TOP 12 home nubuck shoe care tools and rules
If you have shoes made of such a temperamental material as nubuck, it's important to know how to care for them properly. If you handle it carelessly and do not follow the recommendations, the fleece surface will deform, freeze and lose its attractiveness. But with proper care, the shoes will last more than one season.
Hardware Features
Due to the peculiarities of the material, nubuck is used to make beautiful and elegant shoes, in which the foot is not cold in winter and not hot in summer.Many people avoid buying nubuck boots or shoes due to the need for tough care, but actually keeping these shoes in order is not as difficult as it seems at first. seen.
Natural
Natural nubuck is made from cattle hides by chrome tanning, the front part of the material is polished with abrasives. Outwardly, nubuck looks like suede, but its pile is smaller, and the raw materials are also different. For the manufacture of suede, as a rule, they take the skins of small ruminants.
Artificial
Synthetic material does not differ in appearance from natural, but differs somewhat in its characteristics.
Artificial nubuck is cheaper, stronger and more durable, but the leg does not breathe in it, which is why it is not as comfortable to wear as natural.
nubuck oil
To improve the water-repellent properties of natural nubuck, it is impregnated with animal fats, resulting in nubuck oil. To the touch and in appearance, this material differs from the usual velvety, it is a little damp. Impregnation makes nubuck oil more wear-resistant, and shoes made of it are durable.
What you need to take care of
Like shoes made of other materials, nubuck shoes should be protected from moisture and dirt, cleaned of dust, and over time the appearance should be refreshed. To carry out these maintenance measures, it is best to use special products and equipment that are sold in shoe stores and hardware stores.
Moisture & Stain Spray
A water repellent is a must when using nubuck shoes.Spray-treated boots will be protected from moisture, stains and streaks, the material will stay dry and the shoes will retain their appearance.
Shampoo
Nubuck boots should not be washed under running water. To eliminate pollution, professional products will come to the rescue. Special shampoos form a thick foam, which is applied to the material and gently cleans it from dirt and dust. Instead of shampoo, you can use a purchased special cleansing milk, balm, foaming cleanser or prepare the lather yourself by stirring a solution of water and laundry soap.
Dye
To restore shade and refresh nubuck boots, paint is applied to cleaned and dried shoes. As a rule, this agent is available in the form of aerosols, which can be easily and conveniently sprayed on the material to be treated. In addition to color alignment, the dye composition allows you to hide minor flaws and damage.
In a shoe store, you can buy a product that is as close to the original as possible in shade.
Special brush
The specificity of the velvety material lies in the fact that dust and dirt clog between the villi and they cannot simply be brushed off with a rag. This is why special brushes are needed to care for nubuck shoes. It is convenient to take a double-sided combination tool with hard synthetic bristle surfaces, metal bristles, rubber teeth, extra protrusion for cleaning seams, joints and other hard-to-reach areas.
Special eraser for removing stains
A special rubber and abrasive eraser will help remove dust, dirt and hide small scratches on the nubuck.The principle of operation is as follows: during friction, the smallest particles are separated from the rubber. They penetrate deep into the material and collect dirt particles that have accumulated at the base of the villi. The abrasive as well as the dust are cleaned with a brush.
Deodorant
Shoe deodorant sprays have an antibacterial effect and a pleasant fragrance. They are sprayed on the inner surface of the boots in the evening after the pair has been removed, or during the day if necessary. To improve the effectiveness of the aerosol, it is necessary to maintain foot hygiene.
Impregnation
Impregnation protects nubuck shoes from moisture and precipitation, forming a thin water-repellent film on the surface. A composition based on silicone, wax and fluorocarbon resins is applied beforehand to cleaned and dried boots and left to dry completely. Modern impregnations not only prevent salt, snow and water stains, but also restore color and soften the material.
After buying nubuck shoes
New shoes should be prepared for use immediately after purchase. This requires three times treatment with a water-repellent agent, after each application the surface is left to dry completely. Before using shoe care products, you need to make sure they are suitable for nubuck.
Overview of special tools
The shoe sections of the stores sell both generalist and specialized cleaning products. Nubuck cannot be treated with creams for smooth leather, it is better to purchase a separate set of cleaners and impregnation.
Colonil
Collonil manufactures shoe care products and equipment.When buying a pair of nubuck, you should pay attention to universal sprays for hairy leather types, cleansing foams, shampoos and other products from this manufacturer. Collonil shoe care products made using modern technologies will provide complete care for nubuck.
All combi
Spray All Combi from the German company Salamander is a universal product for intensive product care of all types of leather, including nubuck. Not only provides moisture protection, but also color refreshment. Before use, the metal cylinder is shaken, after which the spray is sprayed on the cleaned and dried surface from a distance of 15-20 centimeters.
Sapphire
The products of the French brand Saphir, widely known for their technical innovation and quality, are exported to more than 45 countries around the world. The range of nubuck products offers options for basic care, as well as for tasks applications, such as surface restoration, soak protection and reagents.
Kiwi
KIWI nubuck products include cleaning, snow, rain and dirt protection, color restoration and multifunctional brushes. The line belongs to the middle price category.
"Hatch"
A wide range of creams, sponges and paints is produced under the Shtrikh brand of the Russian company Glyantsmaster LLC, which allows you to solve all the problems of protection, comfort, basic and express maintenance of shoes, significantly extending their lifespan. Only high quality raw materials imported from the Czech Republic, Poland, Spain, Latvia, Switzerland, USA and Germany are used for the production of SHTRIH products.The company's products are produced in compliance with all environmental standards.
Traditional methods
To care for delicate materials, it is better to use professional cleaners, aerosols, foams, brushes, but if they are not at hand, time-tested methods will come in handy. Different products will work for light and dark shoes.
Ammonia
You can refresh and clean the material with ammonia. The liquid is diluted in water in a ratio of 1 to 4, moistened with a cotton ball and gently wipe the surface. Previously, nubuck must be shaken off dust with a brush, otherwise there is a risk, instead of cleaning, just rub the dirt.
Salt
Salt will work well on greasy stains, but it can smear, so use it very carefully. The powder is poured over the dirt and left for several hours, during which time the grease is absorbed into the salt. After processing, the product is carefully removed, in no case rubbing.
chalk
Crushed chalk is used to remove oil stains. They are sprinkled with soil, left for a while, then brushed off with a brush. Talc and potato starch are used in the same way.
The vinegar
To remove stains, prepare a solution of a spoonful of vinegar diluted in a liter of water. A cloth or cotton ball is moistened in the mixture and the dirt is treated.
Coffee
If the shade of the model is dark brown or black, you can use coffee grounds to remove dirt and refresh the color. The agent is applied to the problem area, left for 5 minutes, then removed with a damp cloth.
Dry bread
Stale bread can replace a brush. Wipe small spots from the surface with a dry piece.
chemical solvents
Organic solvents such as kerosene, gasoline, ammonia, alcohol, or turpentine will help clean nubuck from oil contamination. Before removing the stain, the product should be tested on an inconspicuous area. For the processing of nubuck, a solvent is not used in its pure form, but is strongly diluted with water.
A cotton ball is moistened in a solution, rub the stain with light circular movements from the edges to the center and leave to act for a few moments. After removing the contamination, wipe the surface with a damp cloth.
Rules of daily care
To prevent nubuck from losing its appearance, you should take care of your shoes or boots after each use. Shoes should be regularly dried, cleaned, and also prepared for the next wear in advance, treated with water-repellent agents.
General recommendations
When taking care of nubuck shoes, you should keep the following points in mind:
- Boots or boots should be cleaned daily.
- Clean only dry material, damp material can deteriorate.
- Dry nubuck boots away from batteries and other heating devices.
- When cleaning the surface with a brush, processing should be carried out in one direction - against the hair. Do not move the tool back and forth and do not make circular movements.
- Care is best done with specialized tools and equipment.
Pre-cleaning
The cleaning and drying of the shoes is necessary before any other manipulations. Returning from the street, the dried shoes are cleaned of dust with a brush. This must be done every time so that dirt does not sink into it.
Clean the dirt
If after standard brushing there are traces of dirt on the shoes, the material is cleaned with a special eraser. You should scrub with a little effort, but not vigorously enough to damage the delicate surface.
In the event that the eraser did not help or the area of contamination is large enough, they resort to special cleaners in the form of foam, shampoo or balm.
Stubborn stains, scuffs and scratches are masked with an appropriate stain tint.
In extreme cases
The appearance of contaminated nubuck can be improved by treating the surface with a solution of water and a small amount of ammonia. It is necessary to gently wipe the material with a cotton swab dipped in the product.
You can get rid of stubborn dirt and restore the presentability of nubuck boots by keeping them steamed. After the procedure, the hair is brushed with a metal bristle brush.
Remove Special Stains
If the origin of the pollution is known, then it is easier to choose a product that will deal with it. It is best to use professional shoe care products to deep clean and remove stains, but failing that, you can resort to traditional methods to deal with different types of pollution.
Greasy spots
In the event that greasy spots appear on the surface of nubuck shoes, ordinary semolina is used. Oatmeal is rubbed into the problem area, replacing it as needed with a new one.
Saline
In winter, white streaks form on the boots or boots due to the reagents used against icing. These stains are the hardest to remove from fluffy shoes. To remove stubborn salt contaminants, it is best to use professional cleaners, but there are also several proven folk remedies:
- The most well-known method is to remove white spots with a vinegar solution, which is prepared by adding a tablespoon of the product to a glass of water.
- A mixture of a teaspoon of baking soda and half a glass of milk, to which you can add a few drops of ammonia, will help remove salt contamination. The product is applied with a soft cloth, then removed with a cotton pad soaked in clean water.
- White spots are removed with toothpowder, which is spread in a thin layer and removed with the absorbed salt.
- Shoes soiled with reagents are cleaned with steam. To do this, you can use a steam generator or hold it over boiling water. The salt emerged during the treatment is removed using a polyurethane brush.
bold
A piece of food, sauce or any other oily liquid may fall on the shoes. Stains left by oil or any other oily substance are removed as follows.
Starch
Grease stains are removed with absorbents such as potato starch, baby powder, talc, baking soda and salt. Oily contamination is covered with an even layer of powder for several hours, after which it is brushed off with a brush. If necessary, the procedure is repeated several times.
The vinegar
A weakly concentrated solution is prepared from vinegar and water, with which the oil stain is treated with a soft cloth or cotton wool. You can spray the mixture with a spray bottle.
Of an unpleasant odor
To get rid of the unpleasant smell, the inner surface of the boots is treated with an antibacterial agent.Hydrogen peroxide copes with this task perfectly. The product is sprayed and left to act for a while, then the shoes are wiped with a damp cloth and dried.
Seasonal characteristics
Regardless of the season, nubuck shoes should be dried after each walk, cleaned of dust and dirt and treated with protective gear. Dry away from heaters.
Summer
In summer, more dust accumulates on the fleece surface, which must be brushed off when returning from the street. Wipe the soleplate with a damp cloth. The inner surface is treated with an antibacterial agent.
Winter
In winter, the biggest problem is the stains left on the boots due to the chemicals applied to the road surface. They should be removed using available tools or professional stain removers. Shoes should be regularly treated with protective sprays and impregnations well before going out. When entering a warm or transport room, you should immediately brush off the snow so that it melts and does not damage the material.
Spring fall
The off-season is a period of frequent rainfall. In heavy rain or slush, it is better to abandon nubuck shoes, giving preference to leather or rubber. If, nevertheless, it was necessary to "walk" a couple in wet weather, then the sole should be cleaned from dirt with a damp cloth, and the boots should be dried well. Particular attention is paid to treatment with water repellents, which is done upstream, preferably in the evening.
How to restore at home
You can use steam to restore the appearance of nubuck shoes, remove dust and dirt, refresh the shade and lift the pile.To do this, simply hold the boots over boiling water for a few minutes or use a steam generator. After steaming, brush the pile.
How to stretch
If nubuck shoes are tight, they can be easily stretched due to the softness of the material. Some shoe stores offer a free stretching service, which will be done by a professional using special compounds and lasts. You can adjust the size yourself at home.
Special remedy
Commercial stretchers, which are usually available in canisters, are sprayed from the trunk onto problem areas. After that, the pair is put on and worn for several hours, during which time the shoe takes on the shape of a foot. If necessary, repeat the procedure until a positive result is obtained.
Package without holes
Stretching in this way exploits the property of water to expand upon freezing. A dense plastic bag is placed in the shoe, filled with water and tied, while it is important that there are no holes and water does not spill directly into the shoes. The structure is placed in the freezer, where the liquid turns to ice, expands and stretches the boot.
Warm water and wool socks
Tight boots can be worn out if you put them on a woolen sock and walk around for a while. In order for the material to stretch better and faster along the leg, a little warm water is poured into the shoes beforehand. The boots prepared in this way are worn until they cool.
Storage rules
In order for your favorite shoes or boots to retain their appeal for a long time, nubuck shoes must be properly stored.The pair is properly prepared and sent for long-term storage immediately after the end of the season, observing certain rules:
- The pair is stored in a separate carton or ventilated plastic box, while each shoe is placed in a cloth bag.
- A plastic bag cannot be used for storage, it creates an environment conducive to mold growth.
- In preparation for storage, nubuck shoes should be thoroughly cleaned and dried.
- So that the shape is not lost, special spacers are used or they are filled with crumpled paper.
Nubuck shoes occupy a prominent place in the wardrobe of women and men, because such shoes or boots not only look elegant and sophisticated, but also provide comfort to the wearer. By observing simple maintenance rules, you can extend the life of your beloved couple for more than one season without compromising the appearance and characteristics of the material.