5 Things You Should NEVER Use on Leather
- Jay
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
Leather goods are valued for their beauty and durability, but they’re also surprisingly vulnerable to everyday cleaning mistakes. If you’re hoping to keep your handbags, wallets, or jackets in pristine condition for years, it’s crucial to avoid products that can cause irreversible harm.
1. Nail Polish Remover (Acetone)
Why Avoid: Most nail polish removers contain acetone, a powerful solvent that strips leather’s color and natural oils, leading to fading, dryness, and permanent marks.
Safe Alternative: Use a leather-specific cleaner labeled as safe for your item.
2. Wet Wipes & Baby Wipes
Why Avoid: Although marketed as “gentle,” wet wipes typically contain alcohol, fragrance, and detergents that disrupt the pH balance and strip away protective finishes commonly used by luxury bag makers.
"We see plenty of cases where a wet wipes cause naturally soft leather like lambskin to "dry out" and become hard." - Jay, Honest Crafters
Safe Alternative: For regular cleaning, use a soft, lightly dampened cloth, or pH-balanced wipes designed explicitly for leather.
3. Hairspray
Why Avoid: Hairspray is sometimes touted online as a solution for ink stains, but this is a myth. Its alcohol content can dissolve and strip leather dyes, while sticky residues attract more dirt.
Safe Alternative: Dab with a dry piece of cloth immediately and bring your item down to our studio for immediate assessment! Ink stains may be reduced significantly if the stain has yet to set.
4. Mayonnaise & Household Oils
Why Avoid: Home remedies suggest using mayonnaise, olive oil, or coconut oil to condition leather, but these oily substances leave behind sticky residues, promote bacterial growth, and may oxidize—leading to foul odors and stains. In a given year, over 20% of all bag cleaning services require a mould removal due to Singapore's naturally humid climate.
Safe Alternative: Stick to high-quality, pH-balanced leather conditioners to restore suppleness and shine.
5. Household Cleaners (Bleach, Ammonia, Window Cleaner)
Why Avoid: General-purpose and window cleaners, bleach, and ammonia are too harsh for leather. They dissolve crucial oils and dyes, causing the surface to become brittle, faded, and cracked.
"If you must use a cleaning product, mild soap heavily diluted with water is often the safest for light cleaning. Never reach for household cleaning products" - Jay, Honest Crafters
Safe Alternative: Use only products specifically designed and labeled for leather, and perform a spot test first.
Product Type | Common Examples | Damage Caused | Safe Alternative |
Nail polish remover | Acetone-based | Bleaches, dehydrates, weakens leather | Leather-specific cleaner |
Wet wipes | Baby wipes, alcohol wipes | Fading, stickiness, residue, loss of finish | Damp cloth, pH-balanced leather wipes |
Hairspray | Aerosols, sprays | Color loss, sticky buildup, dirt attraction | Professional stain remover |
Mayonnaise/Oils | Olive oil, coconut oil, food oils | Uneven darkening, odor, sticky, bacterial growth | Leather conditioner |
Household cleaners | Bleach, ammonia, window sprays | Cracking, fading, oil/dye stripping | Leather-safe cleaning solution |
Frequently Asked Questions: Can I use X?
Can Dettol wipes be used on leather?
No, Dettol wipes contain alcohol and strong chemicals that can strip away natural oils and damage the leather’s protective finish. Use leather-specific wipes or a damp, soft cloth instead.
Can I use antibac wipes on leather?
No. Most antibacterial wipes have alcohol and disinfectants that lead to dryness, cracking, and long-term damage. Always use pH-balanced cleaners designed for leather.
Can you wipe leather with a wet cloth?
Yes, but use only a well-wrung, slightly damp cloth. Never allow water to pool or soak, and dry the material immediately after cleaning.
Can I use alcohol wipes on leather?
No, alcohol wipes are too harsh. They pull out natural oils crucial to leather’s suppleness, leading to rapid drying, fading, and cracking.
Can you use Clorox wipes on leather?
No. Clorox wipes contain bleach and strong detergents that can cause permanent fading, staining, and breakdown of the leather’s surface.
Can I use wet wipes for leather shoes?
No, most wet wipes contain additives harmful to leather. Use a specialized leather wipe or a barely damp, clean cloth.
Can I use vaseline on leather?
No, vaseline (petroleum jelly) may temporarily soften leather but clogs pores, attracts dust, and leads to sticky, uneven discoloration. Use a professional conditioner designed for leather care.
Can I wipe leather with alcohol wipes?
No. Alcohol wipes cause drying, fading, and are responsible for a high percentage of cracked, damaged leather cases seeking professional repair.
What is the best way to clean leather?
More confused than ever about what to do if your favourite leather item is stained? Don’t worry—reach out to Honest Crafters for a professional assessment and safe restoration. Our team uses proven, leather-safe practices to restore your cherished pieces to their best. Reach out for a free assessment today!