Leather Care Product Guide | How To Choose & When To Use

OTTER WAX

LEATHER CARE PRODUCT GUIDE

HOW TO CHOOSE & WHEN TO USE

COMMON QUESTIONS:

"Do I need to use all of your products at the same time?"

The short answer? No—you don’t need to use them all at once. At Otter Wax, we make a full line of leather care products designed to work beautifully together—but each product also stands strong on its own. Think of it like a skincare routine: some days you just need to wash and moisturize, and other days you might go all out with exfoliation and serums. It all depends on the condition of your leather and what kind of care it needs.

"Do your leather care products need to be used in a specific order?"

Not necessarily—But you can absolutely use all four in sequence for a full restoration. But if your leather just needs a quick refresh or a little weatherproofing, feel free to pick the product that fits the job. Our system is flexible, and it’s all about giving you the tools to care for your leather in a way that fits your needs.

Let’s break it down step by step...

STEP #1

SADDLE SOAP TO CLEAN

Use this when: Your leather is dirty, stained, or starting to look dull.

Why it matters: Before conditioning or waterproofing, you always want to start with a clean surface. Our Saddle Soap gently lifts away dirt, sweat, and grime without drying out the leather. Think of it as a reset button—it prepares the leather to absorb oils and waxes more effectively.

How often: Only when needed—usually every few months or when visible dirt builds up.

STEP #2

LEATHER SALVE TO CONDITION

Use this when: Leather feels dry, stiff, or is starting to crack.

Why it matters: The Leather Salve deeply nourishes and repairs dry or damaged leather. It’s rich, buttery, and packed with natural waxes and oils that sink deep into the leather to restore flexibility and strength. If your leather is vintage, heavily used, or exposed to sun and dryness, this is your go-to.

How often: Every few months or as needed—especially in dry climates or for older leather.

STEP #3

LEATHER OIL TO NOURISH & SHINE

Use this when: You want to maintain softness, restore natural luster, or do quick upkeep.

Why it matters: Leather Oil is lighter than the Salve and great for routine maintenance. It soaks in fast and gives your leather a healthy glow. It also works well as a follow-up after using Leather Salve—think of it like moisturizer after a deep conditioning treatment.

How often: Monthly, or anytime your leather starts to look a little dull or dry.

STEP #4

PROTECT WITH BOOT WAX

Use this when: You want to waterproof your leather or protect it from the elements.

Why it matters: Boot Wax creates a water-resistant barrier, helping prevent water stains, salt damage, and general wear from the outdoors. It’s especially useful for boots, bags, or jackets exposed to rain, snow, or mud.

How often: As needed—before wet weather, hiking trips, or winter wear. Reapply when water stops beading on the surface.

YOUR LEATHER—YOUR CALL

You can mix and match which products you use depending on your leather’s condition and what it needs. Here’s a quick reference:

WHEN YOUR LEATHER IS...

Dirty / Stained

Dry / Cracked / Stiff

Dull / Dry / Cracked

Wet / Rainy / Heavy Use

Full Restoration / Deep Care

WE RECOMMEND USING...

Saddle Soap

Leather Salve

Leather Oil

Boot Wax

Saddle Soap → Leather Salve → Leather Oil → Boot Wax

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Don't just take our word for it—see what just a few of our thousands of happy customers have to say.

10/10

I bought the Saddle Soap, Leather Salve, Boot Wax, Leather Oil, Premium Horsehair Brush, and the Utility Brush Set and must say they are all a very high quality product. What I love most about it all they are all natural!! Helping keeping you and the planet safe, 10 out of 10!

- Shawn C.

THE RIGHT STUFF

"I recently got an old leather jacket and put some Otter Wax love into restoring it. A few applications of conditioner and polishing oil later, the color, texture and feel of the parched leather are restored more than I thought was possible! Otterwax products smell good and work better. Use these leather potions and see for yourself."

- E.W.

EASY TO APPLY AND MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE

I got an Article leather couch off Craigslist that was looking pretty dry and thirsty. Per Article's recommendation, I got Otter Wax Oil to rehydrate it. The couch looks a million times better and the oil was easy to apply and has a nice smell to it. This couch was clearly neglected so I'll be getting the salve as well, given how well the oil worked. Very happy with this product.

- Mailee H.

GREAT PRODUCT & CUSTOMER SERVICE

The Otter Wax Leather Salve is the best product of its kind on the market, and Otter Wax as a company is really something special.

- Patrick A.

Fantastic Product!

I used Otter Leather Oil to revitalize a sun-faded leather chair. It was so easy to apply and the chair looks brand new. I used the same rag with residual oil on it to rub down all my winter boots and they are gleaming like new. I will need to keep a supply of this oil on hand for lots of uses. It smells orange-y and divine!

- Virginia C.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Think of leather care like skincare, but for your favorite leather goods.

You wouldn’t exfoliate, deep moisturize, and sunscreen every single day—but each plays a key role in a healthy routine. You don’t necessarily have to use all Otter Wax products at once, but knowing what each one does helps you give your leather exactly what it needs, when it needs it.

Got a question about your specific item? Reach out anytime—we’re always happy to help.