Use mink oil on a rough, cracking steering wheel.

[Benski]

The leather on my steering wheel was getting rough looking and feeling. I was thinking about replacing it but even junk yard wheels are expensive. I cleaned it with a damp rag and let it dry. I tried several leather conditioners that I think were mostly water. Even Armor All when dry made the wheel feel rough. I looked in my shoe shine box and found some mink oil paste in a metal tin. On a warm day I applied the mink oil which immediately liquified and absorbed in the leather. I did this several more times until no more could be absorbed. It brought back the soft feel of the leather and its shine. I put the tin under my seat and when the wheel gets feeling a little dry, I apply some more. I think a tin is about $6. It puts a nice feel on the leather and it is even kind of gripy.

 

[Bucket81]

Im going to have to try this.

:thanks:

 

[cj80cruiser]

Does it have an odor though?

 

[4-Ripcord]

Interesting.. Also curious about any odor.

 

[Benski]

No worries about smell. There is a slight smell to the mink oil at first but it goes away quickly. The next day I can not even smell it if I put my nose right up to it. Not only will it condition the leather on the wheel it will waterproof it so if you have wet/sweaty hands or wet/snowy gloves on, it will not wet the leather. I have used it to waterproof and condition leather shoes for years. You can pick it up at shoe stores and even Walmart.

 

[Fjatheart]

I wonder how well it would work on leather seats...

 

[Benski]

I wonder how well it would work on leather seats...

It should work fine but will require some work. I would make sure the seats are warm to start with so they liquify and absorb the mink oil paste. That way it is actually in the leather not just rubbed on top. You can use a blow dryer if need be. I use to do that with hiking boots when I would apply SnoSeal. It works great.

 

[MadCityRich]

Mink oil or other good quality leather conditioners make a huge difference. I try to use a leather cleaner and then conditioner once per year on my seats and steering wheel. Leather is just really thick skin and moisturizing helps make it more supple and able to stretch, just like your skin. Your leather will last much, much longer.

Hand applied during the summer works well to ensure decent heat and absorbency. Plus your hands end up nice and soft. But giving it time to soak in with warm temperatures is the key. Then gentle buff off any residue. I find the seats feel a little weird for a couple of days, but then it fully absorbs and is back to normal.

Avoid Armor All. That stuff dries out leather and anything else that has oils. Plus it's really slick, which might not be so good on seats or especially the steering wheel.

MadCityRich
2002 Ltd

 

[GMZ]

Armor All is terrible, 303 is where its at. I use Obenaufs or Montana Pitch Blend for all my leather conditioning needs. Shoes, belts, steering wheels, holsters, you name it.

 

[Fjatheart]

Good to know!

 

[zgensler31]

Any clue what ingredients in armor all make them dry it out? So as to avoid other products.

 

[MadCityRich]

I think Armor All has alcohol in it and likely other solvents. That would be a good check on any product. If it would dry your skin, it would dry your leather.

I've used Lexol with good results. Zymol is good. I've been working off a bottle of conditioner from Griot's Garage that has been excellent. But there are lots of good leather cleaners and conditioners. Look at what's sold in good quality leather shops for boots, saddles, etc.

MadCityRich

 

[T4R2014]

Nice tip. I'll try it on seats when I get them time. We have a Volvo with leather as hard as a rock. I'm surprised it didn't crack apart years ago.

Rule of thumb is everything ArmorAll sucks. A good leather cleaner is woolite. Google it and you'll see why. I believe the owner's manual even recommends it. Also check Leatherique, it seems the guys over at Ih8mud swear by it.

 

[e-caban]

:worthless

 

[Benski]

:worthless

Actually this thread should be very helpful. Pics won't really help. You have got to feel the difference.

 

[Brian757]

Benski, I never knew you were in the Beach man? How goes it?
What area are you near in Virginia Beach?

Cool stuff by the way. I will have to try that out on my wheel.

 

[Jungoes]

I'll stay away from supporting the fur trade , i saw some disturbing videos of the skinning of live minks, so the last thing i want on my mind when gripping my steering wheel during 5 hour long haul drives is where the conditioner for my steering wheel came from .....*puts on flame suit * :ak472:

 

[Yoter]

Another absolutely fantastic leather product is SnowSeal.
Its natural made from beeswax and the company has been around since 1933.
It will darken leather so its best for Black leather and will de-suede suede leather.
It preserves, moistens and waterproofs leather.

 

[Benski]

No animals were harmed in the making of this post!

I'll stay away from supporting the fur trade , i saw some disturbing videos of the skinning of live minks, so the last thing i want on my mind when gripping my steering wheel during 5 hour long haul drives is where the conditioner for my steering wheel came from .....*puts on flame suit * :ak472:

I understand your concern. Many years ago, real mink oil was used as a leather conditioner. The name remains but no actual mink oil is in the product. I've researched it.

As for the post above, I find that Mink Oil is softer and contains more conditioners. SnoSeal is more of a waterproofer, and I prefer it on my boots.

 

[Benski]

Another absolutely fantastic leather product is SnowSeal.
Its natural made from beeswax and the company has been around since 1933.
It will darken leather so its best for Black leather and will de-suede suede leather.
It preserves, moistens and waterproofs leather.

After applying the mink oil over and over, it still just sinks in, dries up and the steering wheel feels rough again. I gave up and tried Snoseal and that worked great! The leather stayed soft. I'm in a hot, dry climate. I think the mink oil must be water based and the Snoseal is wax based. It certainly lasts longer. So to revise my initial post, go with Snoseal!