How to Make a Leather Belt Softer
Leather belts can become hard and uncomfortable to wear because of several reasons such as exposure to water or heat and even bad usage practices. The natural fats which are within the leather fibers could evaporate and the leather ends up becoming very hard.
Also, continuous use of leather products without proper care leads to the leather becoming hard. One must understand these causes to soften the belt without necessarily damaging the leather material.
Top 10 ways to make a leather belt softer
From using natural products, water, and artificial products, there are multiple ways to soften leather belts such as the following.
1. Use leather conditioners
Conditioners help in restoring the leather oils which ensure that the leather is soft and long-lasting. It is used on the belt with the help of a damp cloth. You can apply the leather conditioner on the belt and rub the belt in this manner until the product is applied all over. Allow the belt to remain in such condition for a few hours and clean it off before you put it on.
2. Use Vaseline and rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol works on the leather by eliminating the buildups and opening the pores and Vaseline restores its oils. First of all, you will have to apply rubbing alcohol and cloth on the outer portion of the belt.
After the structure has become dry, with the help of the finger a small amount of Vaseline must be spread thinly on the surface so that it is homogeneous on the structure. Allow this to soak in for a few hours and then you can gently wipe off any excess.
3. Treat your leather belt with natural oils
Multiple natural oils can be used to soften leather. These oils work by deep conditioning the leather and here are some of your best options:
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Almond oil
- Mustard oil
- Neatsfoot oil
- Mink oil, etc.
For the application of the oil, you need to take a small quantity depending on the size of the belt to be oiled, and apply it on a cloth then massage the oil on the belt surface. Make sure the entire surface is coated adequately and allow the oil to penetrate for 2-3 hours or even better over the night. Finally, you may remove the excess oil before wearing or storing it.
4. Dampen the belt and wear it so it dries naturally
Dampening the belt and letting it dry naturally allows it to soften. It should be made damp but not soaked with water, or even spray the belt lightly until it is damp. Adjust it around the waist and walk around. Holding some weight will allow it to flex and stretch. Let the belt dry naturally and that will soften.
5. Steam cleans your belt to make it cleaner and softer
When steam is cleaned, the tight fibers and pores of leather begin to open which makes the belt soft. You can steam the belt with any available source but make sure that the belt does not get soaking wet. Moreover, keep rotating the belt so that the steam covers all areas. Now let it dry in the air and apply some leather conditioner to increase the softness.
6. Use the right storage practices to make your leather softer
Appropriate storage can prevent your belt from getting hard. If it gets hard, you can start placing it correctly so that it gets soft again after treating the belt with conditioner. Place your belt into a cool area that doesn’t get direct heat or sunlight. Hang it or roll the belt loosely.
7. Use heat to soften the leather and make it flexible
Applying heat can help make the belt soft and flexible since it lets conditioning materials seep into it. After you have applied the leather conditioner, use the hair dryer but on low heat. Heat the belt a little while moving the dryer constantly. The heat allows the conditioner to be absorbed in the leather causing it to become more flexible.
8. Spray some leather softening spray
There are leather softening sprays that make hard leather become soft. You must follow the directions on the label and apply a fine mist of the product to the belt. Let it stand for the time that is mentioned on the label. These sprays have conditioners that are deposited in the leather matrix and hence soften the surface of the belt.
9. Use a glycerin saddle soap on your leather belt
This saddle soap softens the leather through the glycerin used when washing it. Moisten a cloth and add some soap to it. Massage the soap on the belt and allow it to stay there for a few minutes. Finally, wipe it off and let it dry naturally before using it again.
10. Wear your belt for some time to soften it naturally
Leather has the natural quality of adapting to the conditions. It means that if your belt has become hard, you can use it more often to make it soft again. Once it gets soft, it won’t be hard again if you keep it clean and use some conditioner. Moreover, the right storage practices are crucial to keep the belt soft.
Conclusion
It is not extremely difficult to soften a leather belt, and using any of the above techniques, you can resolve the issue at hand within the shortest time possible. So, you may try applying the above tips and feel the luxurious softness of the leather belt once more. It will not only ensure a comfortable wearing experience but also make your belt look good and last much longer.
