TOP 25 means, how and how to clean leather shoes at home
Every person's wardrobe has leather shoes that get dirty over time. Leather shoes or boots should be properly cared for so that dirt does not accumulate there. Therefore, you need to determine in advance how to clean leather shoes and what means to use at the same time.
Content
- 1 Correct care
- 2 Is it possible to wash leather shoes in an automatic machine
- 3 Special care products
- 4 Tools required
- 5 Care and cleaning characteristics for different materials
- 6 Selection of protective compound and polishing
- 7 How to clean the interior at home
- 8 Eliminates unpleasant odors
- 9 How to properly store out of season
- 10 If the pair is new
- 11 Folk recipes for stains
- 12 Conclusion
Correct care
Before you start cleaning, you should familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of shoe care.
How to dry
It is imperative to dry soaked leather items so that they do not begin to deteriorate from the humidity. To do this, they are transferred to a well-ventilated place. In summer, drying is carried out on a lit balcony, and in winter - in special dryers.
Storage
In order for the shoe to serve for a long time, it must be properly stored in the off-season. It should not be left for storage in rooms with high humidity, since in such conditions it will begin to deteriorate. It is better to choose rooms where the temperature does not drop below 18-20 degrees.
Regular cleaning
Leather products should be cleaned regularly so that dirt does not accumulate on their surfaces. Therefore, experts recommend wiping them with a dry cloth after each walk on the street.
Is it possible to wash leather shoes in an automatic machine
The washing machine is suitable for cleaning shoes from dirt and other contaminants. However, there are cases in which it is forbidden to use an automatic machine:
- shoes are made of poor quality materials;
- moccasins have a membrane;
- the sole or other parts of the product have started to peel off.
In all other cases, the shoes can be machine washed.
Special care products
There are several products that are often used when caring for leather shoes.
Shampoo, foam
Regular shampoo is often used to remove dirt from the surface of the leather. It is applied in a small amount to the shoes, after which it is wiped off with a damp cloth. The procedure is carried out until traces of contamination disappear.
Cream
A special cream is often used to help not only remove dirt, but also restore the shine of the leather cover. First, it is applied to a small cloth, after which it is carefully rubbed into the surface. When it dries, the procedure is repeated.
Aerosol
There are special products in the form of aerosols that can be used to remove dirt from leather shoes. To do this, simply spray the product on the surface and rub it with a dry cloth.
Polish
A product such as polish will help wipe the product down until it shines. It is evenly distributed over the surface with a brush or cloth. In this case, it must be rubbed with uniform circular movements. If dirt remains, repeat the procedure.
Impregnation
To make the shoe water and dirt repellent, its surface is impregnated with special protective agents. They contain polymers that protect the skin from pollution. Impregnation is done 1-2 times a month.
Specific cosmetics
Specific cosmetics are produced, which are often used in the care of leather shoes. These cosmetics include emollients, color removers and deodorants with antibacterial properties.
Tools required
There are different tools you can use to remove dirt from your shoes.
cream brush
The most often used main tool for working with leather products is a bristle brush.
It is suitable for removing light stains and for applying detergents, creams and other cleaning products.
polishing cloth
Some people not only want to clean the leather, but also polish it.To do this, you can use special polishing towels, which are used to rub the shoes after they finish cleaning them from stains and dirt.
Impregnation sponge
An impregnating sponge is a product often used for the operative maintenance of shoes. It, like a polishing cloth, is used to add a shine to the surface. Experts advise wiping the skin with such a sponge every three days.
Sponge and washcloth
Sometimes washcloths and sponges are used to remove dirt from shoes. They must be used with great care, especially if they are made of silicone. If you rub the skin too often with silicone sponges, the surface will quickly deteriorate.
soft cloths
Many experts advise wiping leather items with cloth materials. The best choice is soft cloths, which have many useful properties. It absorbs moisture well and quickly removes dirt.
Toothbrush
If you don't clean your boots or shoes for a long time, they get covered with old stains that are hard to wipe off. To remove stubborn dirt, an unnecessary toothbrush with resilient bristles can be used to clean even hard-to-reach areas.
Care and cleaning characteristics for different materials
It's no secret that shoes can be made from different leathers. Therefore, it is necessary to understand in advance the peculiarities of caring for products from various materials.
Finished models
Finished shoes have a special coating that protects them from moisture and dirt.
How to wash
Before washing the shoes, they are pre-wiped with a soft brush and a dry cloth.Then you need water, in which you need to soak a cloth, wring it well and wipe the surface.
How to restore color
It is very easy to restore the color of leather shoes. To do this, you need to take a shoe cream of the required shade and carefully apply it to the surface. Then it is carefully rubbed with a soft brush or a piece of cloth. To maintain the appearance of boots or shoes, they are treated with this cream 2-3 times a week.
Models without finish
Models that have not been finished should be cleaned with nap puppies. You can also use soap and water to wipe off soaked spots.
After drying, the washed shoes are coated with mink oil for additional surface protection.
Lacquer
Some types of shoes are made of lacquered material, which contains synthetic and natural resins. It is not recommended to wash these models with water so as not to damage the surface. Therefore, they are wiped with dry rags or a brush.
Colored
Sometimes in stores you can see shoes whose surface is painted in orange, green or blue. Items such as regular black shoes are washed. Difficulties can arise only with the choice of shade of cream.
Light
The most difficult thing is to wash off dirt from boots or shoes painted white. Stains that appear on a light surface are difficult to remove. To whiten such skin, you will need to wipe off the dirt with a sponge dipped in soapy water for 5-10 minutes.
Nubuck and suede
There are several products available for suede and nubuck care products.
Milk
To remove dirt, you can use hot milk and soda products. To create a mixture, add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of milk. Then the shoe is gently wiped with a solution.
Bread crumb
Breadcrumbs are considered an effective folk remedy for cleaning dirt and stains. Experts advise using rye bread, as it is more resistant to dirt. It is necessary to rub the surface until all traces of dirt disappear.
Hydrogen peroxide
When creating a washing solution, a spoonful of hydrogen peroxide is mixed with two tablespoons of baking soda. Then a brush is dipped in the prepared mixture and the shoes are wiped with it. After drying, the remnants of the solution are wiped off with a dry cloth.
coffee grounds
Coffee grounds are an effective stain remover that is often used to clean leather goods. The thick is applied to the surface and rubbed with a sponge. After drying, coffee residues are wiped off with a damp cloth.
Refined Essence
Some people use refined gasoline to remove dirt from light-colored suede. A small cloth is moistened in it, then wrung out to remove excess liquid.
You only have to rub with gasoline on places with old stains.
Laser cut
Skin that has been laser treated needs special care. It is not recommended to wash it with water or soapy solutions. Products used for the maintenance of patent leather are suitable for cleaning.
Selection of protective compound and polishing
If you have to wear leather shoes every day, you need to think about the choice of a protective composition. It is recommended to use special water-repellent creams. They are applied to the surface and rubbed with polishing paper until the finish begins to shine.
How to clean the interior at home
Shoes should be cleaned not only outside, but also inside.
Toothbrush and a laundry solution with baking soda
A solution of soda, washing powder and water will help remove the dirt inside. In such a liquid, a toothbrush is moistened, after which the dirty surface is wiped clean.
Ammonia
An ammonia-based mixture is considered an effective anti-pollution agent. To prepare it, 45 milliliters of alcohol are added to one liter of hot liquid. Then a brush is moistened in the solution, with which the shoe is rubbed.
Baby cream for thin leather soles
Any baby cream is suitable for cleaning leather insoles. It is evenly distributed over the surface of the soles and left for 20-35 minutes. Then wipe off the leftover cream with wet wipes.
shaving cream
Use ordinary shaving foam to remove stains from insoles. It contains components that effectively fight dirt. The foam is applied to the contaminated area and wiped off after 40-45 minutes.
carpet cleaner
Stubborn dirt inside shoes can be removed with carpet cleaners. After applying such formulations, the cleaned soles are treated with baby cream to soften.
Special foam for suede and leather
Some stores sell special foam for leather and suede surfaces. It is applied to the insoles and washed off after 5-10 minutes.
Eliminates unpleasant odors
Sometimes the shoes start to smell unpleasant and you have to deal with the elimination of odors.
Aeration
Regular airing will help get rid of the unpleasant smell. Therefore, shoes should be periodically hung on the balcony or outdoors in sunny weather.
Natural drying
When you wear shoes or boots for a long time, your feet often sweat, which makes the soles damp. It is recommended to dry your shoes naturally after a long walk.
Vinegar or weak manganese solution
It is recommended to regularly treat the inner surface of shoes with a solution of manganese or vinegar. In this case, it is necessary to use weakly concentrated liquids, diluted with ordinary water.
Ultraviolet
There are special ultraviolet dryers that are often used to dry leather products. UV treatment helps eliminate bacteria that could cause unpleasant odors.
Avoid synthetic socks
It is necessary to purchase shoe models with insoles made of natural materials. Synthetic materials absorb odors and give off an unpleasant odor.
Special deodorants for shoes
It is recommended to periodically use special deodorants. They help get rid of the bad smell that can appear after wearing shoes for a long time.
How to properly store out of season
In winter, leather shoes should be stored in a room with low humidity. High humidity negatively affects the safety of leather products. You should also select places where the air temperature is maintained at a level of 20-22 degrees above zero.
If the pair is new
New shoes should be carefully cared for immediately after purchase. It must be regularly wiped, treated with protective water-repellent agents and ventilated to prevent the appearance of unpleasant odors.
Folk recipes for stains
There are three recipes to help you prepare effective stain removers.
Starch
You can use starch to remove greasy stains. They are sprinkled with a contaminated surface, then rubbed with a sponge or dry cloth. Then the treated areas are wiped with wet wipes.
Ampule
The easiest way to remove stains is to use an onion. It is cut into several pieces and rubbed into the surface. So that the shoes do not smell of onions, they are washed in soapy water and sprayed with deodorant.
Vinegar for white spots
A vinegar solution is used to remove the white streaks from the skin. Salt in the amount of 20 grams and acetic acid are added to a liter of water. After that, the place where there are white streaks is wiped with the prepared liquid.
Conclusion
People who regularly wear leather shoes should clean them. Before that, you need to familiarize yourself with ways to remove dirt and stains.