leather goods.
Mink oil on leather
You already know what olive oil is, so let's take a quick look at mink oil. Mink oil is a product made from the fatty layer under a mink's skin. Both oils certainly give the impression that they would make great leather conditioners. However, the concept fails time and time again.
If you use olive oil on your leather, over time bacteria and mold will build up on the item. Mink oil is just as bad for your leather as olive oil. When you apply mink oil to your leather, at first, it will condition it. However, eventually the mink oil will oxidize and have the reverse desired effect: It will harden your leather. This is also true of Neatsfoot oil, another commonly recommended animal product for leather that does more damage than good.
Animal fats like mink oil aren't good for leather
Using olive oil or mink oil for your leather is a bad idea. The same goes for other household items — like vinegar, olive oil, flaxseed oil and butter — that have gained a reputation as good leather cleaners or leather conditioners. These products are great on salads, bread and potatoes, just not on your leather jacket.
Use a non-toxic leather conditioner on your leather instead
Once Leather Honey hit the market, leather owners tossed out their bottles of olive oil and mink oil and stocked up on Leather Honey. We are the#1 Selling Leather Care Products on Amazon.
The Leather Honey formula is free of animal products and derived from an all-natural, secret family recipe. It was originally used to condition leather tack equipment (we are also horse farmers!). Fellow equestrians quickly discovered Leather Honey’s incredible results on leather and the news spread fast. It is now the most popular leather conditioning solution for all sorts of leather products.
Unlike otherleather cleaning and conditioning products, there are no gimmicks and no surprising or disappointing results with Leather Honey. With Leather Honey, what you buy is what you get — a trustworthy, affordable,leather cleaner andleather conditioner that cleans leather, restores moisture, prevents staining and enhances the durability and appearance of any leather product.FAQ:
Can I use olive oil on my leather jacket?
We do not recommend using olive oil on a leather jacket as it can lead to mold and bacteria build-up.
Is mink oil good for leather couches?
No. You should not use mink oil on any leather product. Over time, the mink oil will harden your couch or other leather item.
How do I repair cat scratches on leather with mink or olive oil?
We advise against using these to repair cat scratches on your leather items. Try a leather cleaner and conditioner instead of animal or vegetable oils.
What oil is best for leather?
Using household oils on your leather will damage it. Instead, use a leather cleaning and conditioner product, like Leather Honey Leather Cleaner and Leather Honey Leather Conditioner.
Can I use olive oil or mink oil on my baseball gloves?
Although it is tempting, try to avoid using oils and DIY home products on your baseball gloves. Try our leather conditioner formula to soften and break them in.
