How To Soften Leather Belt

By: K. R. Price

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Need to know how to soften a leather belt? Use this guide to learn how to soften and finally wear that leather belt that just will not seem to soften up. There are a few simple ways to soften the leather without damaging your belt. Many of these methods will soften a leather belt in a short amount of time.

  1. Petroleum jelly has been known to soften skin, and it also works in softening leather. Use your finger tips or a cotton ball or cloth to rub the jelly into the leather belt in a circular motion. Cover the entire length of the belt with the jelly to ensure the leather belt softens. Performing these steps will cause the leather belt to soften and loosen in one sitting without the need for repeat application.
  2. Isopropyl rubbing alcohol also may be used to soften a leather belt. Take a cotton ball and moisten it with rubbing alcohol, then rub the cotton ball all over the belt. More than one alcohol-moistened cotton ball may be required to cover the entire belt. This process may require repeating up to two more times to ensure maximum softening.
  3. Older formulas of shaving cream have been noted as good leather softeners. These creams contain components which work effectively in softening stubbly skin, which also works effectively in softening leather. In order to soften a leather belt using shaving cream, spread the shaving cream across the leather belt a couple of times for optimal softening.
  4. Many leather conditioners and cleaners contain softening ingredients to recondition hardened and cracked leather materials. These conditioners and cleaners will work well for softening a leather belt. Apply the conditioner or cleaner according to the provided instructions, but try not to wet the leather belt too much as this may cause the leather to become over-conditioned and wrinkled.
Posted on: Jun. 08, 2010