How to Use Glycerin Soap With Leather
Glycerin soap has been a popular leather maintenance tool for centuries. Glycerin is an odorless, colorless liquid, primarily made up of fats, that is used in products ranging from soap and shaving cream to foam and gunpowder. The fats in glycerin soap help to soften and protect leather products, making them much more pliable and water-resistent. Glycerin soap takes just a few minutes to properly apply and should be a normal part of your leather care routine.
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Instructions
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Remove any dirt or hair from your leather with a stiff brush. The bristles should be firm enough to loosen any grime from the leather but not so stiff as to scratch it. Brush in short, even strokes, flicking the brush up at the end to push the debris away from the leather.
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Dampen a sponge with a very small amount of water and rub the sponge over the soap to coat the surface. Your sponge should be damp enough to build up a thin film of soap, but not so wet that the soap builds lather.
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Rub the sponge over the leather in a circular motion, working the soap into the grain. Dampen the sponge again and pick up more soap as necessary to apply an even layer to the leather.
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Allow the soap to soak into the leather for at least an hour. The glycerin, which will penetrate the leather and soften it, works best if allowed to rest undisturbed.
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Buff the leather with a soft rag until you have removed all of the soap and the leather shines. The more time you spend buffing the leather, the more shine you will produce.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a glycerin soap specifically designed for treating leather. There are many different types of soap available, but one made for leather work will give you the best results.
Treat your leather products once a month and before and after long periods without use. For example, many horsemen who store their saddles away for winter will treat them both before storage and again in the spring before use to keep them soft and supple.
Don't use glycerin soap if you or your animals are allergic to commercial soaps. The soap leaves behind a residue in the leather than can rub off and irritate sensitive skin.
