Leather is made from animal skin. Like our skin, it is sensitive and can be easily damaged by external and internal factors. Therefore, it requires proper care and protection. However, unlike our skin, leather is not alive, so it doesn’t get the nutrition it needs to be strong and healthy. Without care, it can become dry and stiff. Also, leather absorbs water excessively. When this happens, it becomes brittle as it dries. Today I will write about how to take care of your leather shoes.
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How do you clean leather shoes easy?
Cleaning leather shoes can be a simple task if you stick to the proper techniques. In the case of excessive dirt, use a soft brush to remove larger particles. Next, clean the shoes with a damp cloth – allow the shoes to dry before applying any conditioner.
How to take care of leather?
Taking care of leather is important to maintain its appearance and longevity. Leather is a natural material that can dry out, crack, or become discolored if not properly cared for.
Regular cleaning and conditioning help to keep the leather soft, supple, and protected from wear and tear, ensuring it lasts for years to come. For more comprehensive instructions on how to take care of your leather shoes, refer to the following tips:
1. Start using a Shoehorn
The number one item on the list is a shoehorn. It is an affordable tool that you can buy in most stores. Using a shoehorn is a must if you want to keep the inner parts of your shoes in good condition. Often if you put on your shoes without a shoehorn, you are slowly damaging the back of the shoe, and eventually, it will rip or break.
One of the most critical parts of any shoe is the back part of its inside. We can easily damage it when putting the shoes on or taking them off. With a shoe horn, you can slide your feet into your shoes, reducing the pressure on your shoes.
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2. Clean your leather shoes regularly
Cleaning leather is an easy yet vital process. Make sure that you only use the proper cleaning agent or solution when cleaning your leather shoes. If possible, use only saddle soap or leather cleaners to clean the leather.
Likewise, it is essential to remember that in cleaning leather, washing by hand is the only advisable method to clean it. Never throw any leather-made items in the washing machine. The constant motion inside the machine will damage the leather entirely.
Moreover, it is recommended not to immerse leather in water. The easiest way to clean your leather shoes is to use wet wipes – yes, wet wipes. I’ve been using all-purpose wet wipes for cleaning my leather for a long time, and it gets the job done perfectly.
However, there is one thing to keep in mind. Always wipe your shoes with a dry cloth after cleaning to absorb any additional water or moisture that could ruin your leather. Also, try to pick wet wipes without harming odorant – some chemicals can damage your shoes.
When it comes to how often to clean the leather – it depends on the use case and the weather, but in general, if you do a quick cleaning after every second or third use, that’s perfectly fine.
3. Use Leather conditioner
Leather is quite an expensive material. It is durable yet is still prone to dirt, wear and tear. That is why it is necessary to keep your leather clean and protected at all times. Keeping it in good condition will not only keep it clean but will extend the lifetime of your favorite pair. By using a leather conditioner, you can keep your shoes in perfect shape.
If you are planning to apply a coat of leather conditioner to your leather, make sure to clean it first. Only after the leather has been cleaned and dried, start applying the conditioner. You will need a soft, dry cloth and conditioner to condition your leather product. You can use any leather conditioner you can find – however, it is recommended to use known brands.
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4. Use Shoe Tree to keep the shape
Shoe trees are foot-shaped devices that are inserted into shoes to reduce moisture and help hold their shape when they’re not being worn. Shoe trees are most commonly made of wood or plastic.
Install shoe trees shortly after wearing your shoes, and leave them in place whenever they’re not being worn. This will allow the shoe trees to absorb moisture and continue to hold the shoe’s shape. If your shoes are soaking wet, give them some time to dry (20-40 minutes) before installing the shoe trees.
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5. Don’t wear them every day
One of the easiest ways to keep your leather shoes or any shoes, in general, is to wear them less. If you alternate wearing two pairs of shoes, you wear them twice less. Hence it will last twice as long. Have a couple of shoes in each category (Summer shoes, Winter shoes, Spring/Autumn shoes), and you will be able to keep them in new-like condition for years.
6. Store shoes in a dust bag or drawer when not in use
Keeping your shoes and especially leather in a dust bag or drawer is especially important because sunlight and moisture in the air can easily damage leather. When traveling, put your leather shoes in a dust bag – this will not only keep your leather shoes safe and clean but your clothes and other items as well.
7. Extra Tip – Use a shoe spray
At last, an extra tip, the best way to eliminate unwanted odors from your leather shoe is to use a shoe spray. Since you can’t put your leather shoes into the washing machine, our options are quite limited. You can get inexpensive ones at any shoe store, and they will help with bad odors.
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Final notes
In conclusion, adopting these six simple steps for leather shoe care will go a long way in maintaining their quality and appearance. Using a shoehorn, regular cleaning, applying leather conditioner, utilizing shoe trees, limiting daily wear, and storing them properly will ensure your leather shoes stay in excellent condition. With a little effort, you can enjoy long-lasting and stylish leather shoes for years to come.
Keep on reading: Suit Care: How To Best Take Care Of Your Garment