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 mink oil on your leather goods. We at Leather Honey are experts on leather care, so let's clear this up: Not only is this claim incorrect, but using mink oil on your leather will have negative repercussions. Let's take a look at why using mink oil is bad for your leather products.
What is Mink Oil?
Before we get to why mink oil is bad for leather, it helps to understand what, exactly, mink oil is. As the name suggests, mink oil is a product made from the fatty layer under a mink's skin. And yes, that certainly gives the impression that it would make a great leather conditioner. However, the concept fails time and time again.
What Happens When You Use Mink Oil on Leather
If you use mink oil on leather, over time bacteria and mold will build up on the item. At first, the mink oil will seemingly condition your leather. 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.
Use a Pre-Made Leather Conditioner Instead
We advise against using mink oil on leather products. Instead, we (humbly) recommend using a pre-made conditioner, like Leather Honey Leather Conditioner. Our leather conditioner is free of animal products and derived from a family recipe. It was originally used to condition leather tack equipment (we are also horse farmers!).
Unlike other leather 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 and leather conditioner that cleans leather, restores moisture, prevents staining and enhances the durability and appearance of any leather product.
More to Know About Mink Oil for Leather Products
Some common questions people have about using mink oil on leather.
Is mink oil good for leather?
No. You should not use mink oil on any leather product. Over time, the mink oil will harden your couch or other leather item.
What is the best oil to use on leather?
You shouldn't use oils (mink oil, olive oil, etc.) to condition leather. They will ruin the item over time. Instead, use a premade conditioner, like Leather Honey Leather Conditioner.
What's the difference between leather conditioner and mink oil?
Leather conditioner is specifically formulated to hydrate leather products. Mink oil, on the other hand, is not. It will dry leather out and eventually destroy it.
