Does vaseline get scratches out of leather?

Vaseline can sometimes help to reduce the appearance of scratches on leather, but it doesn't actually get them out completely in most cases.

Leather is a material that can get scratched easily during daily use. When we notice scratches on our leather items like bags or shoes, we might think of using vaseline as a quick fix. Vaseline is a petroleum jelly that has a soft and smooth texture. When you apply it to the scratched area of the leather, it can fill in the very fine and shallow scratches to some extent. You just need to take a small amount of vaseline on a clean, soft cloth and then gently rub it onto the scratched part in a circular motion. The vaseline can seep into the tiny grooves of the scratches and make them look less noticeable.

However, for deeper scratches, vaseline won't be able to make them disappear. Deep scratches cut through the layers of the leather and change its physical structure. Vaseline can't repair that kind of damage. It can only give a temporary improvement in appearance by making the surface look a bit smoother around the scratched area. Also, it's important to note that not all types of leather react well with vaseline. Some leathers, especially those with special finishes or delicate textures, might be affected by the oiliness of vaseline. It could leave a greasy mark or even change the color of the leather if used too much or on the wrong type of leather.

Another thing is that when using vaseline on leather, you should clean the leather first. If there is dirt or dust in the scratches, applying vaseline will just trap them there and might make the situation worse in the long run. So, clean the leather gently with a mild cleaner and a soft cloth before using vaseline. And after applying it, you may want to buff the area with another clean cloth to remove any excess vaseline. In conclusion, while vaseline can be a handy thing to make minor scratches look better, it's not a miracle cure for getting all scratches out of leather.