Leather shoes or boots will last longer when they are taken care of. Properly cleaning your footwear will ensure the longevity of the leather and improve the overall appearance of your outfit. There are many easy ways to clean leather shoes and boots, but here are a few pointers:
Genuine leather
Before you start the cleaning process, be sure to take the laces out of your boots if you have any. This is important because if the laces are left in, they can stain. If your laces are filthy, put them in a warp knit bag and wash them in the washing machine.
Next, use a soft-bristled brush to remove any dirt or debris on the surface. Brush softly and slowly to prevent the bristles from scratching the leather. Run the brush along the seams and soles of your shoes to be thorough. Squeeze a small amount of leather cleaner onto the brush and gently rub the leather’s surface with the bristles. Brush it back and forth, as if you were dusting your shoes.
If your shoes have a rough oil or grease stain, cover the area with an absorbent powder, such as talcum or baby powder. Leave it for two to three hours to absorb the oil, then wash the powder away gently with a damp cloth or brush.
Using the same brush or cloth that you used to clean the shoes, apply a drop of leather conditioner to the surface of your shoes and rub it in. Allow a few minutes for the conditioner to dry before brushing or wiping away any dried-out flakes of the conditioner.
Next, scoop up a small amount of wax or cream leather polish with a smooth, clean cloth. Using small circular motions, rub the cloth over the surface of each shoe. Wipe away any excess polish with a clean cloth and your shoes should look uniformly shiny and smooth.
Patent leather
Patent leather is simply leather that has been coated with plastic to give it a shiny appearance. Wet a clean cloth and apply a drop of mild liquid soap to it. Rub each side of your shoes gently before wiping away the soap with a clean, damp rag. Dip a cotton swab in a small amount of hand sanitiser and rub it gently over any scuff marks. Then, using a clean cloth, remove any remaining hand sanitiser or residue.
Since mineral oil is the primary ingredient in the majority of commercial patent leather shoe cleaners, there is no need to purchase a specialised cleaner. Using a clean cloth, apply four to five drops of mineral oil to the surface of your shoes. Buff the surfaces with a second clean cloth until they shine.
These simple methods for cleaning leather shoes and boots will improve the appearance of your footwear. The simple procedures will restore the vibrancy to your shoes and extend the life of your footwear. These steps should be repeated every few months. If your shoes or boots are uncomfortable, memory inserts will add support and extra padding. This will ensure that your shoes and outfit look flawless on every occasion.
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