Leather is a natural material and can last for centuries if it is well-cared for. That usually involves periodic cleaning and conditioning to ensure that it stays in top shape during everyday use.
Leather needs to maintain a healthy balance of humidity and oils. If it gets too dry it can become brittle and flake and crack apart. If it gets too wet it can begin to mold and decompose. It very much likes the middle ground of just enough moisture and oil to be a supple, strong material that lasts.
Leather Cleaner
Choosing a leather cleaner is highly dependent on the type of leather being cleaned. There are specialized leather cleaners and more general ones that are safe for many leathers. The cleaner helps to loosen and remove dust, dirt, debris, and grime from the leather surface. This ensures that when you apply the conditioner, it’s not trapping any dirt in, and instead going right into the leather where it needs to be.
Be sure to check that whatever cleaner you might use is safe for the type of leather being used on. And always try it on a small, out of sight place first on the leather to test for any potential adverse reactions or issues with the cleaner and the specific piece of leather you’re using it on.
Leather Conditioner
After cleaning, the application of leather conditioner helps to rehydrate the leather and put back in moisture and oils that are essential to it’s maintenance.
Some conditioners also leave a protective finish over the leather, further helping it to be resistant to picking up too much water, dirt, and debris before the next time it is cleaned and conditioned. When well-cared for, leather can last and be usable for generations.
Leather Oil
Leather oil is a type of leather conditioner. There are many different types and formulations available. Some cater to specific leather products (shoes, boots, bags, etc.). Others to the conditions the leather will be used in. And even others that have more general formulations that work well on most leathers.
Leather oils can be just oils, or combinations of oils, waxes, and other natural and/or synthetic ingredients aimed at conditioning and protecting the leather. Definitely read up on the particular oil you might choose, reviews of it’s performance, and how well it will work for your specific leather application. With the right oil/conditioning, the leather will look and feel amazing.