Leather Honey FAQ
This Leather Honey FAQ section should answer most questions you may have. If not please e-mail and i’ll assist any way I can.
How much Leather Honey do I need?
A little Leather Honey goes a long way, so you probably don’t need as much as you think. While it certainly depends on the age, condition and type of leather, here are a few examples to give you an idea:
- Pair of brand-new work boots = two ounces
- Jacket = four ounces
- Full-sized couch = 16-32 ounces
- Saddle = a pint
How often will I need to apply Leather Honey to my leather?
Because Leather Honey is water-resistant and contains no solvents, it penetrates deeply into the pores of the leather and stays there. Certain factors, however, will require you to apply Leather Honey more frequently. Though Leather Honey is water-resistant, it is lighter than water and will float to the surface if the leather is completely saturated with water, at which point you need to re-apply. Direct sunlight is another factor: For example, if you are treating a couch that sits in direct sunlight, you will need to apply Leather Honey more often than you would a couch that isn’t situated near a window. In general, you will know it is time to re-apply if the surface of your leather begins to look chalky or feels dry to the touch.
Will I need any materials to apply Leather Honey?
You may want to consider having the following on hand for the application process:
- If your leather is dirty, you will need to clean it, but don’t waste your money on those “leather cleaning” products. In cleaning our saddles (which get pretty grimy!) for the last 30 years, we’ve found that the best products simply cut the grease — Murphy’s Oil Soap or mild dish detergent both work well. If you are cleaning leather that is less dirty, you can use any gentle soap that you would use on your own skin.
- Kill any existing mildew using a combination of apple cider vinegar and water.
- Use newspaper to protect your floor.
- Use a lint-free cloth, paint brush or foam sponge to apply Leather Honey to the leather.
- A paintbrush can be a handy applicator, especially if you are treating a large surface area like a couch.
How do I apply Leather Honey?
- Protect your floor with newspaper.
- If it is dirty, clean the surface of your leather (new leather does not need to be cleaned).
- Let the leather dry fully after cleaning it.
- Kill any existing mildew using a combination of apple cider vinegar and water.
- Use a lint-free cloth, paint brush or foam sponge to apply Leather Honey to the entire surface area of the leather. We recommend that the product be at room temperature or warmer (you can even put it in the microwave or next to a heat source), as it makes it easier to apply.
- Allow time for the Leather Honey to absorb — a minimum of two hours, but preferably overnight — and wipe off any excess with the lint-free cloth.
- Let dry.
- Repeat as many times as necessary.
- Enjoy!
How long does it take to apply?
This depends on the size of the item that you are treating. It takes less than a minute to apply Leather Honey to a pair of boots, but could take up to an hour for a large couch. Because you won’t need to re-apply very often, our opinion is that whatever time you put in is worth it, and remember: A little Leather Honey goes a long way!
Does Leather Honey clean leather?
No. If your leather is old and dirty, you will need to clean it before you apply Leather Honey. In all our years of treating leather, we’ve found that nothing works better than Murphy’s Oil Soap or mild dish detergent. We wouldn’t recommend wasting your money on “leather cleaning” products.
Your bottle says to apply to “clean” leather. How would you recommend I clean my old leather?
Don’t waste your money on “leather cleaning” products. In our 30 years of using the product, we have found that the best products are simply those that cut the grease — like Murphy’s Oil Soap, mild dish detergent, or any gentle soap you would use on your skin.
Why would I want to apply Leather Honey to new leather?
Because you spend a lot on your leather items, our philosophy is that you might as well protect them from the wear and tear that often affects untreated leather. Applying Leather Honey to your new leather items — be it a gorgeous new pair of boots or a leather couch — will make them softer, more flexible, last longer and look better, right from the start.
Does Leather Honey prevent mildew and mold?
Leather Honey prevents mildew by creating a seal between leather and water. You will want to kill any existing mildew before applying Leather Honey so that you don’t seal it in.
Do you have a recommended application cloth?
We recommend that you use a lint-free cloth, paint brush or foam sponge to apply Leather Honey. A piece of an old cotton T-shirt works really well, as do microfiber rags.
Is it possible to apply too much Leather Honey on my leather?
Leather Honey deeply penetrates leather and stays there. Therefore, while applying too much Leather Honey won’t be harmful, try not to over saturate the leather. Since it does not evaporate or disappear, over saturated pores will continue to excrete the product, which means you’ll need to wipe the surface until there is no longer excess.
How long does Leather Honey last on the shelf?
Leather Honey lasts indefinitely, because it doesn’t evaporate. We’ve had customers tell us they’ve kept a bottle on the shelf for at least ten years, and the product still works great. It lasts longer than the ink on the label!
Will Leather Honey change the color of the leather?
Leather Honey will deepen the brown of naturally tanned leather, but it very often comes back to its natural color. Please note that any leather conditioner that actually works will slightly change the color of naturally tanned leather, because it fully penetrates the pores. If you are concerned about a color change, try applying a small amount of Leather Honey to a hidden area on your item. We’ve found that most customers don’t notice a change in color – and those who do often like the slightly deeper tone better!
Can I use Leather Honey on suede?
No, Leather Honey is not recommended for suede.
Can I use Leather Honey on colored leather?
Absolutely! Leather Honey does not interfere with the dyes or change the color of dyed leather. However, Leather Honey will slightly darken some untreated leather, so be sure to test it on a small “hidden” area if you are concerned.
Is Leather Honey safe to use on all leather? Vegetable and chrome-tanned? Napped leather? Suede? Glove soft leather? What about leather from alligator, reptile, eel, lizard, snake or ostrich? Vinyl or simulated leather?
Over the years, we’ve had many customers buy Leather Honey for all different types of leather and have never received a complaint. We’ve heard that it brings out the colors of exotic leather — and gives it a glossy sheen — but we’re not sure if it protects those types of leather as much. Leather Honey is not recommend for suede, simulated leathers or vinyl.
Is Leather Honey toxic to children and pets?
Leather Honey is non-toxic. We do recommend that you keep it out of the hands of children, because if spilled on the carpet, it is difficult to clean.
What’s Leather Honey made of?
Well, wouldn’t you like to know! Leather Honey is an age-old family invention and we prefer not to reveal the contents, for obvious reasons. However, if you have specific questions about the contents, please don’t hesitate to call or email and we will be happy to share what we can.
Is Leather Honey sticky? What do I do if it leaves a residue?
Leather Honey is not sticky, and if it leaves a residue after application, simply wipe it off with a lint-free cloth. Although Leather Honey is named “Honey” because of its color and “look,” it is not sticky like honey.
What are the common complaints about this product?
In almost 25 years of selling the product, we are proud to say that we have never received a complaint, and we hope to continue that perfect track record as we gain new customers. We even have a 100% satisfaction rating on eBay.
I have several allergies. Should I worry about being allergic to Leather Honey?
Leather Honey is non-toxic and thus doesn’t irritate the skin, eyes or nose. However, if you have allergies or sensitive skin, we would recommend wearing gloves to keep the product from touching your skin. Please call if you have any specific questions.
Where is Leather Honey located?
Leather Honey is manufactured, bottled and distributed in the USA. In fact, it is still made where it was originally invented in the 1960s in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Leather Honey is hand bottled, carefully packaged in recycled (and recyclable!) paper and boxes.
Can I use Leather Honey on Natuzzi, Aniline, or Nubuck leathers?

