Which leathercraft product to use for cleaning and conditioning?

With so many leathercare products out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for your project. Different leathercrafts often follow different methods, use products in varying combinations, and apply them in different orders, sometimes even depending on tradition or personal preference. There’s a fair bit of debate around the "right" way to care for leather, and what works beautifully for one person might be completely avoided by another. So while there’s no single answer that suits every situation, here’s a simple guide to help you understand what each product does and when it might be useful.

Saddle Soap

Great for cleaning smooth leather. It lifts dirt and grime while being gentle on the surface. It offers light condition, and is often used as the first step before other conditioning methods.

Mink Oil

A traditional leather conditioner that softens and waterproofs. It soaks deeply into leather fibres, but may darken lighter-coloured leather. Suitable for smooth leather or oil-tanned leather.

Dubbin

Thick and waxy, dubbin offers strong water resistance and nourishment. Best for heavy-duty leather like boots and saddles, not for delicate finishes.

Beeswax Polish

Adds a protective coating and light shine. Ideal for creating water resistance and softening, but not usually a conditioner on its own. It normally contains an oil to enable faster absorption. 

Neatsfoot Oil

Restores dry, stiff leather by deeply conditioning. Used as a preventative before exposure. It's especially good for older, brittle leather, but can leave a greasy feel and darken the colour.

Fiebing’s Carnauba Crème

Provides a protective finish with fingerprint and scuff resistance. It gives smooth leather a soft sheen without stickiness or residue, and can be buffed to a gloss. Great for finishing leather after conditioning.

Tarrago Balm

A soft balm that cleans, nourishes and lightly polishes. Suitable for regular maintenance of smooth leather. Not waterproof, but very user-friendly. Used on shoes, bags, accessories and upholstery. 

Waproo Shu-Glo

Leather cleaner, conditioner and waterproofer for smooth leathers. Also suitable for cleaning synthetics, plastic, vinyl and patent leather.