The first and most important step in cleaning leather shoes is to make sure that they are completely dry. This can be done by putting them outside on a sunny day, or by using the warm air from your clothes dryer. Once you have dried them off, use a stiff brush (such as an old toothbrush) to remove any dirt or stubborn stains that may remain. For more difficult stains like shoe polish, carefully use some common household cleaner with water before rubbing it in with the brush. The last step is to apply a coat of good quality leather conditioner – this will help preserve your shoes for years!
What you need to clean leather shoes
- Saddle soap. This can be applied to the leather shoes with a soft brush or cloth (the best way is using one of those special sponges);
- To make it work, you need water and leave it for five minutes before cleaning – this will help soften your stains;
- Glycerin bar soap;
- A small towel.
Make sure your leather shoes are absolutely dry before cleaning them so you don’t damage the material. If they got wet, let them air for at least 48 hours because you can put mold on your things if not properly dried.
Instructions to clean your leather shoes at home.
Let’s start with the basics. What type of shoe are you trying to clean? This will make a difference in what substance or cleaner is best for use. Also, knowing how your shoes were made and treated over time helps determine if they can be repaired before any cleaning.
Remove the laces from your shoes
This is an important step, as you don’t want to accidentally clean your laces or soak them with the cleaner. Remove any inserts that are inside of the shoe. Similar reasoning here; removing these will help keep them dry and unstained by whatever cleaning solution you use.
Brush off dirt and debris
Depending on how dirty your shoes are, you may need to use a brush to remove dirt particles. This will help speed along the cleaning process and yield better results overall. Use an old toothbrush or cloth that has been designated for shoe care only. This is important not just because it keeps things clean, but also so they don’t get mixed up with other household items. Be sure to brush in all directions, including the bottom of your shoes where dirt tends to build up. Use a cloth or dampened towel for this step if you don’t have an appropriate brush available. Scrub off any remaining visible stains and debris from the surface of your shoe using a toothbrush.
Use soap to remove tough stains and smells
If you still have visible stains on your shoes, try using a mild soap. It should be one that is gentle and won’t cause damage or discoloration to the leather of your shoe; also avoid anything with scents (like perfumes) as these might irritate sensitive skin types.
Wipe off soap residue
You don’t want to apply a leather moisturizer with the soap still on your shoes. It needs to be thoroughly rinsed off first before you move forward in this process.
Use polish and rub them in with a shoe brush
Shoe polish can help to refresh the look of your shoes and bring back some color. Use a shoe brush with stiff bristles for this step in order to spread it evenly across your entire shoe. Make sure you use a separate cloth or towel when doing so, as using the same one from earlier will just be transferring dirt onto your shoes.
Shine the shoes with a shoe cream and smooth with the same brush
If your shoes are more shiny than matte, consider switching to a cream-based polish instead. This will help give them that glossy look without needing as much product. Use the brush you used before for this step; just be sure not to use it on any other surfaces or items afterwards until you’ve cleaned it thoroughly.
Let dry for at least 30 minutes
It’s best to let your shoes dry completely before moving forward with the final steps. This will help avoid any potential discoloration or damage from excess moisture. Use this time as an opportunity to double-check that you’ve removed all of the soap residue, and aren’t leaving anything on there by accident!
Spray in with protector spray and let dry
Using a protector spray will help keep your shoes clean, and prevent water or other substances from staining them. This is especially important for leather that has been dyed to match the color of the shoe itself. If you’re not sure which one to use, ask an expert at your local store; they should be able to find something that works well for your shoe type. Let the spray dry completely before putting them back on; this typically takes about an hour or so.
How long will this take to clean?
Cleaning your shoes will vary depending on the type and age of the shoe, as well as how dirty they are. On average though, expect to spend about 30 minutes or so for this process if you’re cleaning a pair that’s fairly new and in good condition. Be sure to take your time with each step; rushing through these can cause damage to your shoes and may require you to start over from the beginning. Don’t forget, if any of these steps don’t work out for you the first time around, just try again! It takes some practice before it all becomes second nature.
Other shoe-maintenance tips
In addition to the steps above, there are a few other things you can do as well.
Avoid wearing your shoes in wet conditions whenever possible. This will keep them from absorbing any excess moisture that could lead to stains and odors over time. When it comes time for regular cleaning, make sure you use a soft cloth or towel to avoid any damage. If you’re not sure what type of conditioner or cleaner is best for your shoe, ask an expert at the store where you bought them! They should be able to point out some brands that are better than others depending on the leather used in construction; this will help provide better protection and make it last longer.
FAQs
How do you clean leather shoes without damaging them?
There really isn’t any one way to do so that is guaranteed, unfortunately. It simply depends on the type of shoe you have and how much dirt or grime has built up over time . It’s best to start with a cleaner specifically made for leather shoes if possible; this can help remove some surface-level stains while protecting it from future damage. If you’re going to use a brush, make sure it’s stiff and not made from natural bristles; these could cause the shoe leather to stretch or tear over time.
Can I wipe my leather shoes with water?
It’s important to avoid using water on your shoes whenever possible. This is especially true for dyed leather, which can end up staining if it absorbs too much of the liquid . Using a damp cloth or towel only when absolutely necessary will help keep this from becoming an issue in the future. Try not to get them near any areas where dirt has accumulated, as it may become trapped in the dampness and cause permanent stains if not taken care of immediately.
Can you wash leather shoes with soap and water?
In most cases you shouldn’t. This will usually result in a mixture of water and soap sitting on top of the shoe leather, which can lead to stains over time . If possible it’s best to use a special cleaner made specifically for shoes; this helps break down dirt and grime without having any adverse effects like leaving residue behind or damaging the leather itself.
Conclusion
So, you can see that cleaning leather shoes doesn’t need to be a difficult task. It’s actually quite simple and straightforward – all you’ll need is some time, your favorite brush or towel and one of these methods.