You Won't Believe What Castor Oil Does to Old Leather Shoes

Every person has at least one item made of genuine leather in his wardrobe. The popularity of these products is explained quite simply. They retain their appearance for a long time, are practical and never go out of fashion.

Despite the many advantages of leather products, they have a significant drawback. When moisture gets into the deeper layers of the skin, it can lose its elasticity and become rough. But don’t rush to say goodbye to your favorite thing, this problem can be fixed. There are many ways to soften your skin.

Professional products to soften skin

This is the use of ready-made products to solve the issue of how to soften the skin of a product. They are easy to use and easy to apply. Most often used for this:

• protective creams - they contain natural wax, which preserves the softness and elasticity of the skin, and also allows you to soften rough areas;
• conditioners - these products perfectly moisturize natural skin due to the fact that they contain an oil base. In addition, they are not only able to soften the skin, but also restore the original shine of the product.

When deciding how to soften the skin using conditioners, you should pay attention to their composition. Substances such as silicone and parafil should be avoided. They block the access of air to the inner layers of the leather product, which will lead to its re-hardening.

If you cannot achieve the desired effect on your own, then you need to contact a dry cleaner for the help of professionals. The only drawback of these methods is their high cost.

Store offers

Shoe stores today offer the same variety. Various mousses, sprays and creams. They are cheap and easy to use. Manufacturers indicate on the label what type of material a particular product is intended for, so don’t be afraid to make a mistake.

Each product comes with instructions for use, which often look like this: shake the can, apply a small amount to a sponge, wipe off the salt stains, let the product sit for a few seconds, wipe with a clean cloth. Leading sellers of shoe care cosmetics: “Solton Antisol”, “Tarrago De Solter” cleaning foams, “Detach Stein” spray.

Ways to soften skin at home

Most often, oil-based products are used for these purposes. Their main advantage is availability and low price. The following substances can be used to make the skin soft:

• Vaseline - rubbed into the surface of the skin, used for light-colored products;
• castor oil - purchased at the pharmacy. Castor oil is applied to a soft cloth, then the surface is processed several times. It takes several days for the product to be completely absorbed, after which the treated item can be used;
• hygienic oil for children - used for dark-colored items and leaves a pleasant smell after treatment;
• shoe polish and baby cream - shoe polish must be colorless and contain beeswax. The ingredients are mixed in equal quantities and applied to the surface of the skin;
• full-fat milk - it is also mixed with shoe polish and the product is processed until completely absorbed;
• sunflower oil;
• glycerol;
• candle wax - the surface of the product is thoroughly cleaned, then the wax is melted and cooled to room temperature. The roughened part of the item is smeared with this mixture, after which the wax is removed and the surface is thoroughly polished.

Removing paint stains

• Ingredients: castor oil, several cotton swabs, laundry soap, salt.
• Step-by-step instructions: first, use a swab to remove that part of the fresh paint that has not had time to be absorbed. If the paint has dried, the crust is carefully removed. Then wipe the stain with a swab dipped in castor oil. It is necessary to rub from the edges of the spot to the center so as not to smear the paint even more. As the tampons become dirty, replace them with clean ones. After there are no longer traces of dye on the oil swab, it is necessary to remove the stain from the castor oil itself. To do this, cover the cleaned area with salt and rub it into the cloth so that the salt absorbs the oil. After this, the clothes are left for 10-15 minutes. Then you need to wash the area of ​​​​the clothing where the paint was. To do this, rub the greasy stain from castor oil with dry soap and wash it in warm water.

This cleaning method is especially good for items made of wool, cashmere or synthetics, where chemical solvents based on acetone or white spirit cannot be used.

Disadvantages of home methods for softening skin

These methods are quite simple and reliable, but some of them have their drawbacks. Sunflower oil initially gives a good effect, but later it causes the skin to dry out and it deteriorates even more.

Glycerin can change the internal structure of a leather product, which affects its strength. Therefore, frequent use of this product is not recommended.

While castor oil is great for softening the skin, it can leave an unpleasant odor that is difficult to get rid of. In addition, frequent use of oil solutions can lead to greasy leather items.

Removing the squeak of the sole

Do your shoes squeak when you walk? What to do in such a situation? It is very easy to get rid of the annoying sound made by the soles of leather shoes if you use castor oil. The instructions are simple:

1. warm up the outsole by directing a warm stream of air from a hairdryer onto it or placing the product on a radiator;
2. heat the castor oil and treat the sole with it;
3. leave for a day to dry.

Sometimes not only the sole, but also the boot top creaks. The upper part of the product can also be soaked with castor oil, only in this case there is no need to heat the boot.

How to soften leather on shoes yourself

To soften the skin, you can use any fat of natural origin:

• fat of any waterfowl;
• fresh lard;
• mink fat.

They will not only cope with the problem of how to soften the leather on shoes, but will also provide its reliable protection from the effects of adverse factors.

If you don’t have these components at hand, then castor and linseed oil will do an excellent job of softening the skin. Rub the oil onto the desired area several times using a cloth and let it absorb. The main thing to remember is that castor oil will help both soften the leather on shoes and change the color of the product, so it is used for leather of a dark shade. Flaxseed oil, in addition to its softening effect, also has a moisture-repellent effect.

Candle wax for shoes

In autumn and spring, wax impregnation will come in handy. This coating will truly make the shoe material waterproof and prevent the shoes from getting wet. To work, you need to prepare a simple paraffin candle and a hair dryer.

The course of action will be as follows:

1. They take the candle in their hand.
2. Rub the surface of the shoes with wax, trying not to leave gaps.
3. Difficult areas are processed several times.
4. Rub the seams and joints even more thoroughly with a candle.

If everything is done correctly, the coating should be clearly visible on the surface. Then turn on the hairdryer, set the hot air function and warm up the boots well, turning them over on each side.

As a result, the wax will melt and be absorbed into the material, making it impermeable to moisture. If you don’t have a hairdryer, you can proceed in another way - melt the candle and immediately apply the already melted wax to the skin.

The effect of using wax is easy to evaluate. You need to pour water on the shoes: as a result, it will become noticeable that the liquid rolls off in drops, and the inner surface remains completely dry.

Important! This method is suitable for processing leather of any shade and even for fabric shoes. Afterwards, you can additionally clean the products with cream to provide them with a beautiful shine.

Candle wax - second method

There is a more labor-intensive, but highly effective way to make shoes and boots moisture-resistant. Operating procedure:

1. Take candles and remove the wicks from them using pliers.
2. Rub the wax on a fine grater, taking approximately 60 g of it.
3. Melt the wax in a water bath.
4. Add 80 g of rubber glue and 150 g of drying oil into the container directly to the wax.
5. Without removing from the bath, the mixture is kneaded until completely homogeneous.
6. Pour the finished shoe polish into a plastic jar or bottle and add another 80 g of turpentine.
7. Screw the jar and shake it so that all the ingredients are well mixed.

Water bath for wax
Apply cream to shoes using a sponge or wool cloth. They are recommended to treat even the sole, which will increase its waterproof properties.

After applying the product, shoes should not be worn for 3 days - during this time they must be dried. Due to the risk of ignition, the finished impregnation should be stored in a safe place away from sources of fire and heating devices.

How to soften the heel of leather shoes

One of the simplest ways to soften leather on shoes, used at home, is to use an ordinary candle. The inner surface of the back of the shoe is treated with wax. This will allow the skin to remain soft for a long time and ensure comfortable wearing.

An unusual method for softening the heel of leather shoes is the use of citrus fruits. The desired areas are rubbed with small slices, and after several hours the procedure is repeated. Essential oils contained in fruits will soften the skin and add a pleasant aroma.

If possible, you can make a special ointment yourself. It will allow you to both soften the heels of leather shoes and significantly stretch them. To do this, melted wax, turpentine and castor oil are mixed in equal proportions. The mixture is gently applied to the skin until completely absorbed.

Furniture polishing

• Ingredients: 2 parts castor oil, 1 part freshly squeezed lemon juice.
• Step-by-step instructions: apply the mixture using a cotton swab to the surface to be polished in an even layer. Use a microfiber or cotton cloth to polish the furniture to a shine.

If the entire procedure is carried out correctly, then in the end the furniture will retain its shine on the polished surface for at least 3-4 days. After this, if desired and necessary, the procedure can be repeated.

Regular Vaseline

To begin with, it is advised to test Vaseline on a small area of ​​the belt and make sure that everything is in order with the product. If the effect is positive, rub the product into the surface of the product until completely absorbed.

Most often, this method is used for light-colored leather belts. A small drawback is that the effect of Vaseline is short-lived. You will need to repeat the procedure for several months, at least once a week, until the skin of the product is completely softened.

How to make leather shoes soft and comfortable?

Soft, light and comfortable shoes are the key to good health and mood, so the issue of choosing a comfortable model must be approached with all responsibility.

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Leather may stretch when worn. Sellers warn buyers about this, advising them not to pay attention to the minor inconveniences of new shoes. If your shoes continue to feel tight, you can use castor oil to stretch them out.

To do this, the skin in the problem area inside the product is lubricated with castor oil, a cotton sock is put on, and the boot is worn on the foot for 2–3 hours. The oil will saturate the leather fibers, making them softer and more pliable, and the boot will take the shape of the foot.

Castor oil can soften even old, rough and cracked skin. To do this, you need to lubricate the surface of the product with a soft cloth soaked in heated oil, wait several hours until the product is absorbed, and then polish the shoe with a dry cloth.

Castor oil is used only for dark shoes! White shoes will leave dark marks.

Natural lard or fat

This method allows you to soften the skin without harm and came from our grandparents, so there is no doubt about its effectiveness and reliability. Before you start processing the belt, you need to melt and cool the lard to room temperature.

The product is rubbed with fat over the entire surface and left to soak for several days. When all the fat has been absorbed, the leather belt is lubricated with baby cream with a moisturizing effect. After a couple of hours, excess cream must be removed with wet wipes.

Drying oil and beeswax

To create another high-quality impregnation, use pure beeswax in an amount of 50 g. It is melted in a water bath, then 50 g of drying oil is poured into the mass, constantly stirring the composition.

The finished mixture is allowed to cool, poured into any container with a lid and stored in a cool place. Use the product as needed, applying with a sponge or rag. After treating boots or other shoes, heat the surface with a hairdryer so that the mixture better saturates the leather structure. Then the products are polished with a woolen cloth.

How to soften skin with castor oil

This method is rightfully considered one of the best. You will need a lot of oil, so it is better to purchase more than 10 bottles at once.

For convenience, you need to pour the product into a separate container and prepare a rag to remove excess oil. It is necessary to distribute it evenly along the entire length of the belt, not only outside, but also inside the product, and rub it into the skin with gentle movements. This procedure will begin to darken the belt, so it should be used for dark-colored products.

After the product is completely absorbed, all steps are repeated until the oil stops being absorbed.

Despite all the capriciousness of things made of genuine leather, you should not refuse them. Even if the item has become rough, you can easily find a way to soften the skin. With proper care, these products will delight owners for many years.

Causes of loss of softness

Often the material becomes rough, cracks, products warp, shoes rub calluses due to insufficient or lack of proper care. In addition to the main cause of coarsening, they also call:

• poor-quality tanning of hides;
• long exposure to the sun;
• changes in temperature, humidity;
• frequent contact with moisture;
• exposure to chemical reagents.

Taking good care of things will help prevent loss of elasticity. They need to be thoroughly dried after getting wet (1-2 days), cleaned of dust and dirt immediately, and not after some time, preventing absorption. It is advisable not to wear shoes every day, allowing them to “rest”. If these conditions are met, the use of emollients remains mandatory. They should be used while wearing things or during long-term storage.

Cardinal ways

An old but proven army method that will soften not only slippers, but also military boots. This method is good for softening hard backdrops. It is recommended to carry out the procedure with gloves so as not to damage the skin.

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

• Moisturize the skin from the inside with stretching foam or plain water;
• Place felt, flannel or wool fabric, previously soaked in the same liquid, on the backdrop;
• Carefully hit the back or hard strap with a hammer, trying to hit the fabric exclusively;
• Periodically check whether the desired effect has been achieved. It is extremely important not to overdo it.

Of course, this is not a good way to soften the leather on a pair of very expensive shoes. Dress shoes are not designed for such harsh manipulations. This method is not suitable for shoes made of patent and artificial leather, as well as thin suede.

The cheapest ways

Castor oil, almond oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil, or any baby oil are relatively inexpensive, but they do an excellent job of softening leather shoes.

Castor oil for shoes: application

• Apply ½ teaspoon of oil to a cotton pad;
• Thoroughly lubricate the inside of the shoes, especially the strap, hard edging and heel;
• We leave the shoes for 8-10 hours so that the oil is saturated. After impregnation, you need to try on a pair; if the sensation is still not pleasant, then you need to repeat the procedure;
• It will take more than a day for the oil to be completely absorbed. Before putting on a pair, you need to treat the inside of the shoes with a damp cloth. Afterwards, you need to make sure that the oil is completely absorbed and does not leave greasy marks on the hosiery.

Instead of vegetable fats, you can also use Vaseline for shoes. It is excellent for softening certain areas of shoes.

Please note that glycerin, petroleum jelly, vegetable fats and paraffin should not be applied to the entire surface of the skin, but only to its damaged areas. You should not be guided by the principle “the more, the better”, because excessive application of these substances will lead to clogging of skin pores, and shoes will simply turn into a greenhouse.