How to Apply Neatsfoot Oil

Neatsfoot oil is a preservative and softening agent for leather. One application of neatsfoot oil is recommended for your tack and other leather items twice a year. The oil is most widely used for tack care, but can also be used for baseball gloves, leather jackets, boots and many other leather articles. A neatsfoot oil application is no substitution for your regular cleaning and conditioning routine, but it keeps your leather items supple and restores older, dried-out leather.

Things You'll Need

  • Sponge
  • Leather tack
  • Small bucket of water
  • Glycerin (spray-on liquid form and bar form)
  • Pure neatsfoot oil
  • 3 clean cloths
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Wipe your leather item with a damp sponge to remove dust and surface dirt.

    • 2

      Rinse the sponge clean.

    • 3

      Apply a coat of glycerin soap to the sponge, either by using glycerin spray or a glycerin bar.

    • 4

      Clean your tack or leather articles thoroughly with the glycerin-coated sponge but avoid soaking the leather. Pay particular attention to undersides and any places that trap dirt.

    • 5

      Apply a thin layer of pure neatsfoot oil with a clean cloth while the leather is slightly damp.

    • 6

      Remove any excess surface oil with a new clean cloth.

    • 7

      Buff the leather with another clean cloth. Slowly go over each section of leather in a circular motion, applying slight pressure. When finished, there should be no signs of residue or product, and the surface should have a sheen.