Have you just purchased a new leather bag from Black Brook Case? Are you excited to show it off to all your friends and family? Can you not wait to pack your new leather bag with all your valuable belongings and take it with you while you shop, work out, or attend class?
Well, you’re not alone. There’s something so exciting about getting that new leather bag. Unfortunately, most people are unimpressed by the stiffness and unyielding nature of their leather bag -- or any leather item, for that matter -- since it limits the bag’s style and comfort.
Don’t worry, the stiffness will eventually fade away due to normal wear and tear. Of course, it could take weeks and even months to naturally soften a leather bag. The good news is you can speed up this process because there are a variety of ways to soften a leather bag by yourself.
So, do you know how to soften a leather bag properly?
Softening a leather bag is quite simple, especially if you know how to speed up the process. Better yet, it can be achieved with cheap and basic products that are found throughout the home. When done correctly, it won’t take long before your leather bag is soft and luxurious.
While there are plenty of ways to do this on your own, there are five major ways to soften a leather bag with limited effort -- with water, with coconut oil, with a leather conditioner, with heat, and with petroleum jelly and rubbing alcohol. Don’t worry, we’ll explain in more detail below!
Method 1: Using Water to Soften Leather Goods
If your leather bag hasn’t been treated with a waterproof coating, then you can easily soften your leather with water. The most efficient way to do this is by using a spray bottle to spray water on the entire leather surface. Spray enough to get it wet, but not enough that it starts to pool up.
Since leather is a natural, porous material, the water will eventually seep into the leather -- allowing it to soften. Of course, you’ll want to avoid cracking the leather. To do this, follow up with a microfiber cloth and wipe down the leather surface. Then, let it dry naturally and finish with a leather conditioner.
Method 2: Soften Your Leather With Coconut Oil
Many of us utilize coconut oil as a cosmetic product, since it’s extremely beneficial for the skin. Well, leather is essentially skin as well, which makes coconut oil an excellent product for softening leather goods -- including your bag! Not only that, but it’s very easy to use.
First, let your leather bag sit out in the sun for about 10 minutes. Then, apply a thin layer on the leather bag until it’s fully covered in coconut oil. Keep in mind that coconut oil may darken the color of your leather bag, so it’s best to test it out on a small section before doing the whole bag.Method 3: Softening Leather Bags With Leather Conditioner
Using a leather conditioner on any of your quality leather products is a good habit to get into. It’s not only an excellent way to condition the leather, but it also helps speed up the softening process. It’s easy to apply and won’t take long before you have a softened leather bag.
The key here is to not bathe the bag in a leather conditioner. Instead, you should apply the leather conditioner to a dry cloth or cotton ball first. Then, apply the conditioner on all the leather that you’d like softened. Make sure it spreads evenly and let it air-dry completely before using.
Method 4: Soften Your Leather Products With Heat
Another way to soften and loosen your leather bag is with heat. The easiest way to do this is with your tumbler dryer at home. The ambient heat and repeated motion of tumbling helps mimic heavy use, as if you’ve been using it for weeks. Of course, you need to be very careful with this.
To avoid shrinking the leather or scorching it, make sure you only use medium heat and don’t leave it in the tumbler for more than 10-15 minutes. You can also soften it by letting it sit in a sauna or hair dryer, but make sure you repeatedly wipe the ‘sweat’ off to avoid cracking.
Method 5: Using Petroleum Jelly & Rubbing Alcohol to Soften Leather
The final method we’re going to share with you is the use of petroleum jelly and rubbing alcohol. The first step in this process is applying the rubbing alcohol to the entire leather surface. You’ll want to use a microfiber cloth or cotton ball to ensure it’s applied evenly and properly.
Once the rubbing alcohol is applied, you can start applying the petroleum jelly with your fingers. Make sure you apply it to any area you previously applied the rubbing alcohol. This is a great way to soften the leather without darkening the color, such as with coconut oil.
Looking for a Quality Leather Bag to Love and Enjoy?
Who doesn’t love a leather bag? It’s stylish, comfortable, protective, durable, and comes with a lot of character. Unfortunately, not all leather bags are created equal. Some are made of faux leather and others are made of low-quality leather material. That’s why you need to be careful when buying leather products.
The good news is you can trust Black Brook Case with high-quality leather bags -- as well as a wide range of other leather goods. Our leather bags are made of premium full-grain leather and come in a variety of styles, colors, and designs. You’ll absolutely fall in love with our bags!
In the event you’re impatient and want to soften your leather bag from Black Brook Case, you can safely utilize any of the aforementioned home remedies and tips for softening leather yourself. With so many ways to soften your leather, you get to choose your preference!
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about how to soften a leather bag -- or want to learn more about the leather bags available at Black Brook Case -- don’t hesitate to contact us today!