How to clean your leather shoes

Leather shoes are a valuable investment for your wardrobe. However, it is important that you maintain them properly if you want to enjoy your shoes for a long time. In this blog you will learn how to properly clean and care for your leather shoes.

Protect your leather shoes

Before you start wearing your new leather shoes, it is important to protect them. Leather is a natural material that needs to be nourished and protected to prevent drying, cracking and staining. Use a good shoe cream or leather grease to keep the leather supple. For extra protection against moisture and dirt, you can apply a water-repellent spray. We recommend the Collonil brand for optimal shoe care. The Xsensible shoe spray also protects against dirt and water. At our points of sale you can ask about protection spray to experience longer walking pleasure.

Cleaning leather shoes

There are different types of leather, such as suede, smooth leather, nubuck and patent leather. Each type of leather requires a specific treatment. It is essential to know what type of leather your shoes are made of before you start cleaning. Below you will read how to recognize each type of leather and how to clean them.

Cleaning suede

Suede can be recognized by its soft, velvety texture. This type of leather is sensitive to dirt and moisture and requires a delicate approach. Use a soft suede brush to gently remove dirt. For stubborn stains, you can use a special suede spray or suede eraser. Avoid water, as it can cause stains. After cleaning, spray your suede shoes with a protective suede spray to protect them from moisture and dirt.

Cleaning smooth leather

Smooth leather has a shiny, smooth surface and is less prone to stains than suede. Clean smooth leather with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. Polish the shoes with a soft brush or cloth for a nice shine. For extra protection, you can apply a leather protector.

Cleaning nubuck

Nubuck is similar to suede, but is slightly firmer and has a finer texture. You can recognize nubuck by its soft, velvety feel that is a little less fluffy than suede. Use a special nubuck brush to remove dirt. For stains, you can use a nubuck eraser or a special cleaning spray. Always make sure to apply a nubuck protector (cream) to protect the leather from dirt and moisture.

Cleaning patent leather

Patent leather has a shiny and smooth surface. The material is less porous, making dirt less likely to soak in. Clean patent leather with a soft, damp cloth and use a patent leather spray to maintain its shine. Avoid abrasive materials that can cause scratches. For small scratches, you can use a patent leather cream to make them less visible.

Common mistakes when cleaning leather shoes

When cleaning leather shoes, mistakes are often made that damage the leather. We list them for you:

• Never use harsh detergents or hard brushes, as they dry out the leather and cause scratches.
• Avoid using excessive water when cleaning, as this can lead to staining or deformation.
• Allow your leather shoes to dry completely before wearing them again.
• Do not place your leather shoes near the heater to dry them, as this will shrink the fibers and may cause the leather to crack or lose its shape.

How often should you clean your shoes?

How often you should clean and care for your leather shoes depends on how often you wear them. When your worn shoes have become visibly dirty, it is best to clean them immediately. This way you reduce the chance of them drying out and causing stains. Shoes that you use daily but are not visibly dirty can be wiped weekly with a damp cloth and treated monthly with shoe cream or a protective spray. For shoes you wear less frequently, a monthly care is usually sufficient. Regular maintenance will make your shoes last longer and always look like new.

In addition to leather maintenance, it is also important to maintain the soles properly. In this blog you will read how to keep white soles clean.

With these tips and techniques, you can maintain your leather shoes perfectly, regardless of the type of leather. Give your shoes the attention they deserve, and you will enjoy them for years to come!