Yes, Vaseline can help waterproof your boots.
In addition to waterproofing, it can also shine, clean, and soften the leather.
The petroleum jelly in Vaseline can also help with leather cracks and enhance the color of your leather.
If you’re thinking of using Vaseline to waterproof your boots, read this guide to find out how!
Is Vaseline Bad For Leather?
With short-term use, Vaseline isn’t that bad for leather.
In fact, petroleum jelly can help clean and soften the leather.
In addition to softening the leather, its formula can also prevent it from cracking.
It is also great in making your shoes waterproof while removing scuffs and scratches.
The petroleum derivatives of Vaseline can also enhance the color of your boots, making them last longer.
Apart from that, petroleum distillates as a whole have deep cleaning properties.
These elements can soak into tiny pores that water and other solutions can’t penetrate.
That’s why many leather cleaners contain small amounts of petroleum distillates in them.
So don’t be surprised if many people use petroleum jelly instead of leather cleaners to preserve their work boots.
As mentioned, Vaseline can also restore the shine and sheen of your leather.
However, this only works when you initially apply it, and you need to constantly reapply the jelly to maintain the glow.
Proper leather cleaners can restore your leather’s luster and preserve it longer than Vaseline.
That’s why many leather cleaners only recommend you condition your boots once or twice a year.
While the temporary use of Vaseline to leather has positive effects, using it for a more extended period can be detrimental to it, especially with regular use.
The long-term ramifications of frequently using petroleum jelly as a leather cleaner and conditioner can do more harm than good.
Since it requires you to apply it often to achieve the maximum benefit of temporary usage, you’re simply exacerbating the leather’s adverse effects with each reapplication.
The worst long-term effect Vaseline can break down leather fibers, which results in cracking and splintering of the leather.
This is because of the petroleum-based nature of the product.
Because you need to apply Vaseline often in order to make your boots appealing again, it worsens the breakdown process.
Lastly, many users will suggest you use a hair dryer or blower to melt the product into your leather.
But this is bad for your boots.
It will burrow the Vaseline deeper into the leather, and will result in a mushy leather and will eventually lose its shape.
Even if you don’t oversaturate your leather with Vaseline, it can still cause it to lose its tensile strength.
This will encourage further deterioration of your leather.
Does Vaseline Waterproof Leather?
Yes, Vaseline can waterproof leather.
If you’re always working outdoors and scared that water may harm your boots, you can always use Vaseline to waterproof your shoes temporarily.
However, you need to ensure that your shoes are clean before you coat them with a layer of Vaseline.
Can You Use Vaseline On Leather Scratches?
If your leather has scratches, using Vaseline can be a good option.
It can help reduce the visibility of scratches. So, if you’ve already tried everything to remove scratches on your leather, you can always give Vaseline a try.
But before lathering your shoes or bag with Vaseline, always try it with a small patch first.
Make sure that you are using a dry cloth. In addition, always remove excess oil and conditioner after treatment of your leather.
Lastly, don’t use Vaseline that has color or strong fragrance as it could damage or change the leather.
How To Use Vaseline To Waterproof Boots:
If you are planning to waterproof leather boots using Vaseline, follow the steps below.
However, keep in mind that the effects are only temporary, and you may need to apply it often if you regularly work with water.
- Get your leather boots and clean them with a soft bristle brush to remove any dirt from them, especially around the seams. Ensure that your shoes are clean before applying any Vaseline.
- Get at least one tablespoon of Vaseline and lather it on your leather boots. You can use your fingers, soft cotton, rag, or paper towel. Rub it in a circular motion.
- After applying it to your boots, wipe any excess Vaseline from it using a clean cloth or paper towel.
- If you want your boots to be shinier, buff them using a clean cotton cloth.
Apart from this process, here are other tips that you need to keep in mind before applying Vaseline to your leather boots:
- For best results, make sure to clean your boots with water mixed with mild soap.
- When applying Vaseline to your leather boots, always use a clean, lint-free cloth.
- Apply a generous amount of Vaseline to your boots and allow it to sink through the pores of the leather. However, it’s best to keep using petroleum jelly to a minimum because of the long-term effects it offers. Using the proper solution can leather cleaner and shiner can lengthen the lifespan of your boots.
- Don’t forget to remove and buff off excess Vaseline from the leather surface.
- After applying Vaseline to your boots, don’t wear them right away. It is best to let it dry at least an hour before using it.
Conclusion
Apart from dry and cracked lips and skin, Vaseline can also help with your leather boots and other stuff.
If you need protection from water, you can use it to protect your shoes.
Temporarily, your leather can benefit from Vaseline. However, you need to be aware of the long-term effects it has on your leather.
