Every leather boot owner knows how disappointing it is to see cracks or witness fade offs. This is why many choose to lubricate and nourish the leather using mink oil. I tried it as well, and mink oil ruined my boots! However, I was able to fix and get my boot back, which I will share with you on this page.
Mink oil will ruin your boot if you apply too much of the oil on the leather. The oil will soften the leather and clog the pores, thereby preventing ventilation from taking place. The outcome is rot leather because the moisture absorbed by the leather will not be able to escape.
Ordinarily, mink oil is a natural lubricant for leather boots, but you have to apply it in the right proportion. It helps to protect the leather from water, salt, and other elements that can affect its flexibility and strength. The oil will also help to keep the leather from cracking or splitting over time.
In addition, lubricating your leather boots with mink oil will help to keep them in good condition for a longer period. Leather is a natural material that can dry out if not treated properly. Therefore, it’s important to keep your leather boots moisturized so that they don’t crack or become brittle.
Why Did Mink Oil Ruin My Boots?
Mink oil helps revive the old look of your boots and help you keep them in good condition. But if you notice any color distortion after applying mink oil on your electrician boots, you’ve probably applied too much of it.
Below are some other problems you may face with your boots after using mink oil.
Using Mink Oil with Other Oils
If you use mink oil on a leather boot that’s already been treated with another kind of oil, the two products will react with each other and cause your boots to become stiff and brittle. This means that they will be more likely to crack or otherwise break down over time.
Using Too Much Mink Oil
Again, mink oil causes discoloration on all types of leather, including suede. Applying too much mink oil can make your boots look dingy and aged instead of polished and shiny. If you use too much mink oil, it will leave stains that are difficult to remove once they have dried on your boots.
Suffocating the Leather Uppers
In addition, mink oil damages the leather of your boots by clogging up the pores in the leather, which makes it hard for the leather to breathe. This means that your boots will be hot and sweaty inside and also make it less comfortable for you.
How To Remove Mink Oil From Leather Boots?
Mink Oil is a type of oil that can be a bit tricky to remove from leather boots. It can leave a greasy residue on the leather, which can make it look dirty or even attract dirt and dust.
If the mink oil you’re applying to your leather is causing more harm than good, you should remove it.
There are different methods of removing mink oil from the leather boots, and both are very effective. Here are simple ways you can remove mink from leather boots:
1. Using Dish Soap & A Soft-bristle Brush
Step 1: Use dish soap and water
First, get a bowl or bucket where you do the mixture of the water and soap. The proportion of water to dish soap ratio is not fixed, so you need to test it out first.
There are many soaps you can consider for this task, but I prefer the Leather Honey Leather Conditioner as it gives no adverse effects on leather boots. Just pour a small quantity of the soap into the water and mix thoroughly while you move on to the next step.
Step 2: Scrub with a brass bristle brush
Brass bristle brushes are the best way to remove mink oil from leather boots. A brass brush such as the Premium Brown Horsehair Brush is stiff enough to remove the mink oil from the leather and soft enough not to damage it.
Simply scrub the boots with a brass bristle brush until the oil has been removed, and then wipe them clean with a damp cloth.
Step 3: Dry the boot completely
Once you have been able to scrub the boot using the brush and the soap substance, you need to rinse with water. It is not advisable that you dip your leather boot into any water or let it run under a running tap.
The right way to clean is to get a clean towel and dip it into the water. Squeeze the towel to let out the water, and then use it to wipe the boot. Once you are through cleaning the boot, you should let it out in the sun to air dry.
Step 4: Apply conditioner
Once they are dry, you should apply the conditioner with a clean cloth and rub it into the leather until it’s absorbed evenly. Let the boots sit for another hour so that the conditioner has time to soak in.
Finally, wipe off any excess conditioner with a second clean cloth; you should only see a slight sheen left behind at this point.
2. Using Vinegar And Water
If you want to remove mink oil from your boots quickly and easily, vinegar is one option that works well. Start by filling a small bowl with water and adding two tablespoons of vinegar to it.
Then dip a cloth into this solution and wipe it over the surface of your leather boots. Do this until they are clean and free from any traces of mink oil or other stains on them.
If there is any residue left behind after this process, then repeat it again until all traces have been removed completely.
3. Use Baby Wipes
To remove mink oil from boots, you can use baby wipes. Baby wipes are extra soft and gentle on leather, so you don’t need to worry about damage.
They are handy and easy to remove mink oil from leather boots. By using baby wipes, you can effectively clean your boots inside out without having to use too much physical effort and without ruining the leather.
4. Use Mineral Spirits
You can use mineral spirits to remove mink oil from leather boots. Just apply a cloth or paper towel with mineral spirits, rubbing gently on the leather. Leave it for five minutes, and then wipe off the spirit with a clean cloth.
How Do You Use Mink Oil On Leather Boots Without Damaging It?
Applying mink oil can be time-consuming, but it is worth the effort. And once applied, it will enhance the look of every piece that it touches.
However, like I said earlier, inappropriate application of the mink oil will cause havoc. But if you do the right thing, you should get the best result.
Here is the right method on how to use mink oil on your leather boots.
Choose The Mink Oil For Your Leather Boots
Mink oil is a gentle, non-toxic way to care for your leather boots. One bottle will last you a long time since you only need to use a small amount.
Use it sparingly on smooth leather, such as the exterior of your boots, and put it on gently using your fingers or a clean cloth. Let it sit overnight, and then rub off any excess with a dry cloth.
Clean The Boot To Get Rid Of Dirt And Dust
To get the best result by applying mink oil to your leather boot, you need to clean the boot. It is important you remove dust and dirt from boots before applying the mink oil because they can affect the final outlook of the boot.
You can clean your leather boots with a damp cloth and let them dry before applying the mink oil. You can air dry it or use a hair dryer to hasten the drying process.
Heat the minx oil
You have to heat the mink oil to make it more pliable and easier to work with. Heat the mink oil by placing it on a cooking surface over low heat or in a microwave-safe container and warming it for 10 seconds.
Dap the oil with a clean cloth and apply
Dap the oil with a cloth and wipe on leather boots with a circular motion until the leather is covered. Allow the oil to sit for about five minutes, and then buff off any excess oil with another clean cloth. Repeat this process as leather needs further conditioning.
Wipe Away Excess Oil
You should never make the mistake of applying too much oil to the leather boot. Therefore, after applying the mink oil and you notice it is too much on it, you should wipe the surface with a clean towel.
Tips On How To Apply Mink Oil On Your Leather Boots
- Make sure your boots are clean, dry, and free from dust or other debris.
- Apply a small amount of mink oil to the surface of the boot, working it in with a clean towel and massaging it into the leather. Don’t use too much; just enough to cover the entire surface of the boot is fine.
- Buff off excess oil with a clean cloth.
- Let it sit for 24 hours before wearing or storing them again. This allows absorption time for maximum protection against water and wears over time.
What Are The Mink Oil Alternatives You Can Use On Your Boots?
Mink oil is a natural oil that has been used to protect leather boots for centuries. It’s easily accessible in many local and online stores, but it can be a bit expensive.
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to mink oil, there are plenty of options out there.
1. Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is an industrial lubricant that works well as a mink oil alternative. It can be found at any hardware store, and it’s relatively inexpensive.
You will need to reapply the mineral oil regularly to keep your boots looking their best, but it does have some benefits over mink oil. It’s easy to find, and it’s cheap enough that you’ll never have to worry about running out of your supply.
2. Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for mink oil on leather boots or other leather goods. You can use vegetable oils like olive or coconut oils on your boots to keep them looking great without breaking the bank.
3. Neatsfoot Oil
Neatsfoot oil is a great choice if you’re looking for an alternative to mink oil because it helps condition and waterproof leather while also providing protection against cracking and stretching. It’s also easy to find and comes in an affordable price range.
4. Beeswax Wax
Beeswax should be one of the best alternatives to mink oil. You can use it on both smooth and grained leathers (depending on how much beeswax you use). Plus it has incredible waterproofing properties.
Conclusion
If you wanted to know what I did after mink oil ruined my boots, then you’ve got your answer. Generally, mink oil should lubricate and revive the look of your leather boot, but if you do it the wrong way, it can make the boots worse.
You need to know the right way to apply the oil to your leather boot. If you ever have to apply too much by mistake, then you can wipe away or wash your boot and recondition the boot. Just follow the instructions given in this article and your boots will be as good as new!
