If this is your first time flowing down this DIY avenue, I'd suggest making a small batch to see how you like it and how you might want to make ingredient and/or ratio adjustments. Remember to test a tiny section of your leather first. I really hope you like it because not only is it healthy for the longevity of your leather, it is much more cost-effective than commercial products that can be filled with harmful additives. However, since this is my personal recipe that I use for my own personal leather care that has not been tested in anybody's lab except for Miss G's kitchen, I cannot guarantee your outcome. 

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Supplies:

• Small pie tin (punch three or four holes in the bottom)

• Saucepan (wide enough to fit the pie tin)

• Measuring cup

• Measuring spoons

• Wooden spoon

• Storage tins, glass containers, or heat-safe plastic containers

 

Ingredients:

• Beeswax pellets or solid bar to protect the leather

• Shea butter or cocoa butter to condition the leather

• Sweet almond oil to soften and moisturize the leather (grapeseed oil or jojoba oil can be substituted if you have a nut allergy as these also do not go rancid)

• Castor oil to shine the leather

• Vitamin E (optional) to preserve freshness and add to softness. None of these oils and butters go rancid so that shouldn’t be an issue. However, you should avoid food oils such as olive oil which will go rancid over time)

 

Measuring:

You’ll want to have a ratio as follows: 1 part liquid (oils) to 1/2 solid (beeswax) to 1/2 semi-solid (butters)

Or 1 : 1 —> Oils : (butters plus wax)

 

So for example, you can mix the following:

• 1/4 cup sweet almond oil

• 1/4 cup castor oil

• 1/4 cup shea butter

• 1/4 cup beeswax

• Four to five drops of Vitamin E oil (optional)

This will likely give you a leather conditioner that has a consistency similar to lip balm. You can vary this ratio according to the consistency you’re looking for. If you want a softer, creamier consistency, use less beeswax and more oil. If you like a harder consistency, use more beeswax and less oil. It’s completely up to you.

 

Directions:

• Use a double-boiler method by placing a small aluminum pie tin inside the pot. Fill with water until it covers the pie tin by about 1/4 inch.

• Place the Pyrex cup on top of the pie tin.

• Add the beeswax and the shea butter. Allow them to melt completely.

• While stirring, slowly add your almond oil. When that has fully blended, add the castor oil, continuing to stir until everything is well-blended.

• Keep heating the mixture for 4-5 minutes, making sure that the mixture does not come to a boil. You may see steam rising and if so, just reduce the heat and keep stirring.

• Line up your storage containers with the lids removed.

• Pour mixture into your tins while it is still hot.

• With the lids off, allow to cool, placing a lint-free cloth over them to prevent dust and air particles to enter.

• When completely cool, cover and store in a cool place. You can even store extras in the fridge.

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This conditioner has other uses as well such as lip balm and a salve for minor scrapes.

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